Time to get vulnerable: I used to be 9 after I bought my first interval. After all, being so younger, I had no thought what was occurring and shortly bought a crash course in puberty from my older sister and mother. Evidently, within the extensive world of interval merchandise, I’ve had years of expertise testing all of it. Whereas I desire reusable merchandise from a sustainability perspective (every thing from period-proof underwear to menstrual cups), you simply can’t get across the practicality tampons typically provide. And as somebody who has a lot of swimming on the horizon this summer time, solely one of the best natural tampons will do.
We’ve written rather a lot about organic food up to now—what to prioritize and whether or not or not the label’s definitely worth the hype. (Quick story: sure, nevertheless it’s a bit extra nuanced.) However past consuming natural, there’s a little bit of a grey space relating to understanding the significance of buying natural throughout different product classes.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
Organic Tampons: Are They Worth It?
To help us separate fact from fiction when it comes to purchasing organic tampons, we spoke with Sara Seward. The hairstylist credited with creating Halle Berry’s most beautiful appears to be like has expanded into the interval area. Having skilled many painful intervals herself, Sara based ENUF to attach folks with accessible, relief-promoting CBD merchandise.
Beneath, Sara talks by way of what to search for in one of the best natural tampons and whether or not or not they’re actually higher than non-organic choices. Then, maintain scrolling for our evaluate of natural tampons that match each price range, precedence, and wish.
Natural vs. Non-Natural Tampons
In case you’re pondering completely! you’re proper. Sara responds with the in need of it, confirming that natural tampons are higher each for the atmosphere in addition to your physique.
As for the primary variations, she notes that “natural tampons are freed from dangerous chemical compounds, reminiscent of bleach, chlorine, and dyes which are usually discovered within the vary of material that make up non-organic tampons.” With sustainability in thoughts, you’ll be joyful to know that natural tampons break down after being disposed of. Conversely, Sara provides that “non-organic tampons are full of traces of chemical compounds and toxins that would finally pollute our soil and meals chains.”
Lastly, natural tampons are merely extra snug to put on. As a result of they lack the chemical compounds in non-organic tampons, you’re more likely to expertise much less irritation, “leaving your physique with much less of an opportunity of poisonous shock syndrome as properly,” says Sara. Poisonous shock syndrome is a life-threatening complication of sure bacterial infections. It’s uncommon, however essential to pay attention to menstrual merchandise that would put you at larger threat.
What to Think about When Shopping for Natural
To make sure your product is toxin-free, Sara emphasizes that it’s essential to confirm that the tampons you buy are made solely of 100% natural cotton. After all, past the natural label, the identical guidelines apply as with non-organic tampons. Be certain you’re altering natural tampons as you’d usually and choose the fitting dimension in your movement.
Moreover, it must be emphasised that whereas natural tampons reduce the chance of poisonous shock syndrome, going natural doesn’t take away the chance fully. Studies have proven that poisonous shock syndrome is a results of micro organism, not the chemical compounds and rayon in non-organic tampons. Once more, ensure that you’re using tampons safely and eradicating them when applicable.
Best Organic Tampons in 2023
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
First off, I’ll address something that has little to do with the tampon itself (we’ll get to that). While the subscription model isn’t anything new, it’s game-changing for someone who experiences regular periods. You can receive 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month shipments directly to your door, so you always have a supply at the ready.
Now, to the tampons themselves. Beyond the organic, toxin-free label, what’s to love most about these tampons is their combined comfort and efficacy. The cardboard tip applicator is not only a more sustainable option, but backed up by plenty of reviewers, Lola’s tampons are one of the most comfortable plastic-free options available. These are a great low-waste option particularly for folks who are looking for a good alternative to menstrual cups.
What’s to love:
- Features a curved tip cardboard applicator for additional comfort
- Gynecologist-approved
- No synthetic fibers, fragrance, chlorine bleach, chemical additives, or dyes
What’s not:
- The cardboard applicator can be difficult to get used to. However, the brand offers an easy-to-follow tutorial.
