
Picture: Carnelian 170 cm in silicone from Zelex
For most sex doll buyers, the hardest decision is what material your sex doll should be made of - TPE or silicone? Different doll makers make their dolls from different materials, and sometimes both! Zelex makes silicone dolls, and Irontech has both TPE and silicone sex dolls. Starpery creates sex dolls that have a TPE body, but have silicone heads.
With this text, we want to objectively present the pros and cons of both materials so that the choice will be a little easier for you!
TPE is the abbreviation for thermoplastic elastomer, also called thermoplastic rubber . It is a class of copolymers or a physical mixture of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) consisting of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. TPE is often used in the automotive sector and in some household appliances you have at home. It is flexible, easy to mold and has a soft texture, making TPE one of the best options for making realistic sex dolls at an affordable price.
1. More affordable
Usually, the cost of TPE sex dolls is relatively cheaper than silicone.
2. More realistic to the feel
TPE feels a bit more realistic and lifelike when you touch it, very similar to human skin.
3. Possible with built-in heating
Thanks to the latest technology, some modern TPE sex dolls can be equipped with heat sensors that can mimic the skin temperature of actual human bodies and heat the doll.
4. Flexibility
With full stainless steel hinges and flexible joints, the dolls can achieve any sex position for you, just like real people.
5. A safe material
TPE material is safe for everyone because it does not contain any dangerous chemicals that can result in allergic reactions. You can definitely kiss and hug your doll!
6. Odorless
Sex dolls made of TPE are completely odorless.
1. More sensitive to stains
TPE is easily stained due to its absorbent nature. We recommend non-colored or light colored clothes for your TPE sex doll instead of dark materials.
2. Frequent maintenance
For your own health and for the sake of the doll's durability, you must maintain TPE sex dolls frequently, especially in areas such as the mouth, anus and vagina after use. Otherwise, she will become stained, or even develop mold and ultimately lose her shape, strength and good looks.
3. More sensitive to heat
TPE can retain heat quite effectively if you heat the doll, but can start to lose its consistency or melt if it gets above 40ºC. Make sure to keep your sex doll away from the heat source.
TPE Silicone

Silicone, also called polysiloxane, is a mixture of silicon polymer with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Because of its chemical inertness, resistance to water and oxidation, and stability at both high and low temperatures, silicone has been used in a wide range of commercial purposes, from lubricating greases to insulating electrical wires and biomedical implants. This is why the sex toy and sex doll industry has used silicone for many years.
1. Hyperrealistic appearance
Silicone sex dolls have a more real appearance due to the firmness of the silicone material and the ability to mold it and create details.
2. Easy to clean
Due to its non-porous nature, silicone sex dolls are easier to clean and disinfect than TPE sex dolls. They can be sterilized without having to fear that the liquid will seep into the skin and cause damage.
3. Less sensitive to heat
Compared to TPE sex dolls, silicone dolls can better withstand heat, stains and water in everyday life. You can even enjoy a warm bath with her, and you can sterilize her with boiling water.
4. Low maintenance
Silicone sex dolls can hold their shape better and require less maintenance due to the skin being less susceptible to blemishes and the compact nature of the skin. However, you must always clean the anus and vagina after use.
1. More expensive
In general, the cost of silicone is higher than the price of TPE, therefore the dolls are also more expensive.
2. Less flexible
Compared to TPE, silicone sex dolls have low flexibility. It may be difficult for you to move certain parts of their arms and legs as they are stiffer.
3. Low elasticity
Silicone sex dolls are stiffer and harder than TPE dolls. Butts and breasts don't bounce when you rock your doll like they might on a TPE doll.
TPE Silicone
