Yes - Skyn condoms are safe. They are CE-certified and BSI Kitemark-approved, made from polyisoprene - a synthetic, non-latex material that delivers the same level of protection as latex. They're electronically tested to meet British, European, and FDA standards, and they're the most widely recommended condom for people with latex allergies or sensitivities. If you've been avoiding condoms because latex irritates you, Skyn is almost certainly the answer.
Contents
- What are Skyn condoms made of?
- Are Skyn condoms as effective as latex?
- Are Skyn condoms lubricated?
- The full Skyn range on condoms.uk
- Which Skyn condom should you choose?
- Are Skyn condoms good for latex allergies?
- Can you use Skyn condoms with sex toys?
- How do Skyn condoms compare to latex?
- Where to buy Skyn condoms
- Final verdict
Skyn condoms are safe, certified, and the leading non-latex option in the UK. Made from polyisoprene - a synthetic rubber that mimics the feel and flexibility of latex without the proteins that trigger allergic reactions - they carry CE and BSI Kitemark certification and are electronically tested on every unit. They provide the same 98% effectiveness as latex when used correctly, protect against both pregnancy and STIs including HIV, and are recommended by sexual health professionals for anyone with latex sensitivity. The one thing to know before you buy: most Skyn products use a silicone-based lubricant, which means they are not compatible with silicone sex toys.
What are Skyn condoms made of?
Skyn condoms are made from polyisoprene - a synthetic form of rubber that shares latex's elasticity and strength but is free from the natural proteins that cause latex allergies. The brand calls their proprietary formulation Skynfeel.
Polyisoprene has a few practical advantages over natural rubber latex:
- It's softer and more pliable straight out of the packet, so there's less of the stiff, rubbery feel some people notice with standard condoms
- It has almost no detectable smell - the "latex smell" comes from natural rubber proteins that polyisoprene doesn't contain
- It's vegan-friendly - Skyn condoms contain no casein (the milk protein used to soften some latex condoms)
- It's slightly stretchier than latex, which tends to make them more comfortable for a wider range of body types
What polyisoprene cannot do is protect you from oil-based lubricants - just like latex, it degrades with oil contact. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are both fine.
Are Skyn condoms as effective as latex?
Yes. Skyn condoms match latex for effectiveness when used correctly. That means 98% effective for pregnancy prevention with perfect use, and effective protection against STIs including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.
Every Skyn condom is:
- Electronically tested for pinholes and weak spots before packaging
- CE-certified and carries the BSI Kitemark (UK's mark for products independently tested against British Standards)
- Made to meet FDA requirements, plus European, Japanese, and Australian quality standards
The key phrase, as with any condom, is "used correctly." That means the right size, stored properly (not in a wallet or a hot car), and checked for the expiry date before use. A correctly fitted condom that isn't expired and hasn't been stored badly will do its job.
One note on fit: Skyn Original and Elite come in a 53mm nominal width, which is a regular/standard fit. Skyn Large measures 56mm. If you find regular condoms feel restrictive, the Large is worth trying - and if you're unsure about sizing, our condom size guide walks through how to measure.
Are Skyn condoms lubricated?
All Skyn condoms come pre-lubricated. The type of lubricant matters, so here's what you need to know:
Most Skyn condoms use a silicone-based lubricant. This is smooth, long-lasting, and more resistant to friction than water-based lube - which is why Skyn condoms tend to feel particularly comfortable during use. The downside is that silicone lubricant degrades silicone sex toys. If you're using Skyn condoms with a silicone toy, you'll need to put a water-based lube on the toy itself, or use a water-based lube as the external lubricant.
The Skyn Extra Lube variant is specifically designed for people who want more lubrication - it contains 40% more lubricant than the standard Skyn condoms. It's a popular choice for anal sex, where additional lubrication significantly reduces friction and the risk of the condom tearing.
If you need extra lube beyond what comes on the condom, any water-based lubricant is compatible. Silicone lube is also compatible with the condom itself (just not with silicone toys). Never use oil-based lubricants with Skyn or any polyisoprene condom.
The full Skyn range on condoms.uk
Here's every Skyn condom currently available on condoms.uk/collections/skyn:
| Product | Width | Thickness | Key Feature | Pack from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyn Original | 53mm | 0.065mm | The classic - soft, natural feel | £9.99 |
| Skyn Elite | 53mm | 0.05mm | 20% thinner than Original | £9.99 |
| Skyn Extra Lube | 53mm | 0.065mm | 40% more lubricant | £9.99 |
| Skyn Intense Feel | 53mm | 0.065mm | Raised dots for stimulation | £9.99 |
| Skyn Large | 56mm | 0.065mm | Wider fit | £9.99 |
| Skyn Selection | 53mm | varies | 3 types in one pack | £9.99 |
| Skyn 5 Senses | 53mm | varies | 5 different styles in one pack | £5.99 |
Skyn Original is the starting point for most people. It's the standard formulation - soft, reliable, and a solid step up from latex in terms of comfort for people with sensitivities.
