Skyn vs Durex: Which Condom Is Best for You?

When you're choosing condoms, there are brands that you instinctively turn to, and two of the most popular in the UK are Durex and Skyn. Both are trusted names regarding sex protection, but which is better for you?

With a range of different sizes, textures and materials, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Let's scrutinise these two condom brands and how they compare so you can decide what works best for your needs.

Table of Contents:

• The History of Durex
• The History of Skyn
• Comparing Skyn vs Durex Condoms
• Materials
• Feel and Comfort
• Design and Texture
• Vegan and Cruelty-Free Condoms
• Flavoured Condoms
• Size Matters
• Price
• Skyn and Durex Sell Lubricant and Accessories
• Conclusion

The History of Durex

Durex has been around since 1929 when it was founded as the London Rubber Company by William Ramsay. It is part of Reckitt Benckiser, which has been in business since 1823 and makes other consumer products such as Dettol, Vanish, and Gaviscon. Durex is now one of the world's leading condom brands. They offer a range of sizes, shapes, textures and materials to protect against pregnancy and STIs.

Durex is probably the best-known condom manufacturer, and sometimes condoms are referred to as Durex, the same way a vacuum cleaner gets called a Hoover. Luckily, they don't have the same function.

The History of Skyn

SKYN condoms are made by LifeStyles®, a global leader in healthcare barrier protection and the world's longest-operating condom manufacturer – proudly making condoms since 1905. In 2004, they launched Skyn as their first non-latex condom brand for people who may be allergic or sensitive to latex.

Skyn offers a range of products designed to provide comfort and reliability during sex without sacrificing pleasure or feeling.

Skyn has a different impact than Durex in the UK, but they have taken over from Durex in the vegan and cruelty-free stakes.

Comparing Skyn vs Durex Condoms

Both Skyn and Durex condoms offer reliable protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, so which one is best for you? Here are a few essential things to consider when making your decision:

Materials

The first thing to consider is the materials. Both brands offer condoms made from Latex or Polyisoprene (Skyn only). Latex condoms provide substantial protection and are usually less expensive than those made from other materials. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to latex, so polyisoprene (non-latex) condoms can be a better choice.

Feel and Comfort

When it comes to feeling and comfort, both Skyn and Durex have something to offer. Skyn condoms are made from softer materials for a more natural feel and increased sensitivity, while Durex provides premium lubricants for extra comfort. Both brands also offer ultra-thin variations to increase pleasure without compromising on protection.

Skyn and Durex sell extra lubricated condoms for comfort, and there's little to choose between the two.

Skyn Extra Lubricated Non-Latex Condoms are latex free are 53mm, and although they say they fit regular-sized penises, 53mm is a snug fit. Skyn Extra Lubricated Non-Latex Condoms are also 0.065mm thick.

Durex Thin Feel Extra Lubricated Condoms come in a bright red packet; at 56mm, they are for regular-sized men. Here's the difference, Durex Thin Feel Extra Lubricated Condoms are thinner than the Skyn version at 0.055mm thick.

So if you are looking for condoms with extra lube but are thin and silky, Durex is probably the brand for you.

Design and Texture

The design and texture of each condom can also have an impact on your experience. Skyn condoms come in various shapes and textures, including ribbed, dotted and long-lasting versions, and different sizes to accommodate everyone's needs. Durex has its own range of textured condoms which provide extra stimulation during sex.

For example, let's look at the Durex Pleasure Me Ribbed & Dotted Condoms and the Skyn Intense Feel Non-Latex Condoms. Both companies design these condoms for extra sensation; the only difference is the material they are made from.

Skyn Intense Feel Non-Latex Condoms are non-latex, polyisoprene, while Durex Pleasure Me Ribbed & Dotted Condoms are made from latex. Both Durex and Skyn offer their condoms in brightly coloured packaging.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Condoms

If you're looking for vegan or cruelty-free condoms, this is where it gets tricky. Both brands sell vegan condoms, but Durex's mother company Reckitt Benckiser tests some products on animals, while Skyn is a 100% cruelty-free brand. So if you're looking for strictly vegan and cruelty-free condoms, it's worth checking the individual product details before purchasing.

Flavoured Condoms

Flavoured condoms are great for oral sex but not so suitable for intercourse. Durex and Skyn make flavoured condoms.

Skyn offer flavoured collections as opposed to single flavours. Skyn Cocktail Club Flavoured Condoms are popular as they offer cocktail-inspired flavours of Piña Colada, Cherry Sunrise or Passion Daiquiri. Tasty and latex free!

Durex goes for a more traditional style, with strawberry flavour as their bestseller. Here are some details on the bestseller.

Durex Strawberry condoms are composed of natural rubber latex in a regular size. These Durex condoms have a strawberry scent, making them smell (and taste!) better than most other condoms on the market.

Size Matters

If you need a snug fit or are XL, Durex and Skyn offer well-sized condoms. Most men are regular in size, and all condom companies make an abundance of regular-sized contraceptives.

Durex offers a choice of 52mm, 53mm through to 56mm, while Skyn has condoms in only two sizes, 53 and 56mm. So size matters, and here's why you should double-check the size you need because a poorly fitting condom increases the risk of breakage and slippage.

Read more about measuring yourself for the perfect fit.

Price

Finally, there is the price to consider. Skyn and Durex offer competitively priced products, so it is worth shopping around to find what works best for your budget.

Skyn and Durex Sell Lubricant and Accessories

Skyn and Durex have an extensive range of other products besides condoms, including lubricants, massage gels and other accessories. Both companies are constantly developing new products to help enhance your sex life.

For example, consumers widely accept Durex lubricants as the best in the world. Here are our favourite lubes from Durex.

1. Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Pure (100ml)
2. Durex Perfect Glide Pleasure Gel (50ml)
3. Durex Warming Pleasure Gel (100ml)
4. Durex Play Sensual Massage 2 in 1 (200ml)

Skyn will not be outdone and have a great offering in the shape of Skyn Aqua Feel Lubricant (80ml) or Skyn All Night Long Lubricant (80ml).

If it's the choice you're concerned about, Durex has more products to choose from, but Skyn and Durex make quality lubricants you can rely on.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a condom, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Comfort and safety are paramount when making your choice of Skyn vs Durex, so assess all the factors carefully.

Whether you prefer a thinner or thicker condom, vegan or non-vegan lube, flavoured or not flavoured – there's an option for everyone in both these brands. With the combination of quality and innovation from both brands, it's up to you to decide which is best for you: Skyn or Durex.

Whichever you choose, with regular use, condoms are proven to be 98% effective at reducing unwanted pregnancies and protecting against STIs.