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Incontinence and other absorbent hygiene products are some of the worst offenders for causing intimate irritation and soreness. Research shows that up to a 1/3 of women and people with vulvas suffer from itching and irritation because of contact with synthetic materials, including those used to make incontinence pads.
The average product is loaded with plastic. With over 45 billion menstrual products used every year. Did you know that a pack of conventional pads contains up to five plastic bags worth of plastic? Plastic wet wipes are frequently flushed as well as tampons and even pads! Period products are the fifth most common item found washed up on Europe’s beaches, with 3.9 million flushed down the loo every single day in the UK alone. Incorrectly flushed or thrown away items are found polluting the coastlines across the world.
Choosing plastic-free and non-toxic bladder control products lets intimate skin breathe and cuts out plastic pollution, plus avoid plastics, perfumes, chlorine, dyes, and pesticides in feminine and incontinence products.
The average feminine product is loaded with plastic. With over 45 billion feminine products used every year. Did you know that a pack of conventional pads contains up to five plastic bags worth of plastic? Plus perfumes, chlorine, dyes, pesticides, and feminine products!
Plastic wet wipes are frequently flushed as well as tampons and even pads! Period products are the fifth most common item found washed up on Europe’s beaches, with 3.9 million flushed down the loo every single day in the UK alone. Incorrectly flushed or thrown away items are found polluting the coastlines across the world.
There is a significant lack of consumer protection laws regarding feminine hygiene products. Only two states have such laws, and they’re not even in effect yet.
California has enacted new laws that require expanded ingredient disclosure for feminine hygiene products, including period underwear. As of Jan 1st, 2023, The Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2020. (AB 1989) mandates that menstrual products sold in California must clearly and conspicuously list all ingredients used. However, this law only focuses on “intentionally added” ingredients and does not cover contaminants.
New York has a similar law as of 2021, focusing on “intentionally added” ingredients. The Menstrual Products Right To Know Act (S2387B), championed by New York State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, forces brands to print a simple list of ingredients on all menstrual products.
Federally, in September 2022, the Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022 (H.R.8829) was introduced to the house, but as of the current date of writing (March 2023), there has been no progress on the bill.
❌ Conventional Bladder control pads contain perfumes, chlorine, dyes, pesticides, resorcinol, plastic materials like polypropylene, and super absorbent polymers (SAPs). These materials are cheap and they are polluting the planet and are harmful to your health.
Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs): Super-absorbent material (made from petroleum) is used to prevent leakages and absorb moisture.
Resorcinol: is an ingredient found in some adhesives. Linked to thyroid disruption and is a chemical of concern.
Plastic: The average period product is loaded with plastic. With over 45 billion menstrual products used every year. Did you know that a pack of conventional pads contains up to five plastic bags worth of plastic? Plastic wet wipes are frequently flushed as well as tampons and even pads! Period products are the fifth most common item found washed up on Europe’s beaches, with 3.9 million flushed down the loo every single day in the UK alone. Incorrectly flushed or thrown away items are found polluting the coastlines across the world.
❌ Chlorine-bleached: Conventional Pads are made with chlorine-bleached materials, latex, plastic, and super absorbents made from petrochemicals. Typically contain the following ingredients and materials:
❌ Fragrance in conventional period products: Fun fact, menstrual blood does not have an odor, let alone a foul one. The strong smell in conventional disposable pads is when the blood touches the chemicals inside the disposable pad and creates a chemical reaction. This is why disposable pads are full of fragrances, it’s by design to try and mask the offensive odor.
❌ Synthetic material: Many rayon-blend tampons have a plastic veil to prevent fiber loss, and they can also have added perfume or dyes which is unnecessary for managing your period.
Conventional Pads typically contain the following ingredients and materials:
❌ Wood pulp (contributing to deforestation if uncertified and chlorine-bleached)
❌ Super absorbent polymers SAPs (made from crude oil and can lead to skin irritation)
❌ Latex (to make the wings on a pad flexible)
❌ Chlorine Bleaching process: used in pads, tampons, and baby diapers, and also for things like toilet paper.
❌ Plastic packaging and plastic-based cover
❌ Herbicides or Pesticide sprayed GMOs-cotton.
❌ Rayon or Viscose
❌ Perfume and dyes
❌ Hidden wadding
❌ Glue
❌ Dioxin
Greenwashing is a brand that pretends to be organic, natural, eco-friendly, and green when it is not. They will use misleading marketing tactics to convince you to buy their products!
❌ Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): Banned in the EU for food application due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Titanium dioxide E 171 contains at most 50% of particles in the nano range (i.e. less than 100 nanometres) to which consumers may be exposed.
According to The Guardian: “The EU’s decision to phase out titanium dioxide came after a re-evaluation of the safety of the food additive conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an agency that delivers independent scientific advice to the EU about food-related risks.
EFSA scientists screened nearly 12,000 scientific publications. They were particularly interested in recent research on the “genotoxicity” of titanium dioxide nanoparticles – their ability to damage DNA and lead to cell mutations, potentially causing cancer. In animal studies, nanoparticles have been found to affect microorganisms in the gut, which could trigger diseases like intestinal and bowel inflammation and colorectal cancer.
❌ Synthetic material: such as Polyethylene, polyester, or fiber finish (Security veil), to their organic cotton. You want to pick only 100% organic cotton.
❌ Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF): This bleaching method still uses chlorine. You can learn more here.
There are 2 methods to whiten pads, tampons, and baby diapers, and also for things like toilet paper.
Elemental Chlorine Free uses a compound called chlorine dioxide to achieve bleaching and produces only trace amounts of the toxic pollutant. It is still unclear whether those trace amounts are harmful to the environment or not.
❌ Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs): Super-absorbent material (made from petroleum) is used to prevent leakages and absorb moisture. These materials are effective and cheap but they are harmful to the planet and our health.
🍃Have you ever had vaginal irritation, such as candida or other skin rashes? Many times they could be caused by toxic products such as conventional lubricants, pads or tampons, and even toilet paper. Elevated levels of toxic chemicals are found in menstrual pads. Choose products that are Certified Organic and toilette paper that are unbleached and fragrance-free to avoid skin reactions.
🍃Most cotton period products—at least 85%, certainly any cotton that is not organic—contain glyphosate, which is problematic because it is a known cancer-causing agent. The World Health Organization recently ruled it as “probably carcinogenic.” The vagina is a highly permeable space: Anything we put inside can easily be absorbed through the mucous membrane and then into our bloodstream where it presents a toxic burden to the body.”
🌸 We need to take care of our vulva and vagina like we do our face, using special cleaning I highly recommend the daily use of a bidet combined with an approved feminine wash (my favorites here) which is designed with unique pH specific for the vagina, not just a body wash, or bar soap which can contribute to imbalance and irritation. Wear only GOTS Certified organic cotton underwear and organic cotton panties.
✅ On this page, you will find the Best Organic Bladder control underwear. Safer and eco-friendly incontinence panties are also more comfortable than conventional ones made with synthetic material.
I listed below all the Best and Approved Organic Bladder Control Product brands on the market!
My number one organic bladder control brand recommendation is:
Shop with my links to support my research!💖
15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
🌸 Lilova Period Underwear is my number one recommendation. Made with the safest material on the market!
Their products are made only with GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX 100 materials, and are always free of silver nanoparticles.
🍃 Their panties are being tested not once but twice during production by external laboratories for potentially harmful chemicals, and then again after production. They are certified PFAS-free!
No harmful chemicals. No PFAS. No silver particles.
MATERIAL: Gusset: 90% organic cotton, 7% elastane, 3% nylon. Middle crotch: 100% microfiber, breathable TPU. Body: 85% nylon, 15% elastane
10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
🌸 The High Waisted Period. in Organic Cotton For Heavy Flows. Super-super-super absorbent and designed to handle the heaviest days of a period. Made of soft, comfy organic cotton, a four-layer padded towel absorbency holds your flow.
Super absorbent. Built for heavy days.
Absorbs 9 tampons worth of flow or five pads.
🍃 Wicking layer on top so that It can absorb the blood super fast with no wetness. You will feel padding, but frankly, on those heavy days, feeling secure, safe, and leakproof is a pretty great feeling, alongside being so comfy and cozy.
✅ They rigorously third-party test every production and reject any materials that don’t meet their PFAs-free standard.
After using me once, you will look at tampons and disposable pads and pretend you don’t know them. Be cold. They deserve it. Also great for postpartum and perimenopause. They have:
For Heavy To Medium Flows
For Medium To Light Flows
Swim
Junior Period.
Overnight
MATERIAL: Body: 95% Organic Cotton with 5% Spandex Jersey. Absorbent Layer: 100% Polyester, Leak Proof Layer: 100% Polyester PUL
🌸Revol Care period underwear uses higher and safer materials compared to other brands. They feature third-party tested materials that are sustainably sourced and produced.
This organic period underwear brand tests each of its materials. They also offer organic bladder control solutions.
🍃Their Bamboo and Organic Cotton fabric is CPSIA certified, plus organic yarns used are GOTS certified & California Proposition 65 approved (this is required as the fabric is made in the US). Milled overseas and certified by their Canadian supplier. Leakproof fabric: Laminated Organic Cotton, Organic yarns that are GOTS certified and California Proposition 65 approved.
TPU film (the leakproof layer) to the fabric without the use of toxic solvents or glue. The process emits no toxic waste or VOCs that are harmful to the environment and/or the wearer.
15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL (Minimum purchase of 2 items required)
MATERIAL: Inner & outer fabric: Bamboo, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, Heavy Absorption Pad fabric: Bamboo and Organic Cotton - CPSIA certified, GOTS certified & California Proposition 65 approved. Leakproof fabric: Laminated Organic Cotton, Organic yarns that are GOTS certified and California Proposition 65 approved.
🌸 Tampon Tribe makes Certified organic cotton period pads, organic pantyliners, organic period underwear, organic period cups, and organic tampons, with no toxins or chlorine bleaches. 100%-plastic free!!
Plastic-free reusable organic cotton pads are the ultimate environmentally-friendly alternative to standard disposables, with no 'bulky' feeling. Sleek and streamlined design.
MEDIUM FLOW - holds up to 3 tampons-worth. Suitable for medium flow days, or change more regularly for heavy days.
2 pack of Wash & Wear Regular pads.
🍃What is even better is that it will come with a cute jute bag that has been designed to sit in your bathroom, all plastic-free, and wrapped in recycled paper. Zero waste packaging!
MATERIAL: ultra-soft certified organic cotton
🍃 🌸 This is the ONLY GOTS Certified Organic Reusable Pad I found.
Made with an amazing material developed by the founder Yasmeen. Thanks to her manufacturing background, she developed a patented super absorbent material called Smartsorb™ which incorporates 100% organic cotton, free of any harmful, toxic chemicals.Smartliners™ washables feature an exclusive Smartsorb™ super absorbent technology.
Made with 100% certified organic cotton, which is better for you and kind to the environment, Smartliners™ products are the ultimate healthy-living and eco-friendly solution available today.
MATERIAL: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
🌸 Like that friend who's a really good listener and keeps all your secrets, these Reusable Pads for Bladder Leaks can really soak it all in without spilling a thing, time after time (up to 120 times).
Crafted with breathable organic cotton, these pads can keep up with the most active lifestyles while protecting the most sensitive intimate areas.
Made With: ultra-absorbent certified organic cotton that keeps you fresh while preventing irritation and alleviating odor.
Six layers of moisture-wicking cotton hug your body for comfortable coverage.
USE: Wrap wings around underwear and fasten snaps. Machine wash after each use.
INGREDIENTS: 100% organic cotton top and absorbent layers, backing: 99% cotton, 1% polyurethane, snap closure: 100% cotton with nickel snaps
🍃With Oi Organic initiative you are saying “Yes” to transparency, honesty, and integrity. You are saying “Yes” to your health and “Yes” to the planet. Led by a team of passionate, holistic women, Oi stands for every woman and all people with periods.
Their organic collection includes organic panty liners, organic period pads, organic tampons and organic bladder control pads.
🍃Breathable, naturally soft, and non-irritant shape features. Feels dry and non-irritating even after bladder leaks. Oi boxes are recyclable and their inks are from vegetable dyes. Sustainable packaging and cornstarch based biopolymer wrappers
✅ GOTS & ICEA Certified Organic Cotton. BioGro (New Zealand organic certification)
✅ Non-GMO, No synthetic cotton, no toxic sprays, no chlorine bleaching. No synthetics, dyes or fragrance
✅ Packed in a biodegradable, recyclable cardboard box
✅ Absorbent core with odor control
✅ New Zealand Brand
MATERIAL: Wood-fluff pulp (core), SAP (core), air-laid paper (acquisition layer), biopolymer film (backsheet and wrapper), organic cotton (topsheet), hot melt glue (adhesive).
Organyc bladder control underwear, you can rely on no leaks, no odor, and no irritation.
Made with pure organic cotton. A 100% organic cotton topsheet with soft gentle waist and leg gathers ensures the fit and feel of regular cotton underwear while the pure cotton core mixed with absorbent powders helps prevent wetness buildup and sagging.
Organyc doesn’t just cover up odors, it safely neutralizes them using a unique certified pH balancing ingredient. Organyc incontinence underwear feature a cotton-balanced absorbent core that allows for an extra layer of protection and security.
Cotton incontinence underwear are thin and discreet; allowing you to move about your day with confidence and security.
MATERIAL: 100% organic cotton topsheet
🌸Natural and absorbent pads for light urinary incontinence
Natracare Dry & Light pads are the first of their kind. They are absorbent and comfortable. Compressed pulp core to effectively absorb without the harsh chemicals. The pads come without wings and stay firmly in place with a non-toxic glue strip.
🌸The pads are individually wrapped making them easy to carry around.
Certified organic cotton cover
Made for sensitive skin
Plastic-free
No superabsorbent polymers
No perfumes or dyes
Totally Chlorine Free
Biodegradable & compostable
MATERIAL: Certified organic cotton, ecologically certified cellulose pulp, plant starch
Glue: BPA-free, medical-grade polymer 1
Wrapper: Silicone-coated paper peel strip, paper pocket
Packaging: Recycled cardboard
🌸 Pads to absorb natural blood loss after giving birth. Natracare Maternity pads with soft, certified organic cotton cover. They are extra long, wide, and comfortably padded to give confident and secure protection for the natural blood loss experienced after giving birth.
🌸Natural pads will help look after incredibly sensitive postpartum skin naturally without causing extra irritation associated with synthetic materials.
Soft organic cotton cover
GMO-free ingredients
Packaging: silicone-coated paper peel strip, recycled cardboard
🌟These redesigned bladder liners now provide even more reliable leak protection and absorbency. Chlorine, fragrance, and dye-free, and made with an ultra-absorbent 100% organic cotton top sheet–so you can laugh so hard you pee a little, comfortably.
🌸 100% ORGANIC COTTON TOPSHEET: Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Made with organic material TRAPS LEAKS: Redesigned to absorb leaks 2.5x faster to keep you feeling dry and comfortable. SOFT AND FLEXIBLE: powerful bladder liners absorb 16x their weight to keep you feeling drier, and longer. So thin and soft you'll forget you're wearing it. LOCKS ODORS AWAY: Absorbent layers keep smells at bay without synthetic fragrances.
Now absorbs 16x its weight and absorbs 2.5x faster than our previous liners, to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.
The redesigned shape fits most underwear styles and moves with you for a barely-there feeling.
MATERIAL: Organic cotton (Topsheet), Elemental chlorine-free wood pulp (Absorbent core, core cover), Super absorbent polymer (Absorbent core), Polyethylene (Backsheet), Adhesive