Durex

About Durex

Durex is a British sexual wellness brand best known for its condoms, personal lubricants and intimate wellness products. Owned by Reckitt, a multinational consumer health and hygiene company, it ranks among the world’s largest and most recognisable condom brands. Durex products are sold in more than 140 countries, and the name is widely associated with sexual health, contraception and safe-sex education.1

History

The origins of Durex date to 1915, when The London Rubber Company (LRC) was established in London by Lionel A. Jackson. The firm initially imported and distributed rubber goods, including condoms manufactured in Germany.2

The Durex trademark was officially registered in 1929. The name is generally understood to represent:

Durability
Reliability
Excellence

These three concepts formed the foundation of the brand’s identity and quality standards.3

In 1932, Durex became Europe’s first manufacturer of latex condoms, producing its own products using latex dipping technology rather than relying solely on imports. This innovation significantly improved comfort, consistency and durability compared with earlier rubber condoms.

During World War II, Durex supplied condoms to the British military to help reduce sexually transmitted infections among soldiers.4

Ownership

Durex was originally owned by The London Rubber Company, which later became part of SSL International. In 2010, SSL International was acquired by Reckitt (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), making Durex one of the company’s global health brands. Today, Durex sits alongside other well-known Reckitt brands such as Dettol, Strepsils, Veet and Nurofen.5

Products

Durex manufactures a broad range of sexual wellness products.

Condoms

Regular condoms
Ultra-thin condoms
Ribbed and dotted condoms
Extra-safe condoms
Flavoured condoms
Coloured condoms
Latex-free condoms
Delay condoms (containing a mild desensitising lubricant)

Personal Lubricants

Water-based lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants
Aloe vera lubricants
Warming lubricants
Cooling lubricants
Massage gels

Intimate Wellness

Depending on the country, Durex also offers:

Vibrators
Intimate massagers
Pleasure rings
Other sexual wellness accessories

Product availability varies by market due to local regulations and distribution arrangements.

Innovation

Durex has introduced several industry firsts, including:

First major condom brand to use electronic testing on every condom (1953)
First anatomically shaped condoms
One of the first globally advertised condom brands
Early introduction of latex-free condoms
One of the first condom brands to establish an official website
Creator of the Durex Global Sex Survey, which studied sexual attitudes and behaviour worldwide6

Quality Standards

Durex emphasises strict quality control during manufacturing. According to the company:

Every condom is electronically tested for holes.
Products exceed international quality standards.
Manufacturing follows rigorous testing procedures for strength, elasticity and reliability before products are released for sale.7

Brand Philosophy

Durex positions itself as a sexual wellness brand rather than solely a condom manufacturer. Its messaging focuses on:

Safe sex
Sexual health
Consent
Inclusivity
Breaking stigma around conversations about sex
Helping people enjoy healthier intimate relationships

Modern campaigns emphasise that “good sex should be for everyone”, promoting openness, education and respect across different communities.

Global Presence

Durex products are sold across:

Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Africa
Australia

The brand is consistently among the world’s best-selling condom brands and has built strong recognition through both retail distribution and public health initiatives.8

Public Health Initiatives

Beyond selling products, Durex has participated in campaigns related to:

HIV/AIDS awareness
STI prevention
Condom education
Sexual health education
Partnerships supporting HIV prevention efforts in affected regions

These initiatives align with the brand’s broader focus on improving sexual health and reducing stigma.9

Timeline

Year	Event
1915	The London Rubber Company is founded.
1929	The Durex trademark is registered.
1932	Europe’s first latex Durex condoms are manufactured.
1939	Durex supplies condoms to British armed forces during WWII.
1953	Introduces electronic testing for condoms.
1960s	Launches anatomically shaped condoms.
1970s	Becomes one of the first condom brands to advertise internationally.
1995	Introduces flavoured and coloured condoms.
1997	Launches latex-free condoms.
1998	Begins the Durex Global Sex Survey.
2003	Launches Durex Play lubricants.
2010	Acquired by Reckitt.
2022	Introduces a refreshed global brand identity.10

Reputation

Durex is widely regarded as a leading brand in the sexual wellness industry because of its long history, product innovation, global distribution and emphasis on quality testing and sexual health education. Over more than 90 years, it has evolved from a British rubber company into one of the world’s most recognised names in contraception and intimate wellness.

References

This profile was compiled with AI assistance and reviewed before publishing. How we use AI

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