Invisible Condom

The Invisible Condom is a topical microbicide vaginal gel developed by researchers at the Infectious Diseases Research Centre of Laval University for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The formulation consists of 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a surfactant, incorporated into a thermoreversible gel base composed of a 30% polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer in a pH 4.0 citrate buffer. The product exerts its protective effect through a dual mechanism: the gel provides a physical barrier that prevents pathogens from reaching the vaginal and cervical mucosa, while the SLS acts as a chemical barrier by disrupting the lipid membranes of viruses and bacteria. It is designed to target a broad spectrum of pathogens, including HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis. The gel is administered via a proprietary vaginal applicator designed for uniform distribution.

Brand names

Invisible Condom

Other names

SLS Gelsodium lauryl sulfate gel