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Understanding the Different Materials Used in Realistic Dildos

Understanding the Different Materials Used in Realistic Dildos

Shopping for a realistic dildo is an easy task – simply pick one that looks like a penis, it's obvious from the pictures on a sex toy website, isn't it?

There is more to that then simply visuals – your pleasure is heavily determined by the material the dildo is made from. In today's guide, we'll explore the different types of realistic dildo materials, compare them and find out which feels the most realistic for those seeing the complete lifelike experience of penetrative sex.

What are The Most Realistic Feeling Materials?

Not all dildo materials feel like real skin, even though the dildo looks realistic. Silicone, rubber, gel or PVC tends to be somewhat more firm compared to TPR or TPE based materials, which we see in the popular king cock among other famous brands.

There is an exception to the rule however – we are seeing an increase in silicone products making it to the marketplace that have a silky feeling powdery surface that feels like skin. These are the best realistic dildos for women right now.

real dildo collection
Varying materials, sizes & features

TPR & TPE

TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) are common sex toy materials. They are are polymers that can be crafted into a multitude of shapes, colors and sizes. These dildos feel like real skin thanks in part to their dual density build, but more on that later.

These man-made materials can be produced cheaply so in the end, dildo and sex toy prices are more affordable to better appeal to a broad range of people.

Our favorite lifelike TPR / TPE dildos:

  • Mini 4 Inch Dildo is our favorite small curved dildo that feels the most realistic. Good for G-spot and P-spot play and a popular choice for seniors, it's gentle and delicate.
  • Ballsy Soft Flexible Dildo combines comfort and quality into one simple yet satisfying little sex toy package. One of the best soft dildos for beginners at a cheap price.
  • Mr. Grande Big Brown Dildo has a large and thick set head that oozes pure lust, you can tell this dude has been sculpted for maximum sexual pleasure. Sturdy suction cup base for all your creative sex play ideas.
  • 10 Inch Natural Large Realistic Dildo, also known as "Big Boy" brings home the larger-than-life yet super realistic feeling experience you are hoping to find to fulfill your sexual fantasy.

Are they body-safe?

These days pretty much all sex toy manufacturers make TPR & TPE sex toys that are lab certified non-toxic and body safe. It's important to note that not all of these materials are necessarily phthalates free, but we have only sourced TPR & TPE toys that ARE body safe and phthalates free so you can shop with confidence here at The Adult Toy Shop.

Pros

Cons

  • High quality sex toy materials that can be made at a cheap price

  • Many manufactures now make lab certified body safe TPR & TPE adult toys

  • One of the most popular materials to craft dual density dildos

  • Can be made in a variety of skin tone colors and shades

  • Not hypoallergenic so people with sensitive skin may have reactions

  • Some people find them too soft and malleable for hard sex play

  • Soft suction cup bases aren't as sticky as silicone or rubber

  • Not all TPE & TPE dildos are phthalates free, but ours are :)


Silicone

Technology is no stranger to sex toy manufacturing and every year I'm seeing shifts to premium silicone that actually feels like skin. The newest line of king cock is a high quality dildo that people in sex toy forums are raving about.

The first iterations of hyper realistic silicone dildos were a lot stiffer than they are now. With that being said, silicone is no longer a determining factor of how soft and/or life like it will be. You can still have a veiny shaft or smooth surface, there are plenty of options for solo play.

Our favorite realistic silicone dildos:

  • Fleshstixx 6 Inch Silicone Dildo has a foam interior and silicone exterior so it feels squishy and bendable but regains its natural shape once you let go, sort of like a memory foam pillow.
  • Sensual Pro 6 Inch Dildo is sturdy and good for hard sex, but also has a smooth, velvety like feeling surface to add a sensual warmth to your experience. One of the best silicone dildos for sale at a cheap price.
  • King Cock 7 Inch Silicone Dildo is tapered with a thin tip for quick vaginal insertion. The shaft gradually increases in girth so the deeper you go, the more stimulation you'll feel and the thicker it feels.
  • Sensual Pro 9 Inch Dildo, is the best choice for couples looking for a long & large realistic dildo for a strap on. The malleable and large suction cup fits nicely into the harness O ring.

Is it body-safe?

Silicone is classically known as one of the safest sex toy materials out there. It in non-porous, non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Some people say you can sterilize them in the dishwasher, but we don't recommend that - it's just not necessary as antibacterial soap cleans it just as effectively.

Pros

Cons

  • Can be crafted in unique shapes, for example a curved shaft or U shape for double penetration

  • Medical grade silicone is always phthalate free & hypoallergenic

  • Has a strong suction cup base compared to a dual density dildo

  • A small silicone realistic dildo is good for anal play

  • Lacks the soft outer skin of dual density

  • Much more expensive to buy

  • Does not feel exactly like a real human penis

  • Lack of vibrating options available


Rubber

Rubber, on the other hand, has not really changed over time. Rubber is the best choice for hardcore fast thrusting sex. It is a prime choice especially if you want a suction cup dildo to squat on over a bathtub edge or a wall for hands free fun.

We do have some soft rubber dildos, but compared to TPE or TPE, they are still more rigid. Rubber has a fast and sensual glide, especially when well lubricated. Add warming lube to the surface and enjoy an erotically pleasurable experience. To make rubber feel more lifelike, you can dip the shaft in hot water fort a moment before using.

