What is casein? Casein is a milk protein, a highly profitable byproduct of dairy farming. This milk comes from cows and sometimes, goats. When milk is soured, the curds and whey are separated. Casein can be found in the curds. Casein is a milk protein and a by-product of the dairy industry. It can lead to allergies and has a sour smell.
Condoms often contain animal-derived ingredients, making them not vegan-friendly. The most widely used animal ingredient in condoms is casein, which is a protein found in milk. Casein is used by some brands to make latex smoother and more comfortable for use. Major condom brand Durex uses casein in all its latex condoms, though its Real Feel and Latex Free products do not use this ingredient ...
Yet latex condoms are sometimes processed with non-vegan materials like casein, a protein derived from milk that helps keep the condom thin and smooth. And lambskin condoms pose an even greater concern, as they are made from lamb intestinal membrane.
The Gist: Condoms have been made with animal byproduct ingredients since ancient times. Many modern latex condoms are made using casein, a milk protein. Vegan condoms can be made of latex (a plant-based material), but the smoothing casein bath process is eliminated. Since latex is a common allergen, other vegan condoms are made of polyurethane or polyisoprene. Brands like Here We Flo, Glyde ...
The majority of condoms are made from latex now, but the production process for your standard condom still includes animal products. Condom companies used casein, a protein found in dairy, to create a smooth, thin "rubber". Latex is soaked in a bath of the stuff to soften the latex and make it flexible.