What Are Non-Latex Condoms Made Of?

For the estimated 4% of the population with latex allergies, non-latex condoms are a must.¹ They can prevent symptoms ranging from itchiness and discomfort to a potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. But what are non-latex condoms made of? Non-latex condoms come in a range of different materials to suit different preferences, ranging from lube ingredients to sensation and more.

Read on to learn all about non-latex condoms, including what non-latex condoms are made of, whether non-latex condoms are less reliable, how long non-latex condoms last, and so much more.

Polyisoprene: The Leading Option

What are latex-free condoms made of? For those with latex allergies who are looking for an alternative that’s the most similar to latex, polyisoprene is one of the leading solutions. These latex-free condoms are made of a synthetic rubber that shares many characteristics with latex, but doesn’t contain the same protein that triggers latex allergies.

Here’s what to keep in mind with latex-free condoms made of polyisoprene:

Potential reactions: Polyisoprene non-latex condoms don’t cause irritation or latex allergies.
Lube compatibility: It’s safe to use water-based and silicone-based lubricants with polyisoprene condoms, but it’s not safe to use oil-based lube.
STIs: These condoms prevent accidental pregnancy and the spread of STIs as well as latex condoms.
Lifespan: How long do non-latex condoms last that are made of polyisoprene? Typically, up to 3 years when stored properly.

Polyurethane, Nitrile, and Natural Membranes

What condoms are not made of latex? Polyisoprene is just one of the many condoms that are not made of latex. Read on to learn what other condoms are not made of latex.

Polyurethane

Rather than being made of rubber, polyurethane latex-free condoms are made of a type of plastic. As compared to both latex and polyisoprene condoms, they can be made much thinner and do a better job at conducting body heat, making for a barely-there feeling. That said, they don’t have the same stretchiness as rubber, so they are more likely to break.

Potential reactions: Like polyisoprene, polyurethane non-latex condoms don’t cause irritation.
Lube compatibility: Polyurethane condoms are suitable to use with all types of lubricant: water-, silicone-, and oil-based, as well as hybrids.
STIs: When used correctly, these condoms prevent the spread of STIs, but they are more prone to slipping or breaking.
Lifespan: These non-latex condoms last up to 5 years.

Nitrile

Nitrile condoms are one of the newest types of external condoms on the market. What are Durex Intense condoms made of? Durex’s Intense condoms are made from a type of synthetic rubber known as nitrile, which, until now, was only used in internal condoms. Nitrile is one of the best conductors of body heat available, so all you feel is your partner.

Potential reactions: Again, these non-latex condoms don’t cause irritation.
STIs: These condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy and the spread of STIs.
Lifespan: These non-latex condoms can last between 3 and 5 years.

Natural Membranes

Natural membrane condoms, also known as lambskin condoms, are latex-free condoms made of animal materials. They can be used as an alternative to latex condoms, but they do come with some drawbacks.

Potential reactions: These condoms don’t cause irritation.

Lube compatibility: Lambskin condoms can be used with all kinds of lube, including water-, silicone-, and oil-based, as well as hybrids.

STIs: Lambskin non-latex condoms are less reliable than latex condoms and other non-latex alternatives at preventing the spread of STIs. Their material is porous and can cause some STIs to be transmitted from one partner to another.²

Lifespan: These non-latex condoms have a shorter lifespan, typically up to a year.

Which Ones Prevent STDs?

Are non-latex condoms less reliable? Not all. Polyisoprene, polyurethane, and nitrile condoms are all effective in preventing the spread of STIs when used correctly. Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Check the expiration date and look for signs of damage before using them. It’s also important to use a compatible lube every time.

Lambskin condoms are not effective in preventing the spread of STIs.

Durability and Storage Differences

Understanding the durability and storage differences among non-latex condoms is important. Polyisoprene condoms are strong and stretchy, giving them similar durability to latex. Polyurethane condoms are thinner and less elastic than both latex and polyisoprene, which can make them more prone to breakage, whereas nitrile condoms are tougher but slightly less stretchy than latex condoms, making them very resistant to breakage. Lastly, lambskin condoms are durable for pregnancy prevention but do not protect against the transmission of STIs. All of these condom types should be stored in a cool, dry place and used before the expiration date to maintain reliability.

What to Avoid if You're Sensitive

If you are sensitive to latex or experience latex allergies, it’s important to find an alternative, non-latex condom. Fortunately, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile, and lambskin condoms are non-irritating.

But can non-latex condoms cause irritation? Some people with sensitive skin may experience discomfort depending on the material or lubricant used.

Conclusion

Non-latex condoms can be made of a range of different materials, from synthetic rubbers to plastic and even animal products. If you experience latex allergies, non-latex condoms are a great alternative that won’t cause irritation or discomfort. Shop our non-latex condom collection today.

References

Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J. Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem? J Occup Health. 2016 May 25;58(2):138-44. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5356959/
NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. How can men reduce the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/risk