Durex

Durex is a British brand of condoms, personal lubricants, and sexual wellness products, owned by the global consumer goods company Reckitt (formerly Reckitt Benckiser). The brand was launched in 1929 by the London Rubber Company, which began manufacturing its own latex condoms in 1932 after collaborating with Polish rubber technology student Lucian Landau. The name 'Durex' is a portmanteau of 'Durability, Reliability, and Excellence'. The London Rubber Company was founded earlier, in 1915, by L.A. Jackson as a mail-order business for rubber goods, including imported condoms. The brand's first factory was in Chingford, London, and production remained in the UK until 1994, when it began moving overseas; by 2007, all manufacturing had shifted to facilities in China, India, and Thailand.

Reckitt acquired Durex in 2010 as part of its purchase of SSL International for approximately £2.5 billion. The brand is managed under Reckitt's Health division, led by Group President Sakshi Sinha (appointed in 2024). Reckitt's global CEO is Kris Licht (since 2023). Durex commands roughly 30% of the worldwide condom market, making it the global market leader. In the United States, it is the second-largest brand after Trojan, which holds about 70% of the US market. Other major competitors include Okamoto, Sagami, LifeStyles, and Skyn.

Durex offers over 30 types of condoms, including Durex Extra Safe, Durex Sensitive, Durex Performa, Durex Pleasuremax, and Durex Avanti Bare Real Feel non-latex. The brand also produces personal lubricants (e.g., Durex Play, Durex Perfect Glide, Durex Naturals), vibrators and sex toys (e.g., Durex Play Ring, Durex Intense Vibrations), and specialty condom lines such as Sheik and Ramses sold in North America. The Durex Condom Finder tool on its website helps consumers choose the right product. In 2023, Durex launched a line of eco-friendly condoms made from sustainable natural rubber latex, packaged in recyclable materials. In 2024, the brand introduced the 'Durex AI Condom Finder' app, using artificial intelligence to help users select the perfect fit.[edit]