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SKYN vs Durex lubricants: condom brands, lube lines

SKYN vs Durex lube compared: water-based and silicone options, condom compatibility rules and what older lab tests measured on Durex gels.

Updated October 2026 · 4 min read

In short
  • Both are condom makers whose lubricants are listed as compatible with latex and non-latex condoms.
  • SKYN offers a long-lasting water-based gel, a hyaluronic acid gel and a silicone, with fragrance- and paraben-free claims.
  • Durex leans on 2-in-1 massage and lubricant gels, a single-ingredient silicone and flavored options.
  • Two Durex Play gels measured about 1,330 to 1,370 mOsm/kg in older lab tests, close to but above the WHO's 1,200 limit.

SKYN vs Durex is a natural question, because it makes sense to buy lube from the same company as your condoms, since compatibility is the number one worry. SKYN is known for its non-latex condoms, and Durex is one of the largest condom brands in the world. Both sell lubricants too.

This page covers only the lubricants, not the condoms. We compare water-based and silicone options, the compatibility statements and, where the research has data, the lab numbers. Everything about each product comes from its listing.

SKYN Naturally Endless Water-Based Lube, 4 oz

SKYN Naturally Endless Water-Based Lube, 4 oz

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VS
Durex Aloe Vera Water Based, 6.76 oz

Durex Aloe Vera Water Based, 6.76 oz

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SKYN vs Durex: water-based lubes side by side

FeatureSKYN Naturally EndlessDurex Aloe Water-Based
Base✓ Water-based✓ Water-based with aloe
Latex condoms✓ Yes✓ Natural rubber latex
Non-latex condoms✓ Latex-free condoms✓ Polyisoprene
Toys and devices✓ Massagers and vibrators✓ Durex sex toys
Fragrance and parabens✓ Fragrance- and paraben-free~ Aloe; parabens not stated
Anal useNot stated✓ Labelled for anal use
Staying power✓ "Long-lasting like silicone" (label)~ Not stated
Extras99% naturally derived ingredients2-in-1 massage and lube gel

Source: Maker listings

SKYN: three formulas

SKYN's lube line mirrors its brand: simple, modern and condom-friendly. Naturally Endless is the water-based gel that its maker says lasts like silicone while staying non-sticky and easy to wash off. HydrAcomfort adds hyaluronic acid for moisturization and is listed as universal condom and toy compatible. All Night Long is a silicone formula, preservative-free and fragrance-free, compatible with polyisoprene, latex and polyurethane condoms.

The line also includes a stimulating gel. Check condom, toy and fragrance statements product by product, because the stimulating gels are a different kind of formula. Hyaluronic acid has support from a 2026 meta-analysis of 11 trials in vaginal moisturizers, but that research is on regular moisturizers, not lubricant gels, so do not expect a lubricant to do a moisturizer's job. See dryness & menopause if that is your goal.

Durex: massage, silicone and flavors

Durex's lubes tend to be playful. The aloe gel is a 2-in-1 massage and lubricant product for vaginal, penile and anal use, compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms and with Durex toys. The silicone is a single-ingredient dimethicone formula in a TSA-friendly 3.38 oz bottle, compatible with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms. Other options include cherry and ylang ylang gels and an Intensify gel with guarana.

If you want flavor or a massage gel in the same bottle, Durex has more variety. If you want a clean, minimal formula to match non-latex condoms, SKYN is the more focused choice. Browse warming and flavored lubes for both.

What older lab tests measured

Two Durex Play gels appear in the WHO Annex 1 data from Begay et al. (2011): Play Soothing at 1,373 mOsm/kg (pH 4.2) and Play More at 1,332 (pH 4.49). Both sit slightly above the WHO's interim limit of 1,200, and far below many classic gels, but well above the 380 ideal. We found no osmolality figures for SKYN.

These are older Play formulations, not the current aloe gel or silicone, so use them as history. The WHO note says most commercial lubricants measure 2,000 to 6,000, so those Durex gels were on the gentler side of the pack at the time. A silicone has no water phase, so osmolality does not apply.

Durex Play gels in WHO Annex 1

mOsm/kg, formulations tested around 2010

Durex Play More 1,332Durex Play Soothing 1,373K-Y Jelly 2,00703,000
WHO ideal: 0–380acceptable: 380–1200high: 1200–3000
Source: WHO 2012 Annex 1, Begay et al. 2011

Condoms and lube: the real rules

Both brands market to people who use condoms, so the basics matter. Water, glycol and silicone lubricants are compatible with latex, while oils are not. Polyisoprene is as sensitive to oil as latex, and polyurethane is more forgiving. With added lubricant, the WHO note cites anal-sex condom breakage of 3% with water-based lube against 21.4% with none. Our condom guide explains this.

3%condom breakage with added water-based lube in anal sexWHO 2012 note citing Golombok 2001
21.4%breakage with no added lubricantWHO 2012 note citing Golombok 2001
Match the packSilicone lube is fine with SKYN and Durex condoms by the makers' listings, but never combine silicone lube with silicone toys.

Products to try

ProductBaseCondom-safeToy-safeGlycerin-freeBest for
SKYN Naturally EndlessWater✓ Latex and latex-free✓ DevicesNot statedLong-lasting water-based
SKYN All Night LongSilicone✓ Latex, polyisoprene, polyurethaneNot statedNot statedLong sessions
Durex Aloe Water-BasedAloe, water✓ Latex, polyisoprene✓ Durex toysNot statedMassage and lube
Durex SiliconeSilicone✓ Latex, polyisoprene, polyurethaneNot statedNot statedTravel, single ingredient

Source: Maker listings

VerdictChoose SKYN if you use non-latex condoms and want a fragrance-free, long-lasting water-based gel or a hyaluronic acid option. Choose Durex if you want a 2-in-1 massage and lube gel, flavored options or a single-ingredient travel silicone. For persistent dryness, use a vaginal moisturizer and talk to a clinician. Compare other bases in water-based vs silicone. Water-based gels from both are listed as condom-safe and device-friendly, and they are the easier clean-up; if you have sensitive skin, look to the fragrance-free listings.

Questions

Do SKYN and Durex lubes work with their own condoms?

The listings say compatible with latex and non-latex condoms. Always read the specific product page for polyurethane.

Is Durex silicone lube safe for anal use?

The listing says it is intended for vaginal, penile and anal application.

Does SKYN make a silicone lube?

Yes, SKYN All Night Long, described as preservative-free and fragrance-free.

Are SKYN lubes fragrance-free?

The Naturally Endless and All Night Long listings say fragrance-free.

Can I use these with silicone toys?

Water-based versions are listed as compatible with devices. Silicone versions should not be used with silicone toys.

SKYN vs Durex: which lube is better?

SKYN suits non-latex condom users who want a fragrance-free, long-lasting water-based gel, while Durex offers 2-in-1 massage gels, flavors and a single-ingredient silicone. Check the label of each product.

Sources

  1. WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 advisory note on lubricants, 2012 (Annex 1)
  2. Dahab et al. 2026, hyaluronic acid meta-analysis