Are condoms vegan? The short answer is no, not usually. But don’t worry, there are vegan condoms on the market!
While most condoms are not vegan, you don’t have to sacrifice safety for pleasure. And you can enjoy yourself and your partner, or partners, knowing animal products have nothing to do with your sexual health products.
In addition to being vegan, there are other reasons to opt for vegan condoms, including health, sustainability, and avoiding the ick factor.
So, let’s dive in and talk about vegan condoms!
Are Condoms Vegan?
Are you ready to be grossed out? The original condoms were made with the intestines of lambs and pigskin. In fact, some brands still are.
Thankfully things have changed for the most part. The majority of condoms are made from latex now, but the production process for your standard condom still includes animal products.
Condom companies used casein, a protein found in dairy, to create a smooth, thin “rubber”. Latex is soaked in a bath of the stuff to soften the latex and make it flexible.
So, even though latex is a plant-based product, the casein used by some of the biggest condom manufacturers mean they are not vegan.
What are Vegan Condoms?
Vegan condoms are often made from polyurethane, a thin and clear plastic and contain no odor, and polyisoprene, a natural rubber.
Some vegan condoms are also made from latex, just without the whole milk bath thing described above.
Condoms, like cosmetics, can be marked as vegan if they do not contain animal products. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t tested on animals. More on that aspect below.
Why Should You Use Vegan Condoms?
Obviously, if you’re vegan you do not use products that contain animal products.
Additionally, condoms made from animal products can have added health risks, some people are allergic to latex condoms, and many condoms include harsh chemicals and irritants.
Plus, vegan condoms can be better for the environment. That’s because they often have a lower carbon footprint since they aren’t produced with animal products. Additionally, the manufacturers of vegan condoms are often times more focused on making and using recycled and recyclable packaging.
So, vegan condoms aren’t just for vegans. They can be a great option for everyone!
When considering what condoms to buy, here is what you should think about, and why.
Sustainability & Condom Production
Although condoms aren’t necessarily eco-friendly they are essential for having safe sex. In your search for a trusted brand look for companies that support and are transparent in their sustainability efforts in manufacturing and materials used.
There are more vegan condom companies that go the extra mile in their environmental practices than standard condom companies.
Cruelty-Free Condoms
If you’ve been vegan for a while, you won’t be too surprised by this. Most condoms are not cruelty free, and many brands have been tested on animals because they are classified as medical devices. FDA approval of medical devices usually includes animal testing, unfortunately.
Luckily, the FDA has started to grant some exceptions. That said, every “authority” on veganism (PETA, The Vegan Society, The Vegan Awareness Foundation) recognizes that veganism is not always practicable, especially when it comes to health and safety.
So, in the case of vegan condoms, it may not always be possible to obtain and use condoms that were never test on animals. Do the best you can.
Harsh Chemicals and Irritants Found in Condoms
There are a lot of chemicals involved when it comes to condom production.
According to Very Well Health they include:
- Nonoxynol-9 – a spermicide used to kill sperm and STD- pathogens. However over time with continued use can cause irritation to the vaginal and rectal wall.
- Benzocaine – an anesthetic and numbing agent used to reduce stimulation and delay male climax. Yet, in turn, it can cause contact dermatitis and potentially disrupt one’s hormones.
- Nitrosamine – a chemical compound that can lead to tumor growth if ingested. This can also be very harmful to the stomach and has been linked to colon cancer.
- Parabens – a chemical preservative that has been found to mimic estrogen. It can cause disruption and imbalance of estrogen levels in the body. Breast cancer has been shown to have higher concentrations of parabens in the tissue which led to the suggestion of decreasing exposure to parabens.
Flavored condoms can also be problematic. Since these condoms are often misused (for everything other than oral sex) they can cause vaginal irritation and lead to dryness and yeast infections.
Vegan Condoms Effectiveness
You’re probably wondering, are vegan condoms effective? It’s a question a lot of people have, and it’s a valid one.
No need to worry though! Vegan condoms, like non-vegan condoms, are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and STD’s when used correctly.
So there is nothing to worry about. If you want to have safe sex as a vegan, then vegan condoms are the way to go!
