I was intrigued to try the Ansell Skin condoms as they’ve been around for a long time, particularly in Australia, and are marketed as a premium offering but I’d not tried them before.
They’re also incredibly popular, widely available online, and can be found at your local Woolies, Coles, or any chemist. They’re priced at a premium level as well (around $15 for 10), so the question is, are they worth the extra cost?
Who are these for?
There are likely three types of people who might gravitate towards these condoms:
- People with Latex Allergies: These are non-latex condoms made from polyisoprene, so they’re perfect for anyone who needs to avoid latex but still wants a thin, natural-feeling condom.
- People Looking for the Thinnest Sensation: If you’re after the closest possible feeling to not wearing a condom while still maintaining reliable protection, these could be ideal. They offer that “barely-there” experience while being from a reputable brand that’s easily accessible, meaning you don’t need to go through specialised websites to find them.
- People Who Just Prefer the Fit: We all come in different shapes and sizes, and some people might just find that these fit like a favourite pair of jeans.
Material and Quality
Ansell Skin condoms are made out of polyisoprene, which means they don’t contain natural rubber latex. This material has two key benefits: it’s strong and an excellent conductor of body heat. Essentially, that translates into a natural-feeling experience while still providing the reliability you expect from a condom.
At 0.05 mm thick, they are indeed ultra-thin, and in my personal experience, they lived up to that claim. The material felt flexible and stretchy, and despite being thin, it didn’t tear easily. Ansell markets these as ultra-thin, and based on my testing, I’d say they deliver on that front. They feel noticeably thinner compared to other condoms, giving that more intimate sensation without compromising on strength.
Comfort and Fit
As I’ve mentioned many times, comfort is subjective, and it’s going to be different for everyone. Personally, I found that the Ansell Skin condom stretched well and conformed nicely. It wasn’t overly tight for me, nor did I feel there was any risk of slippage. Everyone’s body is different, so your experience might vary, but for me, the fit was ideal.
To give you an idea of the dimensions, these condoms have a nominal width of around 52 mm and are about 190 mm in length, which should be more than adequate for most users. They’re slightly shorter than the Durex Invisible, so if you’re considering that as an alternative, it’s something to note.
If you find these too tight or restrictive, it’s worth looking at a larger size condom to ensure comfort. And conversely, if you experience slippage, there’s no shame in looking for a smaller size. Comfort and safety are far more important than what the packaging says, so finding the right size is key.
Sensation
I thought the sensation was great. Compared to a regular condom, I definitely felt more. While I wouldn’t say the ‘barely-there’ sensation is entirely accurate (you still know you’re wearing a condom), the sensation was noticeably better.
One of the standout features for me was the heat transfer benefit. I could feel more warmth than I would with other condoms, and that added to the overall experience. This difference in sensation is definitely worth trying, especially if you’re looking for something that offers a bit more than your standard condom.
In terms of comparing Ansell Skin to its nearest competitor, the Durex Invisible, I found these to be more comfortable for longer use. But, for me, that comes down to the fit and comfort rather than a massive difference in sensation. Both brands offer similar levels of thinness and sensation, but Ansell Skin just edged it out for me in terms of wearability.
Lubrication
These condoms come pre-lubricated with a water-based lubricant, which felt smooth and pleasant. There was no offensive smell, and the lubricant worked fine, especially for shorter sessions.
I liked the convenience of having them pre-lubricated, but I would still suggest adding a bit more lubrication. Not only can this enhance the sensation, but it can also make things more comfortable and enjoyable for longer sessions.
Plus, extra lubrication helps maintain that smooth feeling throughout, which benefits both partners.
Conclusion
They’re definitely worth a try. The fact that Ansell Skin condoms are so readily available makes it easy to test out something different without much hassle.
Personally, I did notice a difference, particularly in the heat transfer, which is a standout feature for me. If you’re specifically looking for ultra-thin condoms, I’d definitely put these up there in terms of quality and performance.
For me, I still prefer Durex Invisible when it comes to ultra-thin condoms, but that’s because they’re latex, and I’m more used to them. However, if I were to choose a non-latex option, Ansell Skin would be my go-to pick.
They offer a reliable, comfortable, and unique experience that’s definitely worth trying.
