Condoms & lubricants

Condoms and lubricants cleared by the FDA, with every material and ingredient named.

How we rank condoms & lubricants

  • Ingredients & materials 40%
  • Protection 15%
  • Independent testing 20%
  • Trust 10%
  • Value 15%
Why, and what each one means

Condoms are FDA-regulated devices, so we start with the clearance and the standard it cites, then with what is in the lubricant. Latex has the strongest STI evidence, and CDC (opens in a new tab) says other materials are less studied. For lubricants, WHO advises an osmolality of 380 mOsm/kg or less, and a 2012 lab study (opens in a new tab) found hyperosmolar gels damaged tissue. We mark down unnamed fragrance or flavor and missing ingredient lists.

Ingredients & materials 40%
Few, named ingredients: no spermicide (nonoxynol-9), parabens, fragrance, flavors or warming agents. For condoms, the material and lubricant are named.
Protection 15%
FDA-cleared for pregnancy and STI prevention for condoms; lubricants that are condom-safe and close to the body’s own pH and osmolality.
Independent testing 20%
Highest when someone the maker does not pay (a consumer group, journalist, university or regulator) has tested it for the contaminants that matter here and published clean results. A certification the maker pays for, or the maker’s own lab reports, count for less, and claims with nothing published count for little.
Trust 10%
Highest when the maker names everything, answers questions, and has no recalls, warning letters, Prop 65 notices or lawsuits over safety or labeling. Points come off for unresolved problems and for paid promoters it does not disclose.
Value 15%
Price per condom or per ounce against the others here that pass.

Each product scores every one from 1 to 5, and its rating is the weighted average. We list only products rated 3 or above that break none of our rules.

  • Nonoxynol-9 spermicide, which irritates tissue and can raise HIV risk with frequent use. Some brands sell spermicide and spermicide-free versions under one name.
  • Lambskin condoms used for STI protection. Viruses can pass through them.
  • Oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, which weaken the latex.
  • Novelty condoms that are not cleared to prevent pregnancy or STIs.

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