Ever wondered what ingredients are in a condom? We look at ingredient labels for things we ingest or put in our bodies, so why not condoms? We know that for latex condoms, the main ingredient is rubber and we know there’s lubricant, but is that it? Unfortunately, not. Most condoms have added chemicals to help prolong the moment and/or the life of the condom itself. So what are those chemicals?
Parabens
Parabens are chemical preservatives that are commonly found in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. They help prevent bacterial and fungal growth. There has been controversy behind the use of parabens as preservatives due to its health considerations. In a 2004 study, the American Cancer Society found parabens in the breast tissue of mastectomy patients. Parabens were also found to cause estrogen disruption. Whilst it’s been deemed safe at low exposure levels, and most products stay well within the safe limits, it’s not known what the cumulative effect is from the use of multiple paraben products.
Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic to produces a numbing sensation to, you guessed it, help prolong things and delay his climax. This works both ways, benzocaine also numbs her, which means she doesn’t feel much down there, and it’s not because of the size of your member.
Lidocaine
Like benzocaine, lidocaine acts as a numbing agent. Some condoms use lidocaine instead of benzocaine because it’s more water-soluble allowing it to absorb faster and deeper, and it also tends to last longer (pun intended).
Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9 is a common spermicide used in condoms. It’s designed to kill the little swimmers. That’s great if you’re trying to protect against unwanted pregnancies. So what’s the downside? It also destroys the good cells on the vaginal wall, increasing the likelihood of catching an STI/D and a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the future. Not good for her at all!
Nitrosamines
Nitrosamines are a by-product from latex production. They have been found to be carcinogenic and cause tumour growths. They’re commonly found in processed foods and like parabens, have been deemed safe in tiny quantities. However, the cumulative effect of it can be very harmful. The World Health Organisation have asked condom manufacturers to remove nitrosamines from their manufacturing process as it serves no purpose in the contraceptive purposes of condoms.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol derived from animal products, plants or petroleum. It acts as a moisturiser and is a common lubricant found in latex condoms. It's a clear, colorless, odorless and syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Glycerin is used as a lubricant in latex condoms because they are water-based which makes them easy to wash off and they won’t damage the structure of the latex. Whilst not harmful per se, you don’t want glycerine left in the vagina too long as they can transform into sugar, which increases the risk of a yeast infection.
Casein
Casein is a by-product of milk and is used to make condoms smooth. Whilst not necessary a nasty chemical per se, if you have a dairy allergy or are vegan, condoms with casein are a no-go for you.
So, what’s in a Sokkie?
Well, the good news is, Sokkie condoms do not contain any of the chemicals listed above.
It’s made of just 3 ingredients:
- Natural latex (80%) - it’s a latex condom after all.
- Silicone oil (18%) - as a hypoallergenic lubricant.
- Cornstarch (2%) - as a dusting powder, which helps to keep the latex from sticking to itself and makes it easier to unroll.
That is it.
Without any chemicals interfering, Sokkie condoms feel better, and at the same time, it’s also better for you, her/him, everyone. And not to mention, it’s also vegan-friendly and non-toxic. Win, win, win!
Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!
Author: James Mitchell
James is a writer for Sokkie. Loves footy and the telly. Can't afford to buy a house in Sydney because #avotoast.
Photo: Deagreez on Getty Images
