When we are buying a sex doll, there are many factors to consider. One of these is the type of material that the doll will use. Many first-buyers may be confused with TPE and silicone materials, which most manufacturers use in lifelike sex doll production. The most popular choice for making a sex doll’s skin look incredibly realistic is TPE or silicone. The dolls made from these two materials appear very similar in the photo. So what is the difference between them?
What is TPE?
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a material with high strength, resilience, and plastic processing characteristics. Environmentally friendly, non-toxic, easy to color, smooth, soft, processed, and recyclable. It is also soft and can be stretched to 6-10 times its length. Due to its properties, it is commonly used to produce various items, such as toys and rubber-like items.
What is Silicone?
Silicone is a food-grade material that is safe, non-toxic, insoluble in water and any solvent, and chemically stable. It is typically heat resistant and rubber, so it has a wide range of applications, such as being widely used in daily necessities such as adult products, medical equipment and instruments, water cups, etc.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Tpe & Silicone
Advantages of TPE Sex Dolls
- Soft and elastic texture, providing a very life-like touch. It is more realistic.
- The cost of TPE material is lower than silicone. Therefore, TPE sex dolls are more affordable than silicone.
- With good elasticity, TPE sex dolls can be stretched 6 to 10 times. Tear resistance is better, and the touch is closer to real people than silicone.
- Super-realistic and soft to the touch. Breasts and buttocks will wobble when you rock your doll back and forth.
- Can retain warmth.
- Low allergenicity.
- Compatibility with water-based and silicon-based lubricants. You can use any lube (water-based, silicone, etc).
- If maintained right, the TPE sex doll will last longer.
- The material is recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages of TPE Sex Dolls
- This material is more likely to be stained by clothes.
- It can be a bit sticky to the touch.
- TPE is porous. It retains humidity. Moisture left inside vaginal and anal cavities over time will result in growing mold.
- TPE material cannot be sterilized, making cleaning more difficult.
- The heat can affect the properties of TPE. It can start melting or becoming inconsistent when it reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advantages of Silicone Sex Dolls
- Silicone is a medical-grade and food-grade material.
- Technology is more stable and has been applied in many fields for years.
- Silicone material retains warmth and is less sensitive to heat.
- More resistant to heat, water, and stains from clothes.
- Non-porous material doesn’t retain humidity, making cleaning easy, hygienic, and easy to disinfect.
- Even under extreme pressure, silicone can still maintain its original shape. This makes it more realistic and lifelike.
- Hypoallergenic, human body contact is not prone to allergies
Disadvantages of Silicone Sex Dolls
- Materials and molding techniques are expensive, so the price of silicone dolls is higher than TPE.
- It is a little firmer than TPE sex dolls. Through technical upgrades, Gel breasts, and gel ass are made, and the softness and touch are much better. And for now, a soft silicone body is available.
- Silicone sex dolls are not easy to damage, but the degree of oxidation is faster than TPE.
- There are mold lines at the seams.
- It’s not as soft as TPE, but it feels dense and thick.
- Due to how it’s molded and processed, products made from silicone cannot be recycled.
The Comparison of TPE and Silicone Sex Dolls
Differences
The skin made from TPE is much softer than silicone and feels more like a natural person. As its full thermoplastic elastomer shows, TPE is more resilient than silicone. After testing, we can stretch silicone 3 to 6 times, and TPE can be extended 6 to 10 times. Though silicone sex dolls are not as soft as TPE sex dolls, you have some upgrade options. Many customers prefer to specialize their silicone dolls with gel breasts and gel butts; the latter is as soft as jelly and is realistic to the touch.
Nevertheless, silicone dolls perform better in appearance than TPE dolls. Silicone can express details such as veins, muscles, and body hair. In terms of weight, the same volume of silicone will be heavier than TPE. Therefore, it is necessary to use the weight reduction technique. We replace parts of inner silicone with a foam core, enabling customers to move the doll more easily.
If you are sensitive to odor, silicone dolls might be better. TPE retains some tiny smell, for it can be melted and re-shaped. Some manufacturers cover the scent with artificial flavor, and that it’s a potential allergen. Anyway, for all TPE sex dolls from Irontechdoll, there won’t be any extra adds to avoid potential harm.
Silicone can endure extreme conditions, including high and low temperatures, acids, and alkalis, and hardly reacts with any substance. Properly saving and avoiding highly corrosive items can prolong their useful life. TPE does not perform well in aging.
Price
Silicone sex dolls are much more expensive than TPE sex dolls for their outstanding performance. Irontechdoll uses imported platinum silicone, which is non-toxic, tasteless, and environmentally friendly. A silicone doll is a common choice for a customer with higher appearance requirements and pursuing a realistic experience. Compared to silicone dolls, the TPE doll seems more affordable and economical. It has more style in the body, face, and accessories. Don’t worry if it is hard for you to decide. There is a compromise between silicone and TPE; you can choose the silicone head and the TPE body separately, which is our Hybrid Series.
Maintenance
Daily maintenance is vital for expanding your doll’s lifespan. After receiving the beauty, we recommend you do a preliminary cleaning. Use cold or warm water within 38℃（100.4℉）to flush away surface dirt. Then, apply body wash or hand sanitizer to the product’s surface, rub it, and rinse it. Wipe the product’s surface with a light, dry cloth and dry it thoroughly; smear talcum powder on the surface to keep the skin dry.
For TPE dolls, the first noticeable aging is their makeup. In general, TPE dolls’ makeup lasts for 3 to 6 months, while silicone dolls are permanent, and there is room for you to decorate your TPE dolls. As mentioned above, the TPE doll is well known for its softness; we suggest you contain the doll in the box (the original package box) when you do not use it. By comparison, silicone dolls are more endurable in a daily environment.
Last Words
Determining which material is better is not always possible due to its features. However, you can still choose based on your budget and preferences. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the main differences between the two materials used in making sex dolls. It also explains the factors that will help you choose the best one for your needs. If you still cannot make a decision yet. This How To Choose A Realistic Sex Doll will help you.
