Vegan Condoms
We’re probably preaching to the choir here, but for those that don’t know, many condoms are not vegan as they contain casein which is a product derived from milk. Casein is usually gathered from animals such as cows, goats or sheep so, if you live a vegan lifestyle, or are passionate about using products not tested on animals, then vegan condoms will be perfect - allowing you to have a great time without compromising on your values.
Probably in part because of the growing popularity of veganism,, there has been an explosion in the amount of vegan products available - and some people just aren’t aware of the range of vegan condoms out there (or that they were even an option)! We’ve got a great selection from top brands like Durex, EXS, Pasante, Lelo and more - including ranges of ejaculation delay, ultra-thin and flavoured vegan products.
Discreet delivery with all purchases
While most people have purchased protection by now, we understand that- especially here in the UK - discretion is important. That’s why all our condoms, lubricants, and accessories are delivered in plain, unbranded packaging (like the one pictured below). No one will ever know it’s anything other than your usual online order!
What are vegan condoms?
“Vegan” can mean different things to different people; while some brands will call their condoms vegan if they contain no animal-based ingredients, many vegans will say that only condoms that contain no animal-derived ingredients and that haven’t been tested on animals can be classed as truly vegan. At Condoms.uk, we consider only cruelty free condoms made exclusively of plant-based ingredients as vegan condoms.
Are standard condoms bad?
Standard, regulated-approved condoms aren’t inherently bad, however, if you lead a vegan lifestyle, or if you are an advocate for animal welfare, you may consider non-vegan condoms as contradictory to your beliefs. The reasons for this fall into two main categories: casein and animal testing.
Casein
Casein is a protein found in milk (extracted from cow’s, goat’s or sheep’s milk), which condom manufacturers use to soften the latex, making their products more flexible and comfortable to wear.
Like other proteins in latex, casein can cause allergies in people allergic to milk. Even though there is rarely any casein left in the finished product - you might want to err on the side of caution and use a vegan condom if you do have an allergy.
Another problem with the use of casein is the dairy industry, as most (if not all) of us know that the industry can be cruel. Getting the milk from cows, sheep and goats, often means separating infants from their mothers - sometimes as soon as they’re born; a practice which is distressing both for the infant and mother. By choosing vegan condoms, you avoid inadvertently supporting this practice.
Animal Testing
As far as animal testing is concerned, most condom brands used to test their products on animals; and, although the use of animals to test cosmetic products or their ingredients has been banned in the UK since 2013, this rule does not apply to condoms.
Condoms are considered medical devices, and companies sometimes test their products on animals to test and certify their safety. Thus, if you’re concerned about the practice of animal testing, you should only use vegan and cruelty-free condoms.
What makes vegan condoms different?
The biggest (and most obvious) difference between vegan condoms and standard condoms is the absence of casein in the manufacturing process. Vegan condoms are made of plant-based ingredients. Over the last 20 years, it has become increasingly common for casein to be replaced with a thistle extract (a plant derived form of protease, if you’re interested!) in the manufacturing process. This plays the same role in manufacturing as the casein , and has an excellent softening action of latex. In fact, the result is often better and makes condoms more flexible.
Because of the way they’re made, and what they’re made from, vegan condoms also tend to produce fewer allergic reactions (with some of the polyisoprene products also a great choice for those with latex allergies (but please check the package guidelines if you’re unsure). Though vegan condoms don't necessarily mean the product will be free from chemicals (parabens or glycerine for example) most manufacturers tend (and prefer) to avoid them. As such, vegan condoms are also often safer to use for people with sensitive skin, and are less likely to alter the delicate Ph balance of the vagina.
Most vegan condoms also taste better than standard ones (don’t giggle, we’re being serious), and are often clean-scented - making oral sex more enjoyable. For an extra tasty oral sensation, there are also flavoured vegan condoms available to enjoy, which lack the chemical aftertaste of some non-vegan alternatives!
Last, but certainly not least, most vegan condoms are sustainable, with companies like Glyde getting their latex from sustainable sources, and using sustainable manufacturing practices. At Condoms.uk, we believe that safe working conditions and fair wages are a basic human right, and strive to support sustainable practices in the condom industry where possible.
