My Favorite Non-Toxic, Organic Period Products
At this point, most of us know that toxins surround us and, sadly, wreak havoc on our health. They’re in our food, in the air, on our furniture, hell, they even spray kids’ PJs down with toxic flame retardants…sigh. We must question and examine every product we bring into our lives or put into our bodies because, over time, our toxic bucket just gets more and more packed. If left unchecked, this can contribute to debilitating health issues.
Period products are no exception. The thought alone is infuriating. We are buying products (which some argue should be free), putting them next to or inside our bodies for extended periods, and these products are doused in toxic chemicals. Not to mention that the tissue that lines the walls of your vagina is chock full of lymph glands and blood vessels that allow for the direct transfer of all these nasty chemicals into your circulatory system.
Oh, there’s the charming fact that the companies manufacturing these toxic products aren’t required to disclose any ingredients to the consumer because feminine care products fall under the FDA category of medical devices, which have lower regulatory standards than…wait for it….cosmetics. I mean, WTF?!!!
To gross or shock you even further, here’s a list of some ingredients found in non-organic tampons and pads:
Furans
Mystery Fragrance Chemicals
Dioxins from bleaching
Adhesive Chemicals
Pesticide Residues
Not ok! I know.
Exposure to any of these ingredients over a women’s reproductive years leads to a host of adverse health consequences, including:
Endocrine Disruption
Cancer
Reproductive Harm
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Allergic Rashes
Safe, Non-Toxic Period Product Options
So what’s a girl that doesn’t want to coat her vagina and labia in toxic chemicals to do??? Thankfully the last decade has brought with it some safe period product options (why toxic ones aren’t banned outright is a rant for another day).
Period Undies
Period undies are a new option, and I love them! It’s nice not to be throwing away trash. I use them on light flow days and as backup on heavier flow days. I’ve tried some brands, but my favorite is Knix. They have a cotton bikini option that ticks all my boxes. Thinx is also a popular choice.
Organic Tampons
Yes, please. Hard pass on the glyphosate. Natracare is my go-to brand, but there are plenty of other great options out there. Check out Seventh Generation, Cora, Lola, Sustain, Rael, Oi, Tampon Tribe, and Emerita.
Organic Pads
Many of the same brands that make organic tampons also make pads. Check out The Honey Pot, Rael, Natracare, Cora, Oi, and TOTM.
Menstrual Cups
If you like them, you like them, but they’re not for everyone! Check out Diva Cup, Lena, Lunette, Oi, and Saalt.
Last Thoughts
Unfortunately, the business of period care products is unregulated; our vaginas don’t justify the research and oversight budgets apparently, so the burden of due diligence falls on our menstruating bodies’ shoulders.
It’s outrageous that we have to take such measures to ensure we aren’t inserting toxic torpedoes into our vaginas, but, alas, it’s the current situation. So whatever your flavor, source yourself some clean period care products using my recommendations above and protect your parts.