Organic tampons offer an alternative to conventional pads that contain pesticides and synthetic materials; organic ones are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton without chemical dyes or chlorine bleach for your sensitive vaginal skin’s safety and long term health benefits.
Studies have demonstrated that organic menstrual products are less likely to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked with health conditions ranging from asthma and cancer.
What is organic?
Conventional tampons typically consist of non-organic cotton cores encased in synthetic materials and often including dyes. Furthermore, conventional tampons contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, methylene chloride, and xylene which have been identified as known or potential carcinogens, potentially disrupting hormonal balance within your vagina. Furthermore, pesticides found in non-organic cotton could enter bloodstream via vaginal tissue absorption.
Organic tampons and pads are made with 100 per cent organic cotton, free from harsh chemicals or fragrances. Some brands even utilize plant fibres instead of polyester or polypropylene for leak-proof backing, with some offering an applicator with multiple uses.
Menstrual cups made of medical-grade silicone have become one of the most popular non-toxic alternatives to tampons or sanitary pads and offer many of the same advantages in comfort, convenience and reliability. Many women find them comfortable, reliable and more beneficial to their bodies than tampons or pads.
Benefits of organic tampons and pads
Organic cotton pads are the go-to eco-friendly period products. Non-organic pads may take up to a million years for full decomposition while organic ones degrade quickly in just two. Plus, organic pads don’t require harmful herbicides or pesticides which kill off vital insects that play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Organic tampons offer another advantage over their synthetic counterparts: They’re typically free from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which have been linked to hormone disruption, kidney damage and even cancer risk. Furthermore, organic products don’t contain synthetic fiber that increases your risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Organic tampons don’t undergo chlorine bleaching, which releases toxic byproducts into water sources, like their non-organic counterparts do. Instead, they’re typically made with plant cellulose that’s certified by Global Organic Textile Standards or OEKO-TEX and tend to be slimmer – from overnight leak-preventing options to full coverage tampons with wings for optimal coverage.
Brands that make organic tampons and pads
Many brands provide organic cotton tampons that are free of pesticides, chlorine bleaching and fragrances; others also utilize biodegradable cardboard applicators or forgo plastic altogether.
Non-toxic tampons and pads tend to be more comfortable on the skin, helping reduce irritation while improving overall period experience, according to OB-GYN Erica Montes. Furthermore, non-toxic products reduce risk for TSS which is often caused by chemicals found in conventional tampons (including dioxins and PFAS) or usage duration which depends upon absorbency level and size of tampon.
Organic brands may be more socially and environmentally responsible than others, which may make them an appealing option to some customers. They might forgo plastic applicators or reduce packaging waste or offer donations of menstrual products to women in need.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are reusable bell- or ring-shaped devices made of silicone, rubber or latex that you insert into your vagina during menstruation to collect blood. They hold up to an ounce – twice what a superabsorbent tampon holds – helping reduce leakage as well as creating less waste than tampons do.
Learn the ropes with menstrual cups before inserting one; once they do, most users find them easier and more comfortable than pads or tampons. If insertion poses difficulty for you, consider “greasing” it with water or personal lubricant beforehand to ease its insertion.
When giving birth vaginally, being over the age of 30 or experiencing heavy periods it may be advantageous to opt for a larger sized cup. A breathable cloth pouch or case may help keep the cup clean and dry between uses – you can sterilize a menstrual cup by boiling, while some brands offer specially tailored cleaning solutions to their products.
