Most women rely on a combination of four period products — regular tampons, sanitary pads or napkins, panty liners and superabsorbent tampons — during their cycle. Reusable alternatives like menstrual cups and period underwear may also be useful options.
Menstrual cups are small funnel-shaped devices made of rubber or silicone designed to collect menstrual blood, offering eco-friendly solutions in different sizes and absorbencies.
Organic
Traditional tampons and pads typically employ cotton grown using pesticides or synthetic rayon as absorbency aid, then dyed and fragranced before being packaged in plastic applicators that may contain dioxin toxins. Organic versions use cotton grown without harmful chemicals while eschewing artificial colors or fragrances altogether; their plastic applicators often replace with paper or cardboard instead of being plastic-based.
Organic cotton is grown and produced without harmful pesticides, protecting water quality and soil health while using biodegradable materials that break down in landfills more quickly and reduce microplastic pollution in oceans and wildlife. Organic tampons and pads use these same eco-friendly practices, using biodegradable materials that break down in landfills more easily while simultaneously helping the planet in other ways.
Switching to organic tampons and pads is one of the easiest ways to prioritize your health while simultaneously reducing waste. Or you could go further, by switching to menstrual cups or washable cloth pads that eliminate all waste completely; they are an especially helpful option for women experiencing TSS.
Biodegradable
Many women today prefer biodegradable and compostable options for menstrual care such as reusable tampons, period pads and menstrual cups to single-use plastic products for their menstrual care needs.
Switching to reusable menstrual products can have a tremendous effect on reducing environmental impacts, yet some people aren’t quite ready to commit. That’s okay; many of the same benefits can still be found by opting for biodegradable period products which don’t contain harmful chemicals.
Traditional pads and tampons are typically composed of plastic polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene that come from nonrenewable fossil fuel sources, polluting our environment in the process. According to one study, each conventional pad (including wrappers and adhesives) contains about 2g of plastic that takes 500-800 years to break down into harmless components in our environment.
Natracare period products are home compostable and made with organic cotton, PEFC certified wood pulp and biopolymers derived from GM-free plant starch that have been certified BPA-Free. Furthermore, an innovative eco-friendly gusset layer helps minimize leakage and absorbency issues.
Hypoallergenic
Selecting hypoallergenic pads is the key to avoiding allergic reactions that could cause soreness, itching and rashes. Look for organic cotton pads made of certified free from harsh chemicals, such as fragrance ingredients, additive dyes or chemical adhesives. Also search for reusable menstrual products made with medical-grade silicone that are BPA, latex and phthalate free.
Traditional pads contain numerous irritants that cause itchy, uncomfortable skin such as synthetic fibers, fragrances and chlorine- and phenol-containing chemicals linked to lichen sclerosus, hormone disruption and other health concerns. Selecting an hypoallergenic pad that’s designed to avoid these common allergens will significantly decrease symptoms while helping avoid inflammation all throughout your cycle.
Choose pads with FDA certifications as this indicates they meet stringent safety standards. Consider organic cotton grown without pesticides to eliminate toxic substances like phthalates, DBP and VOCs; look for brands with third-party certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX and MADE SAFE certifications too.
Comfortable
Finding a menstrual hygiene product that works for your individual flow can take time, so the most important aspect is staying hydrated and using products without fragrance or dyes, which could potentially irritate.
Menstrual cups are small flexible tubes made of medical-grade silicone designed to collect blood during menstruation. Insertion may take some practice but once in place they use suction seals to create an airtight seal and secure its position in your vagina. Some brands recommend rotating the cup after insertion to ensure it remains secure.
Tampons come in different absorbency levels, from Light (for light days or spotting) through Regular to Super, ideal for heavy flow days and overnight periods. Look for one with either no applicator or cardboard applicators and choose an unscented option if possible.
