The difference that matters: material
EXS is natural rubber latex. SKYN is latex-free — it is made from polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber. If you or a partner reacts to latex, that one fact decides it: go SKYN. There is more on that in the latex-free condoms guide. If latex is fine, the choice comes down to feel, choice and price.
Feel
Both are soft and stretchy. Polyisoprene (SKYN) is often described as softer and more natural-feeling, with good body-heat transfer — it is the material people tend to reach for when they want a latex-like feel without the latex. Latex (EXS) is the traditional material and what most condoms are made from, and the thin EXS lines get very close to barely-there. Feel is personal, so the honest answer is to try one of each.
Thickness
EXS has the thinner options. EXS Air Thin is 0.045 mm, one of the thinnest latex condoms you can buy, and EXS Nano Thin is 0.05 mm. SKYN does not publish a thickness figure; SKYN Elite is the thinner of the two standard SKYN condoms. If thinness is the priority, see thin condoms, explained.
Sizes and choice
EXS has the wider range: widths from 49 mm (Snug) to 60 mm (Magnum), plus thin, ribbed and flavoured options and larger 48-packs. SKYN keeps it simple: Original and Elite at 53 mm, and Large at 56 mm. If you need a snug 49 mm or a wide 60 mm, EXS is where those are; for a standard-to-roomier latex-free fit, SKYN covers 53 to 56 mm. The condom size guide helps you find your width.
Price
EXS is cheaper per condom. An EXS 12-pack is £6.99 (about £0.58 each), and the 48-pack brings it down to about £0.33 each. SKYN 10-packs are £10.99 (about £1.10 each). That is the latex versus polyisoprene trade-off — the latex-free material costs more to make. Both are cheaper on a subscription, which takes 10% off every order.
EXS vs SKYN at a glance
| EXS | SKYN | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural rubber latex | Latex-free (polyisoprene) |
| Widths | 49–60 mm | 53–56 mm |
| Thinnest | Air Thin, 0.045 mm | Elite (thinner of the two; not published) |
| Types | Thin, regular, snug, large, ribbed, flavoured | Standard, thin, large |
| Price per condom | from ~£0.33 (48pk), ~£0.58 (12pk) | ~£1.10 (10pk) |
| Latex allergy | Not suitable | Suitable |
Both meet the same UK and EU safety standards (ISO 4074, with UKCA or CE marking) and both are genuine, sealed stock with at least 24 months to expiry.
So which should you choose?
Choose SKYN if: you react to latex, or you want the softest, most natural-feeling latex-free option.
Choose EXS if: latex is fine and you want the widest range of sizes, the thinnest option (Air Thin at 0.045 mm), more types to pick from, or the lowest price per condom.
If you are still unsure, both come in small packs, so the low-cost answer is to try one of each and see which you prefer.
Common questions
What is the difference between EXS and SKYN?
EXS is made from natural rubber latex. SKYN is latex-free, made from polyisoprene (a synthetic rubber). That material difference drives feel, range and price.
Which is better for a latex allergy?
SKYN, because it is latex-free. It is made without the natural rubber proteins behind most latex allergy reactions. Every EXS line is latex.
Which is thinner, EXS or SKYN?
EXS has the thinnest option — Air Thin at 0.045 mm. SKYN does not publish a thickness, but SKYN Elite is the thinner of the two standard SKYN condoms.
Which is cheaper?
EXS, per condom. An EXS 12-pack works out around £0.58 each and the 48-pack around £0.33 each, versus about £1.10 each for a SKYN 10-pack.
Are both brands safe?
Yes. Both meet the same safety standard (ISO 4074) and carry UKCA or CE marking, and both protect against pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. No method is completely effective.
More guides
EXS or SKYN, both by post — buy once, or subscribe and save 10%.
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