Skyn Elite is thinner (0.05mm vs 0.065mm), which makes it the closest Skyn comes to a "barely there" feel. It's consistently the best-selling Skyn product and the one most often recommended to first-time buyers.
Skyn Extra Lube is the go-to for anal sex or for anyone who finds standard condom lubrication insufficient. The extra lubricant makes a noticeable difference to comfort.
Skyn Intense Feel has raised dots designed to increase sensation. The dots are on the outer surface, so they stimulate the receiving partner rather than the wearer.
Skyn Large is a 56mm wide condom - right at the wider end of what's typically considered a large fit. If 53mm feels snug, this is the Skyn to try. It's not as wide as some dedicated large condoms (some reach 64mm+), but it covers most people who need more room than a standard size.
Skyn Selection and Skyn 5 Senses are both variety packs - useful if you want to try a few different types before committing to a full box.
Which Skyn condom should you choose?
If you're switching from latex and just want the closest equivalent: Start with Skyn Original. It's the most straightforward comparison and gives you a clean baseline.
If sensation is your priority: Go straight to Skyn Elite. The thinner material makes a genuine difference, and for most people it's the better starting point over the Original.
If regular condoms feel tight or uncomfortable: Try Skyn Large (56mm). If you're unsure about your size, check our what size condoms should I buy guide first.
If you're buying for anal sex: Skyn Extra Lube is the most practical choice. More lubricant reduces friction and makes the experience more comfortable for both partners.
If you want to try before committing: The Selection pack (9 condoms, three types) or the 5 Senses pack are both low-risk ways to find out which format works best for you.
Are Skyn condoms good for latex allergies?
Yes - they're the most widely recommended non-latex option for a reason. Latex allergies are caused by the proteins found in natural rubber. Polyisoprene is a synthetic material that contains none of those proteins, so it's safe for people with confirmed latex allergies.
What you'll notice if you switch from latex to Skyn:
- No latex smell
- Softer feel straight out of the packet
- Less of the "tight" sensation that some people associate with latex condoms
- No post-sex irritation for the partner with the allergy
If you have a latex allergy and have been relying on polyurethane condoms (the other non-latex option), polyisoprene is generally considered a better experience. Polyurethane is less stretchy, which can affect fit; polyisoprene behaves much more like latex in terms of flexibility.
Browse the full non-latex condom range if you want to compare Skyn against other non-latex brands.
One note: if you or your partner has a skin sensitivity but aren't sure it's a latex allergy specifically, it's worth checking whether spermicide could be the cause. Some condoms are coated with nonoxynol-9, which irritates many people. Skyn condoms are non-spermicidal - you can confirm this in our non-spermicidal condoms guide.
Can you use Skyn condoms with sex toys?
Mostly yes, with one important exception. Because most Skyn condoms use a silicone-based lubricant, you need to be careful when using them alongside silicone sex toys. Silicone lubricant breaks down the surface of silicone toys over time, causing them to become sticky, degraded, and potentially unsafe to use.
The fix is straightforward: use a water-based lubricant on and around the toy rather than relying on the lubricant that comes on the condom. The condom itself is perfectly safe with silicone toys - it's the lubricant coating that causes the issue.
If you're using Skyn condoms with non-silicone toys (glass, metal, hard plastic, ABS plastic), there's no compatibility issue at all.
How do Skyn condoms compare to latex?
| Skyn (polyisoprene) | Standard latex | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Same (98% with correct use) | 98% with correct use |
| Latex allergy safe | Yes | No |
| Smell | Minimal | Noticeable rubber smell |
| Feel | Softer, stretchier | Firmer |
| Oil-based lube compatible | No | No |
| Silicone lube compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Water-based lube compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes (Skyn) | Varies by brand |
| Price (10-pack) | From £9.99 | From £4.99 |
The main practical difference beyond the allergy question is feel. Polyisoprene is genuinely softer and more pliable than latex, which is why Skyn tends to score well on comfort even with people who don't have latex sensitivities. The trade-off is cost - Skyn condoms are priced at a slight premium over standard latex. At £9.99 for a 10-pack, they're competitive with premium latex brands like Durex Invisible, so it's not a dramatic gap.
Browse the full condom range if you want to compare across all brands.
Where to buy Skyn condoms
The complete Skyn range - including all sizes and varieties - is available at condoms.uk/collections/skyn. All orders come in discreet packaging with no branding visible on the outside. Free delivery on orders over £25.
Final verdict
Skyn condoms are the best non-latex condom you'll find in the UK. The certification is solid, the material is genuinely better than polyurethane for fit and feel, and the range is wide enough to cover most preferences and use cases. The Elite is the standout product - thinner, comfortable, and the closest thing to a "barely there" experience in the non-latex category.
The only things to keep in mind: they cost a little more than basic latex, most variants use silicone-based lube so check toy compatibility, and they're not compatible with oil-based lubricants. None of those are reasons to avoid them - just practical points to know before you order.
If you're new to non-latex condoms, the Skyn Selection pack is a low-stakes way to try three different types. If you already know you want the Elite, you can buy in bulk (up to 30-pack) and bring the per-condom cost right down.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic.
