Women’s Voices for the Environment conducted a 2022 study which revealed that tampons contain many chemicals beyond cotton and rayon, such as plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, fragrances and dyes. Look out for labels stating “no phthalates” and “no BPA.”
Some businesses earn third-party certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made Safe to verify they practice responsible manufacturing methods.
Absorbency
Women generally understand the basic tenets of tampon safety: don’t leave your tampon in for more than eight hours, choose an absorbency level appropriate to your flow rate, and watch for signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Organic tampons offer additional risk reduction by eschewing synthetic materials.
Consider brands whose cotton has been certified organic by credible organisations, and who prioritize environmentally-friendly packaging and disposal practices. Daye, for instance, provides nude tampons made from 100% organic cotton grown according to National Organic Program standards that have biodegradable sleeves and are sterilized using gamma rays in order to eliminate contaminants that cause TSS.
Dioxins, which are byproducts of bleaching processes, have a concentration 13,000 to 240,000 times less than that found in an individual’s daily diet; according to the US Food and Drug Administration they pose “negligible risks.” However, simply because a tampon features organic cotton doesn’t guarantee its safety; be sure to read labels carefully for information regarding ingredients as well as look out for credible third-party certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe certificates to make informed choices.
Chemicals
Tampons, pads and panty liners contain absorbent fibers which come into direct contact with vaginal and vulval tissue and can therefore be directly absorbed by your body – leading to exposure of EDCs that has been linked to higher rates of cancer, altered fertility patterns and lower bone density.
Organic tampons typically do not contain EDCs; however, heavy metals like lead and arsenic may still leach from conventional cotton grown with pesticides into drinking water and soil, causing environmental pollution.
Traditional tampons contain synthetic plastic materials to make them slimmer and more comfortable, including SAPS (superabsorbent polymers) derived from sodium polyacrylate that mimics estrogen in the body and may contribute to toxic shock syndrome. Many organic tampons do not contain such harmful chemicals and instead utilize cotton grown without pesticides and bleached using chlorine; some brands even go further by forgoing plastic applicators altogether and giving their products away as donations for those in need.
Odor
While conventional tampons typically contain fragrances to mask odor, organic ones typically use natural scents instead. Scranton notes that fragrance chemicals could interfere with hormone balance in your vagina.
Looking for BPA free, OEKO TEX certified and made with organic cotton tampons will help avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals that could otherwise compromise your reproductive system. Alternatively, regular tampons should have the lowest absorbency possible and be changed every four to six hours for best results.
Note that being labeled organic doesn’t guarantee a product is free from chemicals like dioxin, which could still be present during cotton plant production. To find out if your tampons are organic, look for brands who have pledged ingredient transparency, sourcing and third-party validation; or alternatively use menstrual cups, which collect blood instead of absorbing it to reduce potential odor.
Packaging
Manufacturers are legally required to disclose the main ingredients found in their feminine care products; however, many fail to reveal all of the chemicals present within these items. Such compounds as dioxins (which come from bleaching cotton and rayon) and phthalates–found in plastic products like re-usable water bottles–can enter your bloodstream and affect hormones even at low levels.
Some companies are providing greater transparency. When looking for organic, nontoxic tampons made from recycled or biodegradable materials, look for organic certification by Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). Also consider brands with transparent ingredient lists – for instance those certified organic by GOTS or similar certification programs.
People seeking to reduce their environmental impact should opt for tampons with cardboard applicators rather than plastic. There are brands offering organic cotton grown without harmful pesticides, helping promote soil health and biodiversity. Many women also report experiencing less painful periods and itching as well as lighter or shorter menstrual flows with organic tampons.