- Users have noted that the absorbency leaves a little to be desired. However, my experience is that these will hold up to a regular flow.
Rael is certainly the menstrual health darling of the social space. Though we’ve been told to be wary of influencer recommendations, my love of Rael started from a trusted source, Jules Acree. And following her glowing evaluate, I couldn’t wait to get began. When it comes to absorbency, I’ve discovered these to be my go-to for heavier movement days. I really like with the ability to go about my routine with out worrying a few leak or having to alter my tampon each half-hour. What’s extra, as a result of they’re wrapped individually, these are the tampons I maintain in my purse and pack for journey. They’re discreet, snug, and white pants-proof.
What’s to like:
- BPA-free plastic compact applicator
- Individually wrapped for on the go use
What’s not:
- Reviewers be aware that the applicators aren’t sturdy sufficient and have issue inserting the tampons accurately.
We love the idea behind Public Items: offering clear, sustainable merchandise at wholesale costs. From family items to snacks to non-public care—the model is your one-stop store for environmentally-friendly purchasing. After all, this contains natural tampons. Whereas design runs second to efficacy for this author, I do love that they maintain the packaging easy and simple. (I don’t really feel like I’m being focused with conventional representations of gender, phew.)
Past branding, these are a strong choose for normal movement days. (You should definitely search out one thing extra absorbent for heavier flows.) I’ve discovered that the applying is straightforward and customers agree that the expertise is healthier than with cardboard applicators or these from greater, non-organic manufacturers.
What’s to like:
- BPA- and chlorine-free
- Low-waste, paper packaging
- Easy design makes for straightforward use
What’s not:
- Gained’t stand as much as heavier flows
One other genius adopter of the subscription mannequin, Cora makes it simple to by no means be with no tampon on the prepared. I additionally love that you may customise your containers, choosing from Gentle, Common, Tremendous, and Tremendous Plus to combine and match your supply as wanted. After all, they’re made with natural cotton for a clear and comfy match.
What’s to love:
- Customizable size options
- With every purchase, Cora provides period products and body literacy resources to people in need
- Sleek, plant-based applicator
What’s not:
- Users have noted that the widthwise expansion isn’t as absorbent as the brand’s original tampons
Subtle and straightforward, these organic tampons absorb and perform well without any BS. The applicator is made of 90% sugarcane, making this a more environmentally-friendly option than other plastic brands. They’re compact and a solid option for packing in a toiletry kit or stuffing in your purse for on-the-go emergencies.
What’s to love:
- Developed by a Certified B Corporation
- Compact bio-plastic applicator
- Subtle packaging
What’s not:
- Reviews note some difficulty with the applicator
Okay, how cute is this packaging? It brings me joy just to look at (hard to say that for most other tampons). But these tampons are more than their good looks. They’re designed to fit the true shape of your vagina and were intentionally developed to maximize both comfort and absorbency. We also love the longer applicators for easy use. Final note: Because transparency is top of mind for the brand, they’re clear about where they source their materials from.
What’s to like:
- Subscription choice
- Customizable containers make it simple to get precisely what you want
- Lengthy BPA-free applicators made for simpler insertion
What’s not:
- Truthfully, no complaints! That is the best software we’ve discovered and each use was snug. Bonus: no sudden leaks.
These tampons offer you peace of thoughts on all fronts. Fabricated from 100% natural cotton with none chemical compounds, toxins, or fragrances, you’ll be able to really feel assured about what you’re placing inside your physique. Past that, the absorbency makes for assured put on. Choose amongst three completely different absorbency ranges (Common, Tremendous, Tremendous+) for the safety your physique wants. Notice: These additionally are available in a no-applicator option.
What’s to like:
- Hypoallergenic and gained’t irritate delicate pores and skin
- Eight channels maximize absorbency
What’s not:
- No choice to customise supply frequency. Subscription delivers as soon as each 8 weeks.