2023 Top Tampon Brands for a Non-toxic Period
Table of Contents
What are organic tampons, and what are they made of?
What to look for when shopping for organic tampons?
7 Top Tampon Brands Based on the 2023 Review
Although I understand not always wanting to use a menstrual cup or reusable pads, I'm sure you've heard much about zero-waste periods. Menstrual cups and particular pads might be uncomfortable to use in public facilities. Additionally, if you've already had kids, you may find that what worked for you before the baby doesn't work as well after the baby, so you'll need to try new things to find the ideal comfort. Having a non-toxic period may also be counted as one of the sustainable self-care ideas.
A common practice for many women is the use of period products. These items' effects on the environment are frequently disregarded, though. Period products could include a range of toxic chemicals and other unfavorable elements that might harm the environment and people's health. Examples include
Contrast that with the six-month time frame needed by cotton tampons, which are primarily composed of cotton, while period pads and conventional tampons are mostly made of plastic, which takes hundreds of years before it starts to degrade. As disposable pads degrade, they emit chemicals and microplastics into the environment that may be dangerous to humans, animals, and marine life. Your carbon footprint may be significantly reduced, and you can contribute significantly to environmental protection by switching to organic period products, such as organic tampons.
One approach to lessen the adverse environmental effects of period products is to opt for organic ones. Organic menstrual products are produced without hazardous chemicals and are biodegradable, thus not adding to landfill waste. Additionally, the packaging of organic period products is usually crafted from recycled materials, which further reduces their environmental impact. By switching to organic period products, women can safeguard the environment and their well-being.
Organic cotton tampons are a better choice for the environment than synthetic ones. These tampons are produced using 100% certified organic cotton, making them safe to use during periods. Many companies are shifting towards sustainable and organic tampons and menstrual care products. Using reusable tampons allows you to have an eco-friendlier period while also ensuring your safety just like a substitute of reusable paper towels.
This blog post will discuss the advantages of using organic tampons and highlight sustainable brands that provide eco-friendly menstrual care.
What are organic tampons, and what are they made of?
During a person's menstrual cycle, tampons are used to absorb and retain menstrual blood. These are essentially small plugs made of cotton inserted into the vagina. Some tampons come with an applicator to aid in the insertion process, while others are inserted manually. Each tampon has a string attached to one end for easy removal.
The conventional tampon and pad brands employ a mixture of bleached rayon, traditional cotton, and plastic in their products. Additionally, the conventional cotton used in these products is treated with excessive pesticides, which can be harmful to such a sensitive area.
Although organic tampons are still designed for single-use, they are a much healthier and eco-friendlier alternative. These are the material that zero-waste tampons are made of:
Rayon
Rