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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? 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.
Tampons as a source of exposure to metals
They detected concentrations of several toxic metals, including elevated mean concentrations of lead (geometric mean [GM] = 120 ng/g), cadmium (GM = 6.74 ng/g), and arsenic (GM = 2.56 ng/g). Metal concentrations differed by region of tampon purchase (US versus European Union/United Kingdom), by organic versus non-organic material, and for store- versus name-brand tampons.
An alarming study shows many tampons contain lead, arsenic, and other toxic metals.
Do you know that feminine hygiene products brands aren’t required by law to disclose materials in their pads?
Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and discs are considered medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not subject to ingredient labeling under federal law.
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. New York State is the first state currently working on a law to require disclosure of the material.
✅ 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. (AB 2515) second bill, Take All Menstrual Product-PFAS Out Now (TAMPON) Act, forbids manufacturers from manufacturing, selling, or distributing menstrual products that contain regulated PFAS. Starting January 1, 2025, regulated PFAS will include substances that are intentionally added to the product. On January 1, 2027, the definition of regulated PFAS will expand to include the presence of PFAS in a product or product component at or above a limit to be determined by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
✅ 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.
Note: Since I am located in California, I can disclose to you all the ingredients listed on that packaging, thanks to the local law!!
🍃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 tampons—at least 85%, certainly any cotton that is not organic—contain glyphosate, which is problematic because it is a known cancer-causing agent. 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 only organic feminine washes, ideally integrating the use of a bidet, which is the best way to keep the area clean and healthy.
Organic period products such as organic period pads, organic tampons, organic and safer period underwear, safer menstrual cups, and GOTS Certified organic panties!
Avoid Conventional tampons that contain toxic material such as synthetic fibers, chemical additives, fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleach, GMOs, pesticides, toxins, latex, and formaldehyde.
❌ 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 totally unnecessary for managing your period.
❌ Plastic Tampons applicators: The majority of applicators are made from plastic or rigid bio-plastics. These usually contain phthalates which end up absorbed through the skin and cause hormone disruption. Plus they don’t biodegrade, contributing to worldwide plastic pollution. Avoid any plastic applicator including BPA free!!
Plastic tampon applicators and BPA-free plastic applicators should be banned!
Conventional Tampons 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
❌ SAPS
❌ 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!
❌ Synthetic material such as Polyethylene, polyester, or fiber finish (Security veil), to their organic cotton. You want to pick only 100% organic cotton tampons.
They may claim on the packaging organic cotton but then you will find on the ingredient list something like this: Organic cotton (Tampon core, string) Polyethylene, polyester, fiber finish (Security veil) Water-repellent wax (String) BPA-free plastic (Applicator)
❌ BPAFree-Plastic Tampons Applicators
Avoid plastic applicators, you don’t want plastic there even if it is BPA-free, plus they are an environmental hazard. Or Rigid bio-plastics which take longer to decompose. Plastic tampon applicators and BPA-free plastic applicators should be banned! Choosing plastic-free tampons lets intimate skin breathe and cuts out plastic pollution. Pick only Biodegradable Cardboard tampon applicators
❌ Elemental Chlorine-Free: This bleaching method still uses chlorine. You can learn more here.
🍃The best organic tampons are made with 100% GOTS & ICEA sustainable organic cotton – absorbent core and cover. Organic cotton from sustainable farmers. Made with 100% Certified Organic Cotton and no other synthetic material blend.
✅ Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is better since it is made without toxic chemicals so you can keep your vagina free from pesticide residues, plastic or toxic residuals, or rayon found in conventional cotton. 100% organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs and goes through a non-toxic cleansing process that uses oxygen instead of chlorine bleach. Certified organic tampons do not contain titanium dioxide. 100% Certified organic cotton tampons are free of synthetic fibers, chemical additives, fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleach, GMOs, pesticides, toxins, latex, and formaldehyde. 100% certified organic cotton protects our oceans, our soil, and cotton workers.
✅ Biodegradable Cardboard Tampons Applicators: Pick compostable cardboard applicators or applicator-free
✅ Totally Chlorine-Free Method (TCF): It is the safest whitening option. You can learn more here.
🍃The Best tampons:
100% GOTS & ICEA sustainable organic cotton
Totally Chlorine-Free Whitening Method
Compostable, Biodegradable cardboard applicators or applicator-free
Recycled cardboard packaging
Hypoallergenic
Plastic-free
Zero Waste Packaging
Choose safer products and reduce your plastic footprint with
Menstrual Cups
Organic Pads
Organic Tampons
Organic Wipes
Period Underwear
Bladder Control
Organic Feminine Wash
Bidets
I listed below all the Best and Approved Organic Tampon brands on the market!
My favorite and number one certified organic tampon brand recommendation is:
Shop with my links to support my research 💖
10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
🌸 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!!
They have a customizable selection of 16 tampons. Everybody’s body is different so here are the options: regular, super, super-plus. Your order arrives monthly and you can manage, pause, change, and add to your subscription whenever you like. And free delivery!
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!
🍃 100% GOTS & ICEA sustainable organic cotton - absorbent core and cover. Organic cotton from sustainable small-growth farmers. The absorbent core is wrapped with a special safety layer to prevent fibers from remaining inside your body. Biodegradable Cardboard “Twist” Applicator with soft round end-tip
✅100% GOTS & ICEA sustainable organic cotton
✅ Totally Chlorine Free
✅ Biodegradable Cardboard Applicator
✅ Plastic-free packaging
MATERIAL: 100% GOTS & ICEA sustainable organic cotton - absorbent core and cover. Totally Chlorine Free. Biodegradable Cardboard Applicator.
🌸FLO Organic Tampons are made with certified organic cotton, so soft they claim that is like a cloud in your vagina.
They are two versions: regular and super and with and without applicator made with sustainable material.
Every tampon is made with GOTS 100% Certified Organic Cotton that means no harsh chemicals, bleach, chlorine or dyes.
FLO Eco-friendly Applicator Tampons are award-winning, plant-powered:
The super-smooth Eco-applicator is made from biodegradable sugarcane (95% plant-based & 0% petroleum plastic) and easy to insert, even for beginners.
Each pack has 8 Regular and 6 Super applicator tampons to cover you throughout your unique flow. FLO organic cotton tampons expand width-wise for increased comfort and superior leak protection.
Women-of-colour owned & operated brand is sustainably owned & operated!
🍃 100% GOTS Organic Cotton
🍃Vegan & Cruelty Free
🍃Oeko-tex certified & Tested for harmful chemicals
🍃 Source renewable & planet-friendly resources
🍃 Carbon Neutral
🍃 B Corp Certified
🍃UK brand
MATERIAL: GOTS 100% Certified Organic Cotton, Eco-applicator is made from biodegradable sugarcane (95% plant-based & 0% petroleum plastic). Wrapped in 100% plant-based & compostable wrappers. FSC packaging.
🍃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. This ultra thin pad has side wings which attach securely to your underwear to prevent shifting or bunching. Great for light to medium flow during the day. Individually wrapped for hygiene in biodegradable cornstarch-based materials, so you have personally contributed to reducing long-term waste and your environmental footprint. Oi boxes are recyclable and their inks are from vegetable dyes.
✅ 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
✅ New Zealand Brand
MATERIAL: 100% Organically grown cotton (tampon core, cover and string), Cotton (sewing threads), Water-repellent wax (string & sewing threads) cardboard applicator
Rael offers two kinds of tampons: one with BPA free applicator and the other one with biodegradable cardboard. I recommend biodegradable cardboard since it is safer for you and more environmentally responsible.
🍃Designed for your health with Mother Nature in mind, these tampons are crafted with 100% certified organic cotton from tip to string and housed in a biodegradable cardboard applicator.
Because what we put into our bodies should be natural as what comes out. Crafted with Leak Locker technology, these tampons provide up to 8 hours of leak-free confidence.
🍃Made Without harsh chemicals that irritate and inflame your intimate areas, disrupt your hormones, or expose you to carcinogens.
Regular: light to medium 6-9g
Super: medium to heavy 9-12g
MATERIAL: 100% certified organic cotton from tip to string and housed in a biodegradable cardboard applicator.
Cora makes two kinds of tampons:
one with an applicator and
one applicator free.
I recommend the applicator free since not only eliminate the waste of plastic applicator in the environment, but that version has also synthetic material mixed. (Polyethylene, polyester, fiber finish (Security veil)
The comfortable applicator-free tampons instead are made with 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton. Made without pesticides, dioxins, fragrance, or chlorine.
Light: For those just started or almost done days.
Regular: For the everyday.
Super: For the heavy days.
Super Plus: For the heaviest days.
MATERIAL: GOTS Certified organic cotton (Tampon, string) Water-resistant wax coating (String)
🍃Organic regular tampons with a smooth easy-glide cardboard applicator, which is completely biodegradable. Just twist to release and push. The Natracare applicator has a rounded tip for easy insertion.
100% certified organic tampons with cardboard applicator
Absorbent cotton tampons made for light or medium menstrual flow days.
Plastic free tampons
No perfume, rayon, or dyes
Totally Chlorine Free
Ingredients grown without toxic pesticides
Biodegradable & compostable
🌴MATERIAL:
Tampon: Certified organic cotton
Applicator: Biodegradable cardboard applicator and paper wrapper
Packaging: Recycled cardboard
🍃 🌸Maxim products are recommended since they are made with 100% GOTS and ICEA Certified Organic Cotton. They provide extra comfort, they are amongst the highest quality pads on the market.
• Organic Cotton
• Chlorine Free
• Non-irritating • No added fragrances or synthetics • Biodegradeable,
• Certified Compostable
🌸That's is fundamental to reduce and avoid the risk of irritation, feel protected by pesticides and chemicals, and protect the environment as well.
They are also better for the environment!
MATERIAL: 100% GOTS and ICEA Certified Organic Cotton.
🌸Organyc products have been certified by the Soil Association, the UK’s leading organic organization, promoting sustainable food and farming through local, seasonal and organic systems. Organic is also certified by the ICEA, Italy, the Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute, which inspects and certifies firms respectful of the environment, workers' dignity and collective rights.
🍃100% certified organic cotton inside and out
A comfortable & reliable design means maximum comfort and better leak protection
100% Hypoallergenic - no chemicals, fragrances, synthetics or dyes
Clinically proven to respect women's most sensitive skin
tampons are manufactured in Slovenia and Germany
MATERIAL: GOTS and ICEA 100% certified organic cotton inside and out, total chlorine free
🍃 🌸 These are great for your business.
Unicorn dispensers are uniquely designed to be placed in EVERY bathroom stall versus the common area to support dignity, equity, and privacy. We’re challenging conventional attitudes toward period products, emphasizing their importance on par with toilet paper, which should be available when and where they’re needed.
Dispenser: US-made acrylic dispenser; holds two Unicorn cartridges. Dispenser dimensions: 12.25 x 9 x 4.5 inches.
Tampons: Made with 100% Certified Organic Cotton and plant-based compact applicator. Tampons offer dependable leak protection, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable throughout your day.
Certified organic cotton
Ethically sourced ingredients
No fragrances & dyes
Plastic-free applicator
Without extra packaging
Small, women-owned business (WBE) certified by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
MATERIAL: 100% organic cotton core; plant-based compact applicator
I don't recommend this Cora tampon version because they are not all organic cotton, but they are made with synthetic material plus the applicator is not biodegradable.
*I recommend their applicator-free tampon made with GOTS100% organic cotton
MATERIAL: Organic cotton (Tampon core, string), Polyethylene, polyester, fiber finish (Security veil), Water-repellent wax (String), BPA-free plastic (Applicator)
I don't recommend VIV tampons because they contain plastic in their applicator & wrapper: BPA-free polyethylene
MATERIAL: 100% certified organic cotton, Applicator & wrapper: BPA-free polyethylene
I don't recommend LOLA tampons because they contain plastic in their applicator & and wrapper: BPA-free polyethylene
MATERIAL: 100% certified organic cotton, applicator & wrapper: BPA-free polyethylene
I don't recommend LOLA organic tampons since they have been sued for unraveling inside users’ bodies, causing some to have to seek medical attention to get bits of cotton removed, a new nationwide class action lawsuit alleges.
Class Action
Plaintiff Kimberley Manson filed the class action complaint against company ALYK Inc. in a New York federal court last Wednesday, alleging the company’s LOLA tampons don’t have a protective coating to stop them from shedding inside consumers, Law360 reports.
I don't recommend L. Organic® Brand Organic Tampons because they are facing lawsuits from multiple women. The lawsuits allege:
Class Action: L. ‘100% Organic’ Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients. They contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin, and titanium dioxide.
Inc., a Procter & Gamble marking them greenwashing!