Organic tampons differ from pads in that they do not contain phthalates or dyes, although they still may contain trace amounts of chemicals from global and local pollution sources.
Tampons contain trace amounts of herbicides like glyphosate that are used to kill weeds; these toxins pass through and end up in the environment and your vagina, where they could have negative impacts.
Environmentally friendly
Menstrual hygiene requires more than simply avoiding chemicals that may cause toxic shock syndrome; we must also consider environmental impacts with regular pads and tampons which take up to 500 years to break down into their component materials.
Organic tampons can help reduce waste. Look for ones made with organic cotton and free of synthetic materials or dyes; biodegradable applicators; or new products like Fluus that use plant fibers and sugarcane, so they can even be flushed away after use.
Other eco-friendly options include reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups. Switching over from disposables can save both money and plastic waste in the long run; plus they’re more comfortable to wear without rayon or dioxin content!
Safer to use
Organic tampons are typically constructed of cotton that has not been bleached with chlorine bleaching agents and do not include fragrances. Furthermore, many organic tampons can be home compostable or biodegradeable so as to not harm your local environment.
Organic tampons have become increasingly popular because they reduce cramps and itching during periods, as well as being healthier overall compared to conventional brands that contain chemicals like dioxins which have been classified as carcinogens.
Other chemicals found in tampons include endocrine disruptors (which mimic, block or interfere with hormones) and phthalates, which have been linked with health concerns at high doses. A recent study by a women’s advocacy group revealed that commercially available tampons contained detectable amounts of estrogen activity while organic tampons do not.
Comfortable to wear
Women experiencing periods now have more options than ever when it comes to menstrual hygiene, including organic and unbleached tampons, cloth pads, menstrual cups like the DivaCup and The Keeper as well as period underwear – but do they work just as effectively as what’s found at traditional drugstores?
Organic tampons are constructed from hypoallergenic medical-grade cotton that shouldn’t cause irritation to your vagina. Plus, these organic options don’t contain dyes, fragrances or chlorine-bleaching treatments which could absorb harmful toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). No matter which tampon type you opt for though, follow these rules of usage: limit wear time to eight hours maximum and choose absorbency that matches up with your flow pattern.
No harsh chemicals
Though no research exists to support it, some claim that organic tampons help with period symptoms; however, Dr Hack outlines this may simply be due to placebo effects.
Regular tampons are typically constructed of cotton bleached with elemental chlorine and may contain trace amounts of dioxin – a known carcinogen – as well as herbicides like glyphosate which has been linked to liver and kidney damage.
But organic cotton tampons, unlike mainstream brands, are free from these harsh chemicals. Many organic models also come fragrance and dye free for optimal skin health and environmental sustainability, plus they may cost less overall than mainstream alternatives.
Affordable
Due to stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation, many women experience barriers in accessing affordable period products. These barriers include gender-blind policies as well as “pink taxes,” wherein period products are priced higher than other health care items.
Organic pads and tampons are crafted from plant-based materials like organic cotton and fluffed wood pulp, without perfumes, chlorine, dyes, pesticides or plastic additives such as super absorbent polymers (SAPs). Furthermore, these products do not contain any toxins which could cause irritation or infection.
Some of the top organic tampon brands boast minimal environmental impacts by using biodegradable applicators and packaging, plus being made by women for women – plus, every time someone purchases one they donate one pad to someone in need!