If you want to double check, visit the manufacture website for more information.
12 Vegan Condom Brands
- Lola Ultra Thin
- SKYN
- GLYDE
- Lovability
- Black Latex, b Condoms
- Maude
- Royal Premium Condoms
- ONE
- LELO HEX Condoms
- Sustain
- Sir Richards Ultra Thin Condoms
- Kimono MicroThin Condoms
As discussed above, many condom companies test, or have tested on animals in the past due to FDA requirements.
So, in the description below of each vegan condom, I I’ve noted which brands are vegan (in this case, meaning they do not include animal ingredients) and which are cruelty-free (meaning they don’t test on animals).
Obviously, all of the brands listed in this article are vegan.
Check out more vegan condoms here.
1. Lola Ultra Thin Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – They have tested on animals in the past due to FDA requirements. Read more here on why.
Lola‘s branding, packaging, and products are simple and beautiful. This vegan condom brand uses just three ingredients to make their ultra thin condoms. Natural rubber, cornstarch, and silicone oil. That’s all!
Even more beautiful, this brand does NOT use parabens, glycerin, gluten, nitrosamines, and synthetic flavors. So, their condoms are totally vegan and gluten-free!
Lola is a woman-owned company, and their products are electronically tested, FDA 510(K) cleared, and approved by gynecologists. In addition, their mission is to give back, lift up, and create awareness for reproductive inequity.
Plus, Lola doesn’t just make vegan condoms. They have a whole range of period, vaginal health, and sex products.
What’s not to love about Lola?
2. SKYN Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – Currently they do not test their products on animals. See note below*
SKYN vegan condoms are non-latex. So, they’re perfect for anyone who has a latex allergy or sensitive skin.
These condoms are made from polyisoprene, and are thin enough to feel like skin, naturally. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, lubrication options, and features. You can even buy a variety pack in case you have multiple partners or want to try different types of condoms.
SKYN doesn’t just make fantastic vegan condoms, they also focus on sex pleasuring empowerment and education.
Their blog has a whole host of information on various topics centered around sexuality. They tackle things like stealthing, period sex, consent, virginity construct, the censorship of female pleasure, trans sex, and more.
*Note: All LifeStyles and SKYN condoms for sale and available to the public are produced entirely cruelty free.
Because of biocompatibility testing needed in the research stage at the beginning of development of new condom design, animal testing is required.
3. GLYDE Premium Ethical & Vegan Condoms
- Vegan Condoms– YES
- Cruelty-free – Yes
GLYDE is the first and only condom brand certified by the Vegan Society. It’s also the first certified non-toxic, ethical and fair-trade condom on the market.
GLYDE offers ethical and fair trade vegan condoms that are locally sourced using natural rubber! This is a a woman owned company that does not use talc, parabens, glycerin, or other harmful chemicals in their condoms.
These are also some of the most readily available vegan condoms on the market. Plus, they come in a huge range of interesting flavors: from cherry cola to grapefruit, and even strawberry cheesecake!
GLYDE is also one of the few condom companies that do not test on animals or use animal by-products. Not to mention; their packaging is super stylish and comes in bags instead of boxes.
They’re also a certified B Corp company that donates condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS. Pretty impressive right?
What is really cool about GLYDE is their focus on fit, which is uber important to prevent STD transmission and unwanted pregnancy.
Despite the fact that many men are sensitive about the size of their penises there is no shame in opting for a slim fit condom. GLYDE even offers sample packs with different sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
Plus, since sex toys come in all sizes we need a variety of options and GLYDE is offering them.
4. Lovability Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – Not currently, but did in the past due to FDA requirements. Read more here.
Taking control of one’s sexual pleasure has never felt so good. Just go read the reviews, or purchase Lovability’s latex, cruelty-free, vegan condoms, and see for yourself!
In addition to being a vegan company, Lovability prides itself on being #bodysafe, and their condoms are perfect for sensitive skin and ph, do not contain dyes, fragrances, nitrosamines, PEG’s, parabens, benzocaine, or gluten.
