There are three non-latex condom materials on the U.S. market: polyisoprene (synthetic rubber without latex proteins), polyurethane (a plastic film), and lambskin (natural sheep cecum). All three avoid latex, but they are not interchangeable. Polyisoprene and polyurethane protect against both pregnancy and STIs. Lambskin protects against pregnancy only because its natural pores allow viruses through. This guide walks through how each material is made, how it feels, what it protects against, and which one to choose for your situation.

At a Glance

• Polyisoprene: synthetic, latex-allergen-free, soft and stretchy feel, protects against pregnancy and STIs. Compatible with water and (usually) silicone lube.
• Polyurethane: thin plastic film, excellent heat transfer, slightly less stretchy, protects against pregnancy and STIs. Compatible with all lube types including oil.
• Lambskin: natural membrane, very thin, biodegradable, protects against pregnancy only. Compatible with all lube types.

Polyisoprene in Detail

Polyisoprene is a synthetic version of natural rubber. Chemically, it is the same polymer as latex, but it is synthesized in a lab rather than harvested from rubber trees, so it does not contain the natural rubber proteins that cause latex allergies. It feels noticeably softer than latex and has slightly more stretch, which translates to a more skin-like feel during use.

Pros

• No latex allergens.
• Soft, supple feel that many users describe as a meaningful upgrade over latex.
• Stretches similarly to latex, so fit forgiveness is good.
• Full STI and pregnancy protection.

Cons

• Costs about 30 to 60 percent more per condom than latex.
• Some lines require water-based lube only (check the package).
• Not compatible with oil-based lube.

Best for

Anyone with a latex allergy, anyone who wants a softer feel than latex, and couples willing to pay a small premium for a noticeable feel difference. LifeStyles SKYN is the dominant brand, with options like LifeStyles SKYN Elite for sensitivity, LifeStyles SKYN Large 12-pack for larger fits, and LifeStyles SKYN Large 3-pack for samplers.

Polyurethane in Detail

Polyurethane is a plastic film, thinner than latex (about 0.04 mm versus 0.07 mm), and transfers heat very efficiently. It feels different from latex: slicker, less stretchy, more like a thin plastic sleeve. The heat transfer is the main selling point. Many users describe polyurethane as feeling "more present" because warmth crosses the material more readily.

Pros

• No latex allergens.
• Thinner than latex.
• Excellent heat conductivity.
• Compatible with all lube types, including oil-based.
• Can be used by anyone with an allergy to both latex and polyisoprene.
• Full STI and pregnancy protection.

Cons

• Less stretchy than latex, so correct sizing is critical.
• Slightly higher slippage and breakage rates in some studies.
• Slicker feel may take adjustment.
• Fewer brand and style options than latex or polyisoprene.
• Costs about 30 to 60 percent more than latex.

Best for

Users with a confirmed latex allergy who also need oil-based lube compatibility, or users who specifically want the thinner-and-more-heat feel. The main current brand is Trojan Supra Bareskin.

Lambskin in Detail

Lambskin condoms (technically lamb cecum) are the oldest condom material still in use, predating latex by centuries. The membrane is extremely thin, transfers heat almost perfectly, and feels closer to no condom than any other option. The catch is biological: lambskin has microscopic pores that are smaller than sperm cells (so pregnancy prevention works) but larger than viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and HPV. Lambskin does not block STIs.

Pros

• Natural material, biodegradable.
• Very thin and warm-feeling.
• Compatible with all lube types.
• Suitable for users with both latex and polyisoprene allergies.

Cons

• Does not protect against STIs.
• Most expensive material, often double or triple the cost of latex.
• Distinct smell that some users dislike.
• Not suitable for vegan users (animal product).

Best for

Monogamous couples in a long-term relationship who have tested negative for STIs together and are using condoms exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The main brand is Trojan Naturalamb. We do not currently stock lambskin at Condom USA.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

For quick reference:

• Allergen-free: All three.
• STI protection: Polyisoprene and polyurethane yes. Lambskin no.
• Pregnancy protection: All three.
• Oil-lube compatible: Polyurethane and lambskin yes. Polyisoprene no.
• Thinness: Polyurethane is thinnest, then lambskin, then polyisoprene.
• Stretchiness: Polyisoprene closest to latex. Polyurethane least stretchy.
• Heat transfer: Lambskin best, polyurethane next, polyisoprene third.
• Cost: Polyisoprene moderate, polyurethane moderate, lambskin highest.

Choosing the Right One for You

Three quick decision paths:

• You have a latex allergy and want STI protection: polyisoprene first (LifeStyles SKYN Elite or LifeStyles SKYN Large 3-pack), polyurethane if polyisoprene does not work.
• You want oil-lube compatibility for any reason: polyurethane.
• You are in a tested monogamous relationship, no STI concern, want maximum sensation: lambskin (understanding the STI tradeoff).

Frequently Asked Questions

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