Top 6 benefits of going organic with your feminine products

There have been a few mainstay companies at the forefront of feminine products when it comes to pads and tampons. Companies like Tampax, Playtex and Kotex are found in almost every grocery store aisle. Organic and eco-friendly period products used to be something that were hard to come by and a bit niche. But, over the past few years they’ve become part of the go-to brands in feminine care. No longer only found in Whole Foods stores, organic period products are attempting to change the way women treat their bodies and the environment every single month. 

Organic period products aren’t just eco-friendly, they have a number of health benefits for women's’ bodies. We’ll break down the positives of organic period products and introduce you to some of the most reputable brands with great mission statements to change the outdated economy of feminine products. 

What are organic and eco-friendly menstrual products?

Menstrual cups 

Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly and reusable alternative to tampons and pads that you dispose of after each use. Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups can be reused. They’re made of rubber or silicone, comfortable, and safe to use. Although they’ve been around since the 1930’s but are only just now gaining popularity in the US as women become more health conscious and are looking to curb the waste problem tampons and pads contribute to. 

Organic tampons 

70% of menstruating women still use tampons despite the growing popularity of menstrual cups. Organic tampons are on the rise with a number of health and environment benefits. So what’s the difference between an organic and a non-organic tampon? 

Organic tampons are most often made from organic cotton and nothing else. They also usually have a BPA free applicator or use a plant-based cardboard or biodegradable alternative to cut down on plastic use. 

Non-organic tampons usually consist of a combination of non-organic cotton and synthetic fibers for odor reduction and increased absorbency. This means they usually contain insecticides, dyes and other non-natural ingredients. They also use plastic applicators which often contain unsafe substances. 

Organic pads 

Much like tampons, the difference in organic versus non-organic pads lies mainly in the cotton used. Organic pads contain an absorbent cellulose core which locks away menstrual fluid to keep you dry, and a soft organic cotton cover that allows your skin to breathe. Organic pads are made of 100% organic cotton, while non-organic pads are a mix of plastic, cotton and other non-organic materials. 

What are some of the health benefits of using organic period products?

1. They are most often hypoallergenic so women tend to experience less rash and irritation than with non-organic options.
2. Organic tampons and pads use cotton that is free of chemical additives, deodorants, and other non-organic materials that can have lasting negative effects on womens’ bodies. 
3. They are free of dioxins that have been linked to cancer. 

What are some of the environmental benefits?

 

1. Cotton farmers farming organic cotton is better for their health and the health of those living close to farms that aren’t using harmful toxins and pesticides. 
2. Organic tampons and pads are free from polluting plastic and are compostable.
3. Farming organic cotton also helps the surrounding wildlife who are protected from harmful insecticides. 

Here are some of the best eco-friendly brands of period products if you’re ready to make the switch!

Cora - Cora provides natural and organic period care including a line of tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. They also aim to improve access to period education and products around the world. Every purchase gives a girl in need access to period care. That’s a mission we can get behind! 

Lola - Lola is a women-owned company that has become one of the leading names in feminine care. They offer a variety of organic and all-natural period and sexual health products customized to your needs paired with a subscription model.

The Honest Company - The Honest Company has a comprehensive line of baby and women’s beauty products that are eco-friendly and natural. Check out their organic cotton pads and organic applicator-free tampons. 

Rael - Rael is a women-owned company with a goal of creating self-care solutions made with natural and effective ingredients. Rael has a goal of making period care more accessible, much like Cora. They have a variety of local initiatives for education as well as donating products to girls and women in need. 

If you’re ready to make the switch to organic period products make sure to do your homework. Try to use a company that gives back in some way or is at least women-owned and uses sustainable production and can verify their products are eco-friendly and organic.