Sustainable Sex: Make Earth Last Longer
Whether it’s just a hookup, or a long term relationship (or one that somehow became the other), safe sex is incredibly important. Given this, we wanted to talk about another element of “safe sex.” In the heat of the moment, we’re probably not wondering whether magically appearing condoms are ethically sourced. But what we're putting in or on our bodies is no joke. Which is why it's always better to be on top of late-night prep. So then, what are the safest condoms? What is the safest lubricant? Before we get into that, we have to talk a little dirty.
Many conventional condoms sold today are made with nitrosamines, a carcinogen that is a byproduct of latex production. The amount is small, but no amount is actually necessary to produce an effective condom. The vaginal walls are so permeable that any exposure to toxic chemicals should be a big no. In the world of personal lubricants, paraben preservatives are often present, which can potentially interfere with estrogen and other hormone levels in both men and women. Each of our product picks below are free of these chemicals, as well as many other synthetic irritants that are found in most condoms and lube today.
We also believe that when it comes to a carbon footprint, size matters. So when considering our recommendations, we always take a close look at how each company is sourcing ingredients, minimizing manufacturing materials, taking care of employees, packaging their goods, and supporting organizations that help further positive environmental and social change. All 8 of the companies listed below are making safe sex products even safer for you and for the planet.
With that, it’s time to wrap things up. Check out our top picks for condoms, lubricants, and other fun goodies so that you can always come prepared.
Lola:
The Total Package
Lola’s Ultra Thin Lubricated condoms are made and tested by women. This female-founded company uses natural rubber latex for their condoms and 100% locally sourced, medical-grade silicone oil for the lubricant. Their condoms are gynecologist approved and electronically tested for safety. In other words, they’ve “got you covered.” Lola’s Personal Lubricant is a hypoallergenic, water-based natural lube. The bottle scores points for ease of use, as it has a small one-click pump that saves time and spillage. It’s also worth checking out their organic cotton Cleansing Wipes for any unwanted pre or post-sex messes (excluding emotional messes). We are long time Lola fans, and really appreciate their overall aesthetic and product design. We also love that their wrappers, bottles, and boxes are all recyclable and that their sex products are all vegan. You may remember that we featured Lola in our Sustainable Period blog post, which is worth one click as well.
Good Clean Love
Good Clean Love is a female-founded B Corp whose products have enhanced women’s sexual and reproductive health since 2003. They really know how to keep a business clean. Good Clean Love donates 10% of website sales to Change for Women nonprofits. With their Almost Naked Organic Lube, they created the first carbon-neutral personal lubricant by donating to projects that reduce greenhouse gases with every bottle. They also won a PETA award for their mission in reducing animal testing. Who knew that making good clean love could be so good for the environment? We definitely recommend their Almost Naked Personal Lubricant. It’s a water-based lube (as is its Ultra Sensitive counterpart) that’s paraben/petrochemical free, condom compatible, and safe with toys. It is also easy to use and non-sticky. Just a tip, if you’re looking to add a little flavor to your sex life, it has a sweet and subtle lemon and vanilla infusion.
Sustain Natural
The founder of Seventh Generation, Jeffrey Hollender, and his daughter, Meika, teamed up to create the fantastic certified B Corp, Sustain Natural. Sustain condoms are paraben-free, nitrosamine free, and are made with Fair Trade natural latex. Their water-based, organic lubricant contains aloe vera and is a game-changer for women who have experienced irritation with conventional lube before. If you’re a giver, you’ll also appreciate that 10% of their profits go to women’s healthcare organizations.
Maude
We can’t get enough of the artistic design and packaging of Maude’s products. The condoms are in “buttercup” packages, which are easy to open and tell you exactly which way is up. The quality of the condoms is on point as well. These natural condoms are ultra-thin, are made with 100% natural latex, and and contain no harmful chemicals, spermicide, or fragrance. For the times when water somehow makes things less wet, their Shine Silicone Lube is usable underwater and a little can go a long way. Maude also uses sustainable materials and packaging whenever possible. We really liked the ease of their themed bundle concept, including the Essentials Kit, the Weekender Kit, and the Nightcap Kit. And if those start collecting dust, there’s always the Solo Kit.
LELO
If you didn’t know that condom design could win awards, well, now you do. LELO is a Swedish company known for their innovative, luxury sex products. The Hex condom is the result of 7 years of condom technology advancement. They reengineered the condom to be made with a hexagonal pattern, which allows for a new level of thinness while also maintaining, or even increasing, the condom’s strength. Picture it like a honeycomb, but for D’s instead of bees. In addition to innovation and intimacy, LELO achieves the perfect trifecta with their commitment to sustainability. LELO’s dedication to social responsibility throughout their supply chain is admirable, as well as their continued work to reduce materials, energy, and water usage and to minimize CO2 output. Now that’s an award-winning performance.
Uberlube
Uberlube is a great quality silicone-based lubricant made in Chicago. It is cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, with a non-sticky texture that won’t stain bedding or clothing. We thought their sleek and discreet refillable case for the smaller size bottle was a standout, and really liked the design of the larger bottles which are made with recyclable glass and an easily accessible pump on top. Uberlube is a no-frills lubricant with only four ingredients that are all safe for your body. This is definitely the kind of Uber experience we can get behind. 5 stars.
Lovability
Lovability doesn’t mess around, even about messing around. They stand up for sexual empowerment, strength, and confidence. It’s written all over their products. Literally, you can choose from a range of empowering messages to have written on your sustainable condom travel tin. But it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? Inside, you’ll find a 100% natural vegan latex condom with a silicone oil lubricant, sitting in a convenient buttercup style package. They also have an impressive Organic Aloe Vera Lube. If you want a little of everything, a bundle might be for you. Either way, Lovability will make a donation to Planned Parenthood with every purchase.
Glyde
Last but not least, Glyde is the female-owned B Corp out of Australia that developed the first certified non-toxic, ethical, and fair-trade condom. Glyde is also the only company we’re featuring with flavored condoms (cola, anyone?), and features a range of 4 different sizes. Made with high-quality natural latex, and manufactured using the minimum amount of material for maximum strength, Glyde’s condoms pair well with their water-based premium lubricant to optimize comfort in the land down under.