The beauty of going vegan is becoming more conscious about all aspects of your lifestyle – not just your diet. However, one that is often overlooked is the products we use to maintain our sexual health and wellness.
Intimacy products are not always suitable for vegans. But if it’s something that has never crossed your mind before, we’re here to show you that passion can be compassionate if you switch to products registered with the Vegan Trademark.
Condoms – staying safe and healthy
Whatever your sexual preference, condoms are essential because let’s face it, unwanted pregnancies and STDs are no fun. However, most condoms are made from latex, the processing of which often uses casein – a milk derivative used to smooth the surface of the latex. They would also need to be tested for safety and these tests are commonly carried out on animals.
Thankfully though, there are a great range of vegan condoms registered with the Vegan Trademark:
My Bliss condoms are created from Vegan Trademark certified and biodegradable natural rubber latex. Stylish, discreet, and made with PH-friendly ingredients to prevent irritation and infection, these are a great option when you’re looking for vegan sexual health and wellness products. Shop Online
Glyde’s products, including their premium vegan condoms, have been verified by us since 2006! Find out where to buy them near you or head to Amazon.
Fair Squared go even further than ensuring their products are kind to animals. Not only are their condoms animal-free, but Fair Squared make fairness a priority, from fair trading conditions to environmental responsibility. Shop their condoms online.
Hanx vegan condoms have been designed with the female experience in mind by best friends Farah Kabir and Dr Sarah Welsh. They’re made with natural, fair trade latex which biodegrades in your compost so you can reduce your impact on the planet in more ways than one – keeping the global population down and repurposing your waste! Get your sustainable Hanx condoms via their website and at high street retailers including Sainsbury's, Boots and Superdrug.
EXS Condoms have been supplying the NHS for nearly 30 years and launched into retail in 2019. With a range to choose from, EXS has a condom for everyone. Their Vegan Trademark certified options include Snug Fit, Nano Thin, Regular, Magnum, Extra Safe, Mixed Flavours, Black Latex, and Ribbed, Dotted & Flared. Shop them online.
What about prescribed contraception?
Medication is routinely tested on animals and may also contain animal derivatives. At The Vegan Society, we understand that we live in a non-vegan world. It is unfortunately not always possible or practicable to get a vegan alternative – especially when it comes to medication, including hormone-based contraceptives like the pill. Looking after yourself by using the option that is best for you enables you to be an effective advocate for veganism.
Lubricants
Lubricants play a great role in sexual pleasure and comfort, but they can contain multiple ingredients rendering them unsuitable for vegans. A common active ingredient is glycerine which can be animal-derived. Lubricants are also exposed to safety tests which unfortunately use a range of micro-organisms, cells, and molecules commonly sourced from animals. But thanks to intimate care brands like the ones below, there are vegan lubricants that are free from the discomfort, and the cruelty.
- Aloe Vera Lube from Vibio
- Green Tea Lube & Massage Gel from Fair Squared
- Universal Lubricant from Hanx
- Lube from Lunette
Intimate Toys
A first for the Vegan Trademark, Vibio has launched a range of sleek, app-controlled, intimate toys that are vegan and for all bodies!
Vibio is an independent, women and queer-owned startup with a mission to make sex exploration fun, empowering and inclusive. Co-founders Alma and Patri are curating a community of empowered and sex-positive individuals with their products and app that provides expert guides, stories, weekly challenges and inclusive community space.
Explore their app and range of toys and lubricants on their website - all are certified vegan, unlike their counterparts which can contain animal derivatives or have been tested on animals.
By Vegan Society Brand Marketing Officer, Nishat Rahman.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