Rubber has its place in any good sex toy collection, but if you seek the most true to life experience, you might want to consider passing it over in this case. A big realistic dildo with a suction cup can be better than a sex machine because the textured balls, realistic feel and firm core will be an intense sex toy in your dildo collection.

Our favorite realistic rubber dildos:

  • Baron Life Like Beginner Dildo is sized like the real thing and a common choice for couples looking for a dildo to play together, or to "warm up" before sexual intercourse
  • Duke Life Like Medium Dildo is the best choice for a lady looking for a beginner dildo, but still wants one with an "average" medium sized penis shaft. Not too big, not too small, just right!
  • Whopper Large Curved G-Spot Dildo has a perky penis head that rams the G-spot with a perfect poke for awesome internal based orgasms. The curved shaft also makes it easy to use during strap on sex since it “points” in the right direction for penetration.
  • Basix Natural Soft Lifelike Dildo made of premium quality soft rubber best for people who are shopping for good dildos on a tight budget. Its key features are a tapered head and suction cup base.

Is it body-safe?

There are many different rubber compositions when it comes to sex toys. Some are very porous and a bed for bacteria growth. Some are full of phthalates. People like rubber because it's cheap, but TOO cheap and it will be full of chemical softeners which are toxic.

Here at The Adult Toy Shop we source only premium rubber that is proven to be non-toxic and body-safe. Only purchase rubber dildos from reputable sex toy stores that know if an product is body-safe or not. Rubber can still be porous however so proper cleaning with antibacterial soap or spray is essential, or you can out a condom over it during use.

Pros

Cons

  • The best budget realistic dildos

  • Rubber suction cup bases are really strong

  • Insertable length can vary, pick your preferred from small to big

  • Vac u lock & Harness compatible

  • The only thrusting dildo with realistic features

  • Rubber can be crafted into a super veiny realistic shaft

  • Rubber sex toys can have a "rubbery" odor

  • People with sensitive skin may find some rubbers irritating

  • The large dildo may be too uncomfortable for some to insert vaginally

  • The realistic uncut dildo often has foreskin that can easily tear


Dildos that Look Real vs. Dildos that Feel Real

Rubber can be molded into precise shapes and features. You can see the dimples and wrinkles in the balls. The testicles can be formed a certain way. The raised veins in the shaft can have minute detail that looks like a closeup of a real man's cock. The heads can be painted a pink hue to add a touch of visual appeal.

This is the advantage of a firmer material set into a precision mold, so if you're going solely for looks than pick rubber. The disadvantage as noted previously is it won't have dual density structure that makes it feel as real compared to the skin-like density of a TPE or TPR product.

Rubber LOOKs real but wont FEEL real - after all, it is rubber and will always have a "rubbery" consistency. That's certainly okay however! I am not persuading the customer to steer clear from anything but a hyper realistic dildo. The benefits to the typical realistic looking cock is that it may be cheaper. The best feature according to fans of the type is that it's easier to maintain.

Why is rubber easier to maintain? The firm surface won't dry out over time. It will most certainly last longer than the gentle TPE & TPE surfaces that will always dry out eventually. After a year or two, you may notice tiny micro-cracks in the surface of a TPE / TPR toy indicative of it losing moisture.

What About Dual Density?

We would be amiss not to mention dual density dildos. It's not a specific material per-se, but a method of construction. Dual density means there are dual layers of varying densities to mimic the structure of an erect penis. Dual density is the most realistic dildo; the surface is soft and feels exactly like skin

Typically made of TPE and TPR, the inner layer is more rigid and the outer layer is softer and sometime even has moving skin when you stroke it, the surface feel just like an erection. You can check out examples of our best dual density dildos here in our comprehensive review and guide.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a dildo that feels like the real thing, you have plenty of options. Here at The Adult Toy Shop we stock a few dozen of the finest choices out there. Sure you can find more options elsewhere, but really, you'll quickly find repeats of the same thing.

We made sure to hand-pick the most realistic dildos that are each unique with varying features for maximum pleasure during solo or partnered play. When you're browsing online with us, you'll find some neat choices, not an overwhelming selection that just leaves you confused. So with that said, happy shopping!



Mayla Green

Mayla Green has been involved in the sex toy industry since 2004. Working behind the motto “Sex TOYS should be FUN”, Mayla provides unique tips & advice amassed from over a decade of hands on experience with adult products. She also coaches clients how to fully enjoy sexual pleasure and can be seen in major publications & magazines online.

Happily married since 2009, she knows firsthand how the sex life eventually becomes repetitive (which truthfully means boring), so if you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, Mayla's your gal! Her literary pride & joy is covering topics for established couples needing inspiration to keep lovemaking exciting and fun.

Not in a relationship? Her other focus is teaching women how to properly handle the “little person in the canoe” to experience the best orgasms ever, no partner required! Her creative and innovative tips, techniques and advice is on par with a certified sex therapist or Sexologist, but with an extra advantage from her knowledge of the adult toy business.

View all articles published by Mayla Green exclusively for The Adult Toy Shop sex blog and follow me on Instagram.

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