Sexual Health Birth Control Condoms Print SKYN Non-Latex Condoms By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC twitter linkedin Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial policy Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Updated on November 16, 2019 Skyn More in Birth Control Condoms How to Choose Contraception Using the Pill Over-the-Counter Types of IUDs Hormonal Methods Permanent Methods Prescription Options Emergency Contraception When Birth Control Fails Talking About Birth Control View All Lifestyles SKYN condoms are a brand of non-latex condoms. They are a male birth control method and consist of a flexible sheath that is made with polyisoprene (which is a natural rubber). SKYN condoms are designed to cover the penis during sexual intercourse for contraception or as a means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Lifestyles SKYN condoms are one of only a handful of available brands of non-latex condoms. These polyisoprene condoms were FDA approved in November 2008 for the prevention of pregnancy as well as for sexually transmitted diseases. Why Non-Latex SKYN Condoms Receive Rave Reviews Polyisoprene condoms are one of the more recent condom options on the market. According to Lifestyles, the polyisoprene that is used to make SKYN condoms is created in a laboratory and is specially treated to give it crosslinks — these crosslinks allow the polyisoprene to stretch much more. This special treatment also help the condoms to recover their original shape after being stretched. Compared to polyurethane condoms, SKYN condoms are: SofterMore form fittingA little thickerStretchierMore resistant to breakage And, even more, SKYN condoms cost way less than polyurethane condoms (but they are more expensive than latex condoms). Since they are not made from latex, SKYN condoms are a great alternative if you or your partner have a latex allergy. Even people who can use latex condoms still prefer to buy SKYN condoms because they offer a unique sensation and increased sensitivity. More About Polyisoprene Polyisoprene is a natural rubber and contains many of the same chemical properties as latex. It is a synthetic version of a material derived from the sap of the hevea tree. But the polyisoprene in SKYN condoms does not contain the natural proteins that are usually the cause of people's latex allergies. The molecules in polyisoprene are very different — this is what allows SKYN condoms to give you a natural, soft feeling. SKYN condoms are also manufactured in a separate facility, away from latex condoms, so this lowers the risk of any cross-contamination. How to Use You use SKYN condoms like any other condom. Although SKYN condoms come pre-lubricated, if you prefer, you can safely add extra lubrication. Both water-based lubricants (like Wet Gellee and Astroglide) and silicone-based lubricants can be used with polyisoprene condoms. You should not use oil-based lubricants with SKYN condoms. Options SKYN condoms come in these varieties: OriginalExtra LubricatedIntense Feel (these have raised dots in wave design for maximum female stimulation)Large Effectiveness SKYN condoms are rigorously tested and meet all safety standards. The effectiveness of non-latex SKYN condoms is the same as latex condoms. This means that SKYN condoms are between 82%-98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Out of 100 women whose partners use SKYN condoms, 2 to 18 will become pregnant within one year. Keep in mind that non-latex, SKYN condoms have a shelf-life of about three years for those with spermicide and five years for those without spermicide (but always check the expiration date before use). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Durex Synthetic Polyisoprene Male condom Pre-market Notification 510(k) submission. June 19, 2008. Yah CS, Simate GS, Hlangothi P, Somai BM. Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Ann Afr Med. 2018;17(2):49–57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Male condom use. Updated July 6, 2016. Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K. Condoms: Past, present, and future. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–139. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.167135 Additional Reading Lifestyles. FAQs.