Let’s not forget the extra love being focused on the environment with their “world-class” eco-friendly, FDA-approved rubber sourced from Malaysia. Plus, their “triple tested” process to ensure protection and peace of mind.
Many thanks for all of the love from Lovability.
5. Black Latex, b Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – YES
The black owned company b Condoms’ main mission is to speak up and fight against the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancy in the black community.
This company is fighting for social justice while also delivering a high-quality condom that is ethical, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals. Plus, their condoms come in a variety of sizes, textures, thicknesses, and lubrication options.
Please visit the site to learn how your support and purchase enhances more than just your sex life and pleasure. “B Condoms” creates an impact felt not only in the black community but also saves the lives of animals in the process.
6. Maude Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – unknown
Another simple and sleek design for the win!
Not only are Maude condoms vegan but they’re also free of harsh chemicals, FDA-approved, and made from natural latex. The packaging is also recyclable (and beautiful)!!!
Condoms aren’t exactly eco-friendly, but when the materials are ethically sourced and the packaging is recyclable it’s combining the best of both worlds! Who can say no to this?
Also, Maude vegan condoms come in easy to open buttercup packaging. Cause, you know…nothing kills the mood more than not being able to get the condom wrapper open!
In addition to vegan condoms, Maude also makes high-end bathand personal care products, and vibrators.
7. Royal Premium Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – unknown
Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten free, organic. What more could you want? Oh, Royal Premium Condoms are also made with sustainably sourced natural latex rubber.
30% thinner, these ultra thin condoms don’t have any harsh chemicals. Plus their condoms are lubricated but don’t include spermicides or fragrances. Of course, they’re also electronically tested and FDA-approved.
8. ONE Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – unknown
ONE condoms are vegan and made from natural rubber latex. They’re also GMO free, and do not contain any parabens, gluten, spermicide, fragrances, or glycerin.
They’re also triple tested for safety, and soft for your pleasure.
ONE condoms come in a variety or sizes, textures, thicknesses, flavors, and features. Plus, their packaging is super fun and vibrant.
The great thing about ONE condoms is they can be purchased at Walgreens, CVS and a host of other easy to find stores around the United States.
9. LELO HEX Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – YES
Honey may not be vegan, but these honeycomb inspired condoms are!
HEX Condoms has revolutionized the way condoms are made. They used a hexagonal structure to create a stronger, thinner condom. Plus, the design helps prevent slippage!
They’re made with natural rubber latex and are lightly lubricated with silicone oil. They don’t include spermicides, and are paraben, nonoxynal-9, glycerine, benzocaine, lidocaine, casein, and nitrosamine free.
10. Sustain Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – YES
“Shame-free products for periods & sex, made with your body in mind.” This is Sustain’s motto.
This company makes a variety of body and sexual wellness products, including vegan condoms. They’re fair-trade, nitrosamine-free, and include organic, aloe enriched, and water based lube.
Unlike most condoms, Sustain’s are made with vaginas in mind. They’re lubricated inside and out, and come in four different options.
11. Sir Richards Ultra Thin Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – unknown, but they are PETA approved
The Sir Richards brand has created a vegan condom. Their Ultra Thin Condom is not only vegan but it’s also PETA approved!
The good thing about Sir Richards, aside from making you feel like you have a little touch of British flavor on your nightstand, is that they are sold at Walmart. So, they’re readily available!
12. Kimono MicroThin Condoms
- Vegan Condoms – YES
- Cruelty-free – unknown
Kimono condoms are produced with Japanese technology and are one of the thinnest condoms on the market.
These MicroThin vegan condoms are tested five times for strength and reliability, which is way more than is required in the United States.
They’re made with premium natural latex, and do not contain spermicides, animal products, parabins, or glycerine. Plus, they’ve been around for 30 years, so you know they’re good!
So, Are Condoms Vegan?
To sum up, most condoms are not vegan. But you can see that there are plenty of vegan condom options on the market.
Which vegan condom will it be for you?
If you haven’t found a brand you’re loyal to yet, just give each a go. No matter what, you can’t go wrong. The beauty of every single brand listed here is that it is vegan, and aspires to be ethical and compassionate.