A Comprehensive Comparison of Silicone vs. TPE | A Must-Read for Beginners Buying Lifelike Figures

1. Introduction: You are not choosing a doll, but the quality of companionship

According to Xiaoban, the founder of 76DollShop, who has over eight years of sales experience, many people have a preconceived notion when first encountering silicone dolls: "This should be a product designed just for sexual needs, right?" But the truth is, they are far more gentle than you might imagine.

We've encountered countless elderly clients who, after the death of a loved one or the departure of their children, have chosen silicone dolls as a source of daily companionship. They rely not on desire, but on emotional comfort and a sense of warmth in their lives. This demand is already common in aging societies like Japan, and is gradually spreading in Taiwan and around the world.

For these people, silicone dolls are more than just objects; they are "family members" who can be carefully dressed and treated tenderly. Through clothing matching, daily care, and even taking photos and chatting with them, these interactive processes are more profound and lasting than physical satisfaction.

So when you're thinking about "should I choose TPE or silicone?", you're actually asking yourself a deeper question:

Do you just want to use her, or do you want to take care of her?

Do you want a momentary thrill or a lasting companionship?

This isn't just a simple shopping decision, it's the beginning of a relationship. By choosing the right material, you might unexpectedly choose a new life companionship journey.

2. Silicone vs. TPE: From tire dolls to water-gel lotions, this small class will help you understand the evolution of materials.

Xiaoban has been involved in and selling silicone dolls since 2014, witnessing the material's evolution throughout the industry. Many people often ask, "Should I choose silicone or TPE?" Rather than relying on the usual online comparison charts, it's better to hear the personal experiences of frontline observers.

🔹 The first generation of "tire dolls": TPE completely overwhelmed silicone

Around 2014, the dominant material in the doll market was TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) . The reason was simple: silicone technology hadn't yet broken through its " softness bottleneck ," and the resulting dolls felt incredibly hard, even being jokingly called " tire dolls " by those in the industry.

In contrast, TPE dolls at the time were extremely soft, even softer than the real human body, making them more suitable for "real combat use." This led to their rapid popularity in those years, making TPE practically the only choice on the market.

2017–2018: Silicone technology made a big leap forward, officially turning the tide.

It wasn’t until around 2017-2018 that, with the application of platinum-gold silicone and the maturity of silicone oil mixing technology, the softness of silicone dolls began to approach that of TPE (even surpassing it in the later stages), and even achieved softening treatment in many areas, such as:

• ✅ Moisturizing lotion (soft breasts)

• ✅ Soft buttocks

• ✅ Strengthen joints throughout the body

  These advances have completely overturned the early myth that silicone was "too hard to be practical."

👉Unless your budget is really under USD 1,000, silicone dolls would be a more worthwhile choice.

The reason is simple:

Silicone far surpasses TPE in terms of durability , practicality , and detail fidelity . Especially now that silicone is no longer as prohibitively expensive as it once was, market competition has led many brands to launch affordable, fully functional silicone bodysuits—with added features like full-body softening, breast spraying, and heating—all of which are virtually impossible to achieve with TPE bodysuits.

It's like buying a car. TPE is like an old manual transmission car: while inexpensive, it's difficult to maintain and offers a poor driving experience. Silicone, on the other hand, is like a new generation of smart cars: while the budget is slightly higher, the driving feel, comfort, lifespan, and overall enjoyment are on a completely different level.

Today's silicone dolls are no longer just rigid display objects; they are beings you can interact with and care for. Your choice will determine your future relationship with them: whether you'll be a passing visitor or a partner.

💡 On a tight budget? The upgraded STPE is your best option!

If your current budget doesn't allow you to afford a silicone doll, don't despair!

For small classes, we recommend that you consider the upgraded STPE material TPE doll - this is currently the most cost-effective and least likely option.

✨ What are the advantages of STPE?

• ✅Not easy to release oil : Greatly improves the common oil leakage problem of traditional TPE, feels dry and non-sticky.

• ✅Higher tear resistance : Durability is fully upgraded, and you are no longer afraid of damage caused by daily use.

• ✅Upgraded touch : While maintaining softness, the overall feel is closer to real skin.

This type of doll is very suitable for beginners, those with a limited budget but who value quality.

Currently, many brands have launched models made of high-quality STPE materials. Xiaoban has also conducted actual tests and will compile a detailed recommendation list for you later.

3. Six key comparisons

Project	TPE	Silicone
Tactile	Extremely soft	Now it has surpassed TPE and is more realistic
Durability	Easy to crack and oil seepage	Tear-resistant and longer life
Detail restoration	Blurred, makeup is not easy to preserve	Creates clear skin texture and delicate makeup
Temperature control characteristics	Easy to deform when exposed to heat	Can be processed at high temperatures without melting, and can be put into the oven to set makeup
Weight loss technology	Unable to lose weight	Can be combined with full body softening
Price	Lower	Higher, but the price-performance ratio is improving

🔹 3. FAQ

Are TPE dolls really softer? Do they feel more comfortable to the touch?

While TPE's early reputation was for its "super-soft touch," advancements in silicone technology have led to many silicone dolls now featuring fully soft, water-based designs, resulting in even more realistic touch. More importantly, silicone is oil-resistant and provides a stable feel, unlike TPE, which tends to become sticky or age over time.

I have a limited budget. Which silicone doll is best for me?

For those on a tighter budget, if you can't afford silicone dolls, we recommend the upgraded STPE material .

STPE not only retains the soft touch of TPE, but also improves the common problems of oil leakage, cracking, and durability of TPE in the past, making it the most worthwhile choice among TPE dolls.

Not only does it have a high CP value, it is also more suitable for beginners as an entry-level model for their first experience.

👉 Want to test the waters without risking any setbacks? STPE is your best option within your budget.

Is there really a big difference in the makeup and details of silicone dolls? Will the color fade over time?

Silicone dolls' skin can be treated with high-temperature makeup setting, resulting in a far superior restoration of makeup and skin texture than TPE. Furthermore, because silicone is inherently oil-resistant and heat-resistant, makeup lasts longer. With normal use and minimal harsh scrubbing, the color rarely fades.

Are TPE dolls cheaper? But are they also more fragile?

TPE is relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for beginners. However, its drawbacks include its tendency to absorb oil and dust, and its poor tear resistance. Its lifespan can be significantly shortened if not properly maintained. Silicone, on the other hand, is more stable and durable, making it a more recommended choice for long-term users.

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——76DollShop Team