SKYN condoms are made of polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber created in a laboratory. Chemically, polyisoprene is the same type of rubber as natural latex and shares its physical properties, including stretch, strength, and flexibility. The critical difference is that synthetic polyisoprene does not contain the natural proteins found in rubber tree latex, which are the triggers behind latex allergies.
Polyisoprene vs. Natural Latex
Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees. During harvesting and processing, proteins from the tree remain embedded in the material. These proteins are what cause allergic reactions in roughly 1-6% of the general population, ranging from skin irritation to more serious responses. Polyisoprene sidesteps this entirely because it’s built from scratch in a controlled setting, producing a material that behaves like latex without carrying any of those biological proteins.
The feel is nearly identical. Polyisoprene stretches, fits, and transmits sensation in much the same way latex does, which is why SKYN condoms gained popularity quickly after launch. Older non-latex alternatives like polyurethane and lambskin each had notable tradeoffs: polyurethane feels stiffer and doesn’t stretch as well, while lambskin doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. Polyisoprene solved both problems.
How SKYNFEEL Technology Works
Beyond the base material, SKYN uses a proprietary process called SKYNFEEL Technology to refine how the polyisoprene performs. The goal is to make the material thinner and softer than a standard condom while keeping it strong. SKYN Elite condoms, the thinnest in the lineup, measure just 0.04mm thick, roughly 20% thinner than a regular condom. That thinness is what creates the “skin-to-skin” sensation the brand markets.
The manufacturing process also incorporates a form-fitting design that responds to body heat, allowing the condom to conform more closely during use rather than staying rigid. Lighter ingredient formulations help the material maintain elasticity even when stretched significantly, which reduces the feeling of tightness or restriction that some people associate with condoms.
What’s Not in SKYN Condoms
SKYN condoms contain no natural rubber latex. The manufacturer produces them in a completely separate facility from its latex-based brands to prevent any cross-contamination during production. This separation matters because even trace amounts of latex protein can trigger a reaction in someone with a true latex allergy.
SKYN condoms also do not contain spermicide. Some condom brands include nonoxynol-9, a spermicidal agent that can cause irritation for both partners, particularly with frequent use. SKYN leaves it out across its product line.
Lubricant on SKYN Condoms
All SKYN condoms come pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant applied to the outside surface. Silicone lubricant is longer-lasting than water-based alternatives and doesn’t get sticky or dry out as quickly. If you want to add extra lubrication, both water-based and silicone-based lubricants are compatible with polyisoprene. Oil-based lubricants (coconut oil, petroleum jelly, body lotion) will degrade polyisoprene just as they degrade latex, so those should be avoided.
Regulatory Testing and Standards
Because polyisoprene is a newer condom material, it falls under a specific international standard: ISO 23409, which covers male condoms made from synthetic (non-latex) materials. FDA clearance documents confirm that SKYN condoms are tested against this standard for burst strength, tensile properties, and dimensions. They go through the same rigor as latex condoms but under testing protocols designed for synthetic materials, which behave slightly differently under stress.
Polyisoprene condoms, including SKYN, provide equivalent protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections when used correctly. The synthetic material forms a continuous barrier with no pores large enough for viruses or sperm to pass through, unlike lambskin condoms, which have microscopic openings that block sperm but not pathogens.
SKYN Product Variants
All SKYN products share the same polyisoprene base. The differences between models come down to thickness, shape, texture, and lubrication level:
- SKYN Original: Standard thickness polyisoprene with a straight-wall shape and standard lubrication.
- SKYN Elite: 0.04mm thin polyisoprene for maximum sensation, using the same material in a thinner profile.
- SKYN Extra Lubricated: Same polyisoprene material with a heavier coating of silicone-based lubricant.
- SKYN Large: Wider fit using the same base material, designed for people who find standard sizing too tight.
The core material and manufacturing process remain consistent across the lineup. You’re choosing fit, thickness, and lubrication preferences rather than different materials.