Are vegan condoms safe?
Yes! Vegan condoms are just as safe as their non-vegan counterparts; this is because all condoms have to meet the same, strict standards in order to be sold in the EU and UK. Which means that vegan condoms are 98% effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why are vegan condoms more expensive than standard condoms?
Vegan condoms aren’t always more expensive than standard condoms. However, the reason they are sometimes more costly is because of the complexity of the manufacturing process and economies of scale - companies making specialty condoms are often smaller. However, the difference in price has fallen considerably in the last decade, and standard condoms from big and popular brands now often cost more than less-famous vegan condoms.
What brands make vegan condoms?
Because the technology used in manufacturing vegan condoms is only a couple of decades old (a baby when you consider Durex has been operating for about a century), most brands still stick to the standard processes. But fear not! We’ve got a whole selection of premium choices right here on Condoms.uk. Though the list is growing all the time, these are a few of our lesser known faves:
Glyde
Glyde is perhaps the most popular manufacturer of vegan condoms, and also (rightfully) brags about its ethically excellent fair trade policy. The company makes its condoms in Malaysia from premium quality latex.
All condoms from Glyde have a thickness of 0.062mm, making them thick enough for all kinds of sex, yet thin enough to not reduce sensation. They come in a range of sizes from small (49mm nominal width) to large (60mm nominal width).
If you like a flavoured condom, Glyde also provides:
- Strawberry/red
- Cola/black
While Glyde doesn’t offer textured condoms, its flavoured condoms are safe to use for all types of sex.
EXS
One of the most popular condom brands in the UK, EXS is manufactured by LTC Healthcare and has been a trusted condom supplier to the NHS since 1993. EXS’ condoms are cruelty-free and vegan certified by the Vegan Society, and have been since January 2021.
Similar to Glyde, EXSs condoms are made of natural rubber latex, but there is a wider range of options to choose from.
EXSs snug fit condoms have the same nominal width as Glyde’s SlimFit condoms at 49mm. The regular options available vary from standard to super thin and thick condoms. The thin condoms are available in larger sizes, and there is also a choice of textured, coloured and flavoured condoms.
Looking for the sensations department? EXS has you covered. Literally! You can find cooling and warming condoms, and the Delay Endurance condoms contain Lidocaine 1% which helps with premature ejaculation; making your experience last longer.
If you’re searching to add a little extra fun to your bedroom activities, you can stop looking - there are Glow in the Dark EXS condom varieties! Finally, there are also Black condoms - the main difference being that Black Latex condoms, unlike other colourful varieties, are not flavoured.
Lelo
Do you think you’re asking for too much if you’re after vegan, cruelty-free and innovative condoms? Think again! Lelo, the brand most well-known for erotic accessories and sex toys, has found a way to innovate condoms with Lelo Hex.
While the brand doesn’t have an expansive range of condoms - they think quality over quantity - Lelo certainly managed to stand out from the competition. Inspired by honeycombs, Lelo Hex condoms have a unique, hexagonal structure which enhances elasticity and strength. This innovative structure delivers the ultimate close-to-nothing feel.
Lelo Hex condoms are one of the thinnest, natural rubber latex condoms on the market, at only 0.045mm thick!
You have a choice of two sizes. Lelo Hex Original, which has a nominal width of 54mm and a condom length of 180mm and Lelo Hex Respect XL are for those who need a larger size condom - these have a nominal width of 58mm and are 195mm long.
Lelo Hex condoms aren’t designed for typical “sensations”, as according to the manufacturer, the role of the relief lines (created by the hexagonal pattern on the inside of the condom) is to improve grip and to securely keep the condom in place. However, in reality, these raised hexagons also offer enhanced sensations for the wearer (like ribbed condoms, but better).
The condom exterior is silky smooth and lightly lubricated with water-based lube, a choice intended to prevent mood-killing irritation, and avoid altering the delicate vaginal balance. Many of those with sensitive skin, or who are prone to yeast infections swear by Lelo Hex condoms.
