Sustain Condoms Review: Eco-Friendly, Body-Safe Protection

When it comes to our most intimate products, we often don‘t think twice about what they‘re made of or how they‘re produced. But just like with food and cosmetics, what we put on or in our bodies matters – and that includes condoms. While crucial for preventing pregnancy and STIs, traditional condoms are often made with questionable chemicals and materials that can irritate sensitive genital skin. They also come with a heavy environmental footprint.

Enter Sustain, a trailblazing brand on a mission to make sexual health more sustainable, natural, and female-friendly. Sustain condoms are crafted from fair-trade latex using an eco-conscious manufacturing process. They‘re also completely vegan and free of the harsh additives found in regular condoms. But do they actually perform as well as the standard drugstore variety? In this in-depth Sustain review, I'll take a close look at the brand and its bestselling condom range to help you decide if making the switch is right for you and your partner(s).

About Sustain & Its Mission

Sustain was founded in 2014 by father-daughter duo Jeffrey and Meika Hollender. Jeffrey was no stranger to the world of sustainable, better-for-you products, having previously launched Seventh Generation, a pioneering eco-friendly cleaning and personal care brand. The idea for Sustain came from his realization that the condom aisle was in need of a green makeover.

As Jeffrey knew from his years in the natural products space, traditional condoms are often made with problematic materials and chemicals. These include carcinogenic nitrosamines, casein (a milk protein that makes them non-vegan), and artificial fragrances and dyes that can trigger allergies or irritation. Additionally, the majority of latex used in condoms comes from unsustainable rubber plantations with unethical labor practices.

Jeffrey saw an opportunity to disrupt this category with condoms that are better for our bodies and the planet. He enlisted his daughter Meika, then an MBA student, to help bring this vision to life. From the start, their mission with Sustain was twofold: 1) To offer the safest, most natural sexual wellness products possible, and 2) To support women‘s reproductive health and empowerment.

To that end, Sustain condoms are made from certified fair-trade, FSC-approved latex that‘s sourced from a sustainable rubber plantation in southern India. The latex is then processed without casein or the harmful chemicals found in traditional condoms. The result is an ultra-thin yet durable condom that's vegan, hypoallergenic, and lacks the unpleasant odor of regular condoms.

In 2019, Sustain was acquired by Grove Collaborative, a certified B-corp and online marketplace for natural, sustainable home and personal care products. As part of the Grove family, Sustain now donates 1% of all sales to support women‘s health organizations in the US. The brand has also pledged to go plastic-free by 2025 as part of Grove‘s overall sustainability initiatives.

Sustain Condom Review: Varieties & Performance

Sustain offers 4 main condom varieties designed for different sizes and sensations:

• Ultra Thin: Sustain‘s bestselling style, these are 40% thinner than standard condoms for heightened sensitivity. 10-pack for $12.99.
• Comfort Fit: A roomier option that‘s wider at the head, allowing for more freedom of movement. 10-pack for $12.99.
• Tailored Fit: Slightly narrower than the Comfort Fit, these provide a secure fit for slimmer widths. 10-pack for $12.99.
• XL: Extra-large condoms designed for bigger girths, with ribbing and dots for added stimulation. 10-pack for $12.99.

All of Sustain‘s condom styles are electronically tested to meet FDA standards for protection against pregnancy and STIs. They‘re also lubricated with a non-toxic, medical-grade silicone lube for enhanced comfort and pleasure.

So how do Sustain condoms perform IRL? Based on online reviews from customers, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The Ultra Thin style is a clear favorite, with many users reporting that it feels like wearing nothing at all. "Honestly the best, thinnest condoms I‘ve ever tried," raved one reviewer. "My partner and I barely notice them." Others appreciate the lack of latex odor and irritation compared to regular condoms.

The Comfort Fit and Tailored Fit varieties also earn high marks for their non-constricting yet secure design. "I love that these actually fit without feeling too tight or leaving a mark," shared one customer. "No slipping off either." Some reviewers with latex sensitivities say Sustain condoms have been a game-changer. "I‘ve always gotten a reaction with other condom brands, but had zero irritation with these," one user reported.

