Condoms are made from several materials, including natural rubber latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane.
Natural rubber latex
Latex condoms can weaken and become damaged when they come into contact with oil-based lubricants and products such as baby oil, mineral oil, suntan lotion, cooking oil, petroleum jelly, cold creams, skin lotions and, bringing up the rear so to speak, butter or margarine. Use water-based or silicone-based lube instead.
Non-latex condoms
Polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber, while polyurethane is a type of plastic. Both provide alternatives for people with latex allergies. Polyisoprene condoms are stretchy, but oil-based lubricants can damage them. Polyurethane condoms are generally less stretchy and can be used with oil-based lubricants. Water-based and silicone-based lubes can be used with both. Check the packaging.
Lambskin condoms
If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you have other options. Lambskin condoms are made from a thin layer of sheep cecum, part of the intestine. We mention them because you may come across them, but they DO NOT provide reliable protection against HIV or other STIs. They have tiny pores that can allow viruses through. On the upside, lambskin condoms can prevent pregnancy, don’t contain latex and can be used with oil-based lubricants. But for fucking, where protection against HIV and other STIs matters, use a latex or suitable non-latex condom instead.
Vegan condoms
Natural rubber latex comes from trees, but that doesn’t automatically make condoms vegan. Some manufacturers use casein, a protein derived from milk, during production to make the latex softer and smoother. Vegan condoms use alternatives to animal-derived ingredients and processing aids.If this matters to you, look for condoms labelled or certified vegan rather than assuming all latex condoms are vegan.
After a deep dive, we understand the following brands are manufactured using milk thistle:
- EXS Condoms
- Fair Squared Condoms
- GLYDE Condoms
- Skins Condoms (Extra Large)