The last detail we’d like to leave with you about Lelo Hex condoms, is a key difference from other brands - a larger teat. This design makes the condom much more comfortable to wear and heightens the sensations, leaving enough room for the head of the penis to avoid painful constriction.
Pasante
A further great company that ticks all the boxes when it comes to vegan and cruelty-free condoms is Pasante. Similar to EXS, Pasante manufactures condoms for all sizes and every desire. Pasante’s range of plain vegan condoms includes standard, ultra-thin and thick condom options.
In the plain condom category, you can also find snug-fit and king size condoms, including a super king variant for those with… very generous dimensions.
If you’re looking for something a bit extra, Pasante has cooling, warming or delay condoms that have straight walls rather than a flared head; making them a suitable alternative to EXS.
Looking for something even more stimulating for you and your partner? The brand also manufactures a range of sensation condoms that includes ribbed and dotted, flavoured, and coloured vegan condoms.
One thing that certainly makes Pasante stand out is the wide choice of flavours for some of their condoms. Not only can you pick from the usual flavours like strawberry or blueberry, Pasante Tropical can take you away and spoil your senses with the sweet taste of pineapple, mango or coconut.
While Pasante has standard cooling condoms, they also manufacture mint flavoured condoms and lubricant. Experience a fantastic tingling sensation for both you and your partner, as well as the cooling effect (you’ll never watch those shower gel adverts the same way again).
Another huge difference between Pasante and all other vegan condom brands is the inclusion of two non-latex condoms in their product range - giving you an unmatched freedom of choice in the world of vegan condoms:
Pasante Sensiva and Pasante Unique are both made of polyisoprene, and are both silky smooth and ultra thin. The first - Pasante Sensiva - is just 0.028mm thick, whilst Unique has a thickness of only 0.015mm, giving an unparalleled skin-on-skin sensation. These condoms make it feel like there’s nothing between you and your partner, and are an excellent choice if you crave natural sex but don’t want to give up the protection of a condom.
SKYN
SKYN condoms made their debut in 2008 as the first polyisoprene, non-latex condoms to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s standards for safety and efficacy. That same year, they crossed the pond and hit the UK market — bringing a new kind of protection without the latex.
SKYN condoms are made with SKYNFEEL® - which might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually a ground-breaking polyisoprene material that makes SKYN condoms softer, smoother, and way more natural-feeling than the usual suspects. It’s designed to boost sensation (yes, please) while being completely latex-free - ideal for those with allergies or just high standards. This clever bit of tech is central to SKYN’s mission to Feel Everything. And whether it’s condoms, toys, or lube, every product is crafted with one goal in mind: turning up the feeling without turning down the fun.
Can I use lubricant with vegan condoms?
Yes, you can use lube with vegan condoms. Like many non-vegan variants, vegan condoms are made of natural rubber latex or polyisoprene. Both types of condoms are safe to use with water or silicone-based lubricants.
However, we do advise that you should stay on the safe side and always read the lubricant’s label before using it with any condom. Some lubricants - such as some 2-in-1 massage lubes from Durex - are not safe to use with condoms despite their water-based formulation.
Can I use vegan condoms if I’m allergic to latex?
Vegan condoms come in both latex and non-latex variants, the latter is suitable for those with latex allergies.
Pasante is one of the brands that makes latex-free condoms, and are suitable for people living a vegan lifestyle. Durex and Skyn also produce vegan polyisoprene condoms; however, these brands may test their products on animals – something to consider if you want the condoms to be cruelty-free as well.
Female condoms are often used as an alternative to male condoms by couples that can’t find a suitable latex-free alternative. However, it’s important to note that most female condoms on the market are not vegan.
Where can I buy vegan condoms?
You can buy vegan condoms right here at Condoms.uk. We stock a wide range of vegan and cruelty-free condoms from trusted brands, including Glyde, EXS, Pasante, and Lelo Hex. All condoms in our shop are genuine and sourced directly from brands – search the CE or BSI marks on the condoms you buy from us.
