Your may have noticed an increasing selection of organic tampon options available for purchase on the market recently – but are these actually better for your health than traditional options?
Traditional tampons are typically constructed using conventional cotton treated with pesticides and insecticides, or synthetic rayon, often with perfumes and other chemicals added for fragrance purposes. Organic cotton-made tampons use no fragrances whatsoever.
1. Biodegradable
Conventional pads and tampons may contain hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, phthalates, dyes, and fragrances that enter your vaginal canal and cause long-term health complications.
Non-organic tampons contain absorbent materials and synthetic fibers which may increase your risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Organic tampons use cotton grown organically without using pesticides or herbicides, plus feature plant-based applicators.
Other eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads include reusable cloth maxi pads or menstrual cups, which are biodegradable and can be cleaned at home with water. In collaboration with local banana farmers, companies have also begun manufacturing sustainable tampons out of banana stems and agricultural waste for low-income women while decreasing plastic and synthetic material that ends up in landfills.
2. Non-toxic
Most conventional tampons contain dangerous chemicals and pesticides, including dioxin and phthalates, that leach into the environment when they break down. By switching to organic menstrual products instead, you can both lower your own exposure while protecting our planet.
Organic pads and tampons are made without harmful pesticides, dyes, fragrances or chlorine bleaching that could impact the environment. Many are even certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), meaning they meet high standards of environmental conservation as well as human health protection.
Non-toxic tampons and pads are free from toxic chemicals like PFAS, styrene, phthalates, endocrine disruptors and cancer-causing parabens. Furthermore, they’re less likely to cause TSS (tampon skin syndrome), an extremely dangerous condition linked to synthetic materials and super absorbent tampons. TSS may still occur with any absorbency tampon overexposed for too long or using one with incorrect absorbency levels.
3. Non-irritating
Traditional tampons contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive vaginal areas, while organic menstrual products are free of these harsh substances, making them gentler on your skin.
Furthermore, these products contain less fragrance, which helps decrease irritation or allergic reactions. Many brands also utilize biodegradable applicators that further minimize environmental impact.
Organic tampons may be less likely to lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), but their risk still depends on proper use; that means selecting one with low absorbency for your flow and swapping it every two to three hours when experiencing heavy flow rates.
If you are concerned about TSS risks, menstrual cups or reusable pads could be an ideal alternative. Both produce virtually zero waste while needing no chemicals at all to produce.
4. Eco-friendly
One of the major concerns with nonorganic tampons is their potential to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). But no evidence suggests organic cotton poses any such risk of TSS.
TSS (Tampon Sterility Syndrome) is an unusual but potentially life-threatening tampon condition linked to synthetic materials and super absorbent fibers found in synthetic tampon brands. Many organic brands utilize cotton that has been grown sustainably, helping protect both the environment and farm workers from chemicals used during production.
Nonorganic pads and tampons have an adverse environmental impact due to being comprised of non-compostable materials that take 500 to 800 years to decompose, often ending up in landfills or on beaches as microplastics. Conversely, using reusable menstrual products–like cups and reusable pads–has lower environmental repercussions.
5. Less expensive
Many consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional menstrual products. Organic tampons, for instance, typically do not contain bleach (but may still contain chlorine) or rayon and often are also free from dyes, fragrances, deodorants, synthetic absorbents and plasticizers (phthalates).
Menstrual cups score significantly lower on all impact indicators tested in both the United States and France than disposable nonorganic pads, with reusable underwear and pads ranking second lowest in impact indicators.
For optimal environmental impact, seek out brands that use more organic cotton and have third-party certifications. In addition, look for companies who practice social responsibility by foregoing plastic applicators or giving back to those in need of period care – this way you’ll feel good about spending your money!
