About Durex
Durex is a British sexual wellness brand best known for its condoms, personal lubricants, and intimate wellness products. It is one of the world’s largest and most recognizable condom brands and is owned by Reckitt, a multinational consumer health and hygiene company. Durex products are sold in more than 140 countries, and the brand is widely associated with sexual health, contraception, and safe-sex education. [1]
History
The origins of Durex trace back to 1915, when The London Rubber Company (LRC) was founded in London by Lionel A. Jackson. Initially, the company imported and distributed rubber products, including condoms manufactured in Germany. [2]
The Durex trademark was officially registered in 1929. The name is commonly understood to represent Durability, Reliability, and Excellence. These three words became 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 condoms using latex dipping technology instead of relying solely on imports. This innovation significantly improved comfort, consistency, and durability compared with earlier rubber condoms. [4]
During World War II, Durex supplied condoms to the British military to help reduce sexually transmitted infections among soldiers. [5]
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. [6]
Products
Durex manufactures a broad range of sexual wellness products, including:
Condoms
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Regular condoms
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Ultra-thin condoms
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Ribbed and dotted condoms
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Extra-safe condoms
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Flavored condoms
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Colored condoms
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Latex-free condoms
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Delay condoms (containing a mild desensitizing lubricant)
Personal Lubricants
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Water-based lubricants
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Silicone-based lubricants
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Aloe vera lubricants
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Warming lubricants
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Cooling lubricants
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Massage gels
Intimate Wellness
Depending on the country, Durex also offers:
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Vibrators
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Intimate massagers
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Pleasure rings
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Other sexual wellness accessories
Product availability varies by market because of local regulations and distribution. [7]
Innovation
Durex has introduced several industry firsts, including:
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First major condom brand to use electronic testing on every condom (1953)
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First anatomically shaped condoms
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One of the first globally advertised condom brands
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Early introduction of latex-free condoms
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One of the first condom brands to establish an official website
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Creator of the Durex Global Sex Survey, which studied sexual attitudes and behavior worldwide [8]
Quality Standards
Durex emphasizes strict quality control during manufacturing. According to the company:
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Every condom is electronically tested for holes.
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Products exceed international quality standards.
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Manufacturing follows rigorous testing procedures for strength, elasticity, and reliability before products are released for sale. [9]
Brand Philosophy
Durex positions itself as a sexual wellness brand rather than solely a condom manufacturer. Its messaging focuses on:
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Safe sex
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Sexual health
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Consent
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Inclusivity
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Breaking stigma around conversations about sex
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Helping people enjoy healthier intimate relationships
Modern campaigns emphasize that “good sex should be for everyone,” promoting openness, education, and respect across different communities. [10]
Global Presence
Durex products are sold across:
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Europe
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North America
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South America
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Asia
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Africa
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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. [11]
Public Health Initiatives
Beyond selling products, Durex has participated in campaigns related to:
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HIV/AIDS awareness
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STI prevention
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Condom education
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Sexual health education
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Partnerships supporting HIV prevention efforts in affected regions
These initiatives align with the brand’s broader focus on improving sexual health and reducing stigma. [12]
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 flavored and colored 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. [13] |
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 recognized names in contraception and intimate wellness. [14]
