Most Trojan condoms are made of natural rubber latex, but the brand also offers condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lamb intestinal tissue. The material you choose affects comfort, sensitivity, allergy risk, and whether the condom protects against sexually transmitted infections.
Latex: The Standard Material
The majority of Trojan’s product line uses premium natural rubber latex. This includes popular options like the Trojan ENZ, Magnum, Ultra Thin, and BareSkin varieties. Latex is stretchy, strong, and thin enough to allow reasonable sensation while forming a reliable barrier against both sperm and STI-causing pathogens like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Latex does have downsides. Some people experience irritation or allergic reactions to the proteins naturally present in rubber latex. These reactions range from mild itching and redness to more serious symptoms in people with a true latex allergy. Latex condoms are also incompatible with oil-based lubricants, which weaken the material and can cause it to break. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with them.
Polyurethane: Trojan’s Thinnest Non-Latex Option
Trojan’s RAW line uses polyurethane, a synthetic plastic polymer. Because polyurethane contains no natural rubber proteins, it eliminates the risk of latex allergic reactions entirely. The FDA specifically noted this when clearing the material for condom use.
Polyurethane transfers heat more effectively than latex, which is why Trojan markets it as a closer-to-skin feel. The material is also thinner and less elastic than latex, giving it a different fit. Unlike latex, polyurethane is compatible with oil-based lubricants, so you have more flexibility in what you pair it with. It provides protection against both pregnancy and STIs.
Polyisoprene: Latex Feel Without the Allergy
Trojan also produces condoms from polyisoprene, a synthetic version of the same chemical compound found in natural rubber. The key difference is that polyisoprene is manufactured without the plant proteins responsible for latex allergies. The result is a material that stretches and feels similar to latex but is safe for people with latex sensitivities.
Like latex condoms, polyisoprene condoms should only be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Oil-based products can degrade the material. Polyisoprene protects against both pregnancy and STIs.
Lambskin: Natural Membrane With Limitations
Trojan’s NaturaLamb condoms are made from the cecum, a pouch in a lamb’s large intestine. Despite the name, no actual skin is involved. The intestinal membrane is processed and braided tightly enough to block sperm, making it effective for pregnancy prevention.
Here’s the critical limitation: lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs. The membrane contains natural pores roughly 1,500 nanometers wide. Sperm cells are far too large to fit through, but viruses like HIV and hepatitis B are small enough to pass. Even the bacterium that causes syphilis, one of the largest STI-causing organisms, measures between 600 and 1,500 nanometers and can potentially slip through. The CDC advises against using lambskin condoms for STI prevention.
People choose lambskin for the sensation. The natural membrane conducts body heat and feels less like a barrier than synthetic materials. If you’re in a monogamous relationship where both partners know their STI status and your only concern is pregnancy prevention, lambskin is an option. Otherwise, latex or synthetic condoms are the safer choice.
Lubricants and Coatings
The condom shell is only part of the picture. Most Trojan condoms come pre-lubricated, and the lubricant ingredients vary by product. Standard lubricated Trojans typically use a silicone-based coating. Trojan’s personal lubricants contain a mix of ingredients including propylene glycol (a moisture-retaining compound common in personal care products), dimethicone (a type of silicone), and preservatives.
Some specialty varieties include additional coatings. Trojan’s “warm and tingling” products add menthol and vanillyl butyl ether, compounds that create warming and cooling sensations on contact.
Spermicide-Coated Varieties
Several Trojan condoms come coated with a spermicide called nonoxynol-9 at a 7 percent concentration. These include the Ultra Thin Spermicidal, ENZ Armor Spermicidal, and Ultra Ribbed Spermicidal options. The spermicide adds a chemical backup that kills sperm on contact, providing an extra layer of pregnancy prevention beyond the physical barrier.
Spermicide isn’t without tradeoffs. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate vaginal and anal tissue, especially with repeated use. That irritation can actually increase the risk of STI transmission by creating micro-abrasions in the skin. If you’re using condoms primarily for STI protection, or if you’re having sex more than once a day, a non-spermicidal condom is a better fit. Spermicidal condoms are also not recommended for anal sex, where the tissue is more delicate and prone to irritation.
Choosing the Right Material
- No latex allergy, want reliable all-around protection: Standard latex Trojans are the most widely available and tested option.
- Latex allergy, want maximum thinness: Polyurethane (Trojan RAW) transfers heat well and works with any lubricant type.
- Latex allergy, want a latex-like stretch: Polyisoprene offers the closest feel to natural rubber without the allergenic proteins.
- Pregnancy prevention only, prioritizing sensation: NaturaLamb provides a natural feel but offers zero STI protection.
Every Trojan condom, regardless of material, is electronically tested for holes and defects before packaging. The material choice comes down to your body’s sensitivities, what kind of protection you need, and how the condom feels during use.