Did you know that at Aradani, we make our elf ears using natural rubber latex, the same type of material used in professional theatrical and film prosthetics?
We often get questions about what our elf ears are made of. Primarily, we craft our elf ears from plant-derived natural rubber latex rather than petroleum-based plastics. We also offer neoprene elf ears, which we will cover in a future article.
One major benefit of natural rubber latex is that it is not a petroleum-based plastic. Because of this, our latex elf ears are not a source of synthetic microplastics associated with plastic materials. While any manufactured product has some environmental impact, we do our best to conserve materials, control our process, and limit waste wherever possible.
High-quality natural latex offers many benefits for costume prosthetics. Unlike rigid plastic ears, latex allows for a soft, flexible edge that blends naturally with the wearer’s skin. Latex also accepts makeup extremely well, making it easy to tint and color for cosplay and costuming. Its surface texture closely mimics skin, giving the ears a more natural and realistic appearance.
Natural latex does come with some downsides, including product aging and allergies. Many people have latex allergies (which is why we also offer neoprene elf ears), and our latex is no exception. We also use spirit gum to adhere the ears, which is a natural adhesive containing copal and rosin, substances that may also cause reactions for some individuals.
Because our latex is natural rubber, it will age over time and may slowly yellow. With proper care, keeping ears out of direct sunlight, avoiding harsh chemicals or washing, and storing them without crushing, our elf ears can last for many years. While natural latex products are not biodegradable and should be disposed of in the trash at the end of their life, they are made from plant-derived materials rather than petroleum-based plastics.
