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You know the drill: It’s that time of the month, which means it’s time to restock that handy stash of tampons in your cabinet drawer. But before you head to the store, grab your trusty box tampons and hightail it out of the feminine care aisle; consider what your tampon may be doing for your health, comfort, and the environment.
Over the past few years, there has been a multitude of organic tampons flooding store shelves, as well as being advertised online—delivered straight to your door every month, like, Blume, Cora, and LOLA. Each promises to be free of chemicals, pesticides, allergens, and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional period products.
Yet, are organic tampons truly better than conventional tampons? Many of us constantly strive to use organic products in every facet of our lives—from food to cleaning supplies and beauty products. Should we incorporate organic period products into our monthly routine as well? Discover three surprising truths about organic tampons and decide for yourself.
1. 100% Cotton and 100% Trustworthy
What’s in your tampon? Consumers check the ingredients of their food and beauty products. Shouldn’t we be interested in the ingredients of a product inserted into our vaginas as well?
Ingredients in conventional tampons usually consist of a non-organic cotton-rayon blend, which is bleached during processing. Pesticide and or herbicide residues can be present from treating the cotton fibers.
Unfortunately, many companies do not have to disclose information about the ingredients of their feminine products. Non-transparency has prompted the state of New York to be the first in the nation to pass a law mandating that tampons include a list of ingredients on their packaging, which went into effect in 2020.
It’s important to acknowledge that the FDA deems regular tampons as safe. Yet, it’s worth noting that conventional tampons may contain trace amounts of dioxin—a byproduct of the bleaching process involved in the manufacture of tampons—along with pesticide and herbicide residues.
It’s understandable why the period market has seen such a significant shift to organic tampons. Since organic tampons are 100% organic cotton, women can rest easy knowing that their tampons have zero toxic and or allergenic chemicals. The vagina is lined with a mucous membrane that can potentially absorb anything that is inserted into it, including toxins and chemicals. Think twice about using organic tampons versus regular next time you have your period. Is it worth the risk? Luckily consumers now have a choice.
2. Organic Tampons: Kinder to our Bodies, Kinder to the Planet
Now that you have increased awareness about what regular period products are made of and how they can affect your body, let’s talk about how these products may be affecting the earth.
Regular tampons may contain an array of perfumes, pesticides, herbicides, bleaches, and other harmful toxins that can be detrimental to the earth when disposed of. Although one tampon may not seem like much, according to National Geographic, “A single menstruator will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons.” That is a lot of toxic waste being released into our environment.
Because organic tampons are produced with organic cotton, when they biodegrade, they won’t seep harmful chemicals back into the earth. Therefore, consumers can dispose of organic period products into the bin or compost without worry, as these products will naturally break down in the landfill. However, it’s important to note that plastic applicators are not biodegradable. Consumers should be seeking out organic tampons with environmentally friendly applicators or ditch the applicators all together.
3. Added Comfort With Organic Tampons
It’s no wonder that many women with endometriosis have claimed to have improved their symptoms after making the switch to organic tampons. With a potent cocktail of added perfumes, pesticides, herbicides, bleches, and other harmful toxins to irritate and cause potential inflammation, conventional tampons may be less comfortable for women with conditions like endometriosis.
The Best Organic Tampons on the Market
We use organic products to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals in our bodies and diminish the use of toxins in the soil. It only makes sense to apply the same mindset when choosing safe and sustainable products for our menstrual cycles as well. Organic tampons are 100% organic cotton. There is no guessing with the ingredients—consumers can feel safe about what they’re putting in their bodies and disposing back into the earth.
Blume
There are absolutely no mystery ingredients when it comes to Blume FDA-approved organic tampons! A top favorite for their biodegradable packaging and easy-to-insert rounded tip bio-plastic applicator, Blume organic tampons are available through an online subscription or Amazon. Blume doesn’t just care about your period; they carry other sustainable products that are good for your body and the environment as well.
o.b. Organic Plant-Based Applicator Tampons
A fan favorite on Amazon, the o.b. organic tampons come with a plant-based applicator which is up to 92% plant-based. The o.b. organic tampon is also made with 100% certified organic cotton and is free from chlorine, fragrances, and dyes so that you can feel worry-free. Everything about this organic tampon gets two thumbs up from us!
L. Organic Cotton Mixed Tampons
These jewel-toned organic beauties can be purchased at either Walmart or Target, making them more convenient for those interested in making the switch. L. Organic Cotton Mixed Tampons are produced with certified organic cotton, free of rayon, pesticides, fragrances, chlorine, and dyes. Although L. Organics applicator is plastic, it is plant-based and BPA-free. Additionally, for every L. Organic Cotton Mixed Tampon product you purchase, one is donated to an individual in need.
Cora
Organic, biodegradable, and compostable, Cora provides high-quality organic to its consumers, available through online subscription. Unlike regular tampons, Cora organic tampons offer complete transparency, made without harmful substances such as chlorine, pesticides, dioxins, and irritating fragrances. With each monthly purchase of tampons, Cora will also provide a month’s supply of pads and health education to girls who need them.