Of course, no product is one-size-fits-all and a handful of reviewers did have issues with Sustain condoms breaking. This can potentially be chalked up to improper fit or application. As with any condom, it‘s important to choose a size that feels snug but not overly tight, and to leave room at the tip when rolling it on. Overall though, the vast majority of Sustain users say these condoms are just as reliable and high-performing as the old standbys.

Sustain‘s Key Differentiators

In case you couldn‘t tell by now, Sustain is not your average condom company. The brand has completely revolutionized this category by addressing all the negative aspects of regular condoms and creating a product that‘s safer, more sustainable, and female-focused. Here‘s a recap of Sustain‘s main points of difference:

• Crafted from fair-trade, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified latex
• Vegan and cruelty-free (no animal products used)
• Made without carcinogenic nitrosamines, parabens, glycerin, casein, fragrances, or spermicides
• Non-toxic and hypoallergenic to prevent irritation
• No unpleasant latex odor
• Minimal, eco-conscious packaging (no plastic!)
• Donates 1% of profits to women‘s reproductive health organizations
• Female and minority-owned business
• Empowers and educates women to take control of their sexual health
• Offers a range of sizes for a tailored, secure fit

As a women‘s health advocate myself, I deeply appreciate Sustain‘s efforts to put females at the forefront of the safer sex conversation. For too long, condom brands have primarily marketed to men and centered male pleasure. But women have an equal stake in STI and pregnancy prevention, not to mention sexual satisfaction. By making vagina-friendly condoms and championing a sex-positive, shame-free approach to sexual wellness, Sustain is helping to even the playing field.

Shipping, Returns, Promotions & More

Sustain previously sold its products through its own website, but has shifted to an exclusive retail partnership with Grove Collaborative since its acquisition. All Sustain items are now available for purchase at Grove.com. Here are the key details on ordering Sustain through Grove:

• Free shipping on orders over $30
• Ships to all 50 US states (no international shipping)
• 100% happiness guarantee – free 30-day returns and exchanges
• VIP membership program ($20/year) with perks like free gifts, early access, and exclusive discounts
• Bulk order discounts
• Ability to set up a recurring subscription and have Sustain products delivered every 1-2 months
• Earn Grove reward points on every purchase to redeem for future discounts

Grove frequently offers promotions for first-time customers, such as a free gift set with a minimum purchase. The site also has a referral program where you can earn $10 for every friend you refer who makes a purchase. Additionally, Grove will occasionally do limited-edition collaborations with Sustain, such as the current free 10-pack of Ultra Thin condoms with $39 order promotion.

The Final Verdict

After thoroughly evaluating Sustain and poring over hundreds of customer reviews, I can confidently say this brand lives up to the hype. Sustain has managed to create a condom that not only performs as well as (if not better than) the leading brands, but also checks all the boxes in terms of clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and social impact. The fact that these condoms are specifically designed with female comfort and sensitivity in mind is a huge plus.

Of course, the only way to know if Sustain condoms are right for you is to try them yourself. Luckily, the brand offers a variety of styles and fits to suit different preferences. If you‘re looking for barely-there protection, I'd suggest starting with the Ultra Thin. Need a little more breathing room? Go for the Comfort Fit. Larger than average? The XL has you covered.

As someone who cares deeply about what I put in my body, I love that Sustain allows me to practice safe sex without compromising my values. By ditching the icky chemicals and unethical practices of traditional condoms, Sustain has raised the bar for the sexual wellness industry. In a world where "intimate" products are so often the opposite, Sustain is a breath of fresh, natural latex air.

The brand‘s commitment to women‘s health advocacy and education is just as important as the physical product, in my opinion. We need more companies like Sustain who are willing to take on taboo topics and empower females to make proactive choices about their reproductive and sexual wellbeing. Sustain‘s sex-positive, eco-conscious ethos is one I can definitely get behind.

Bottom line: if you‘re in the market for a cleaner, greener, and frankly better condom, Sustain is the clear choice. Not only will you be doing your body and the planet a favor, but your lady parts will thank you. In the realm of sexual health, Sustain is proof that sustainability is sexy.