Barbie dolls are made of polyvinyl chloride, synthetic fiber, elastomer, PBT and water-based paint. The materials used to make a Barbie has changed since the first Barbie was created in 1959. As of 2014, the soft vinyl, elastomer, and PBT provide more flexibility and realistic movement to the modern day Barbie. In the past, Mattel used porcelain to create the expensive, collector’s edition Barbie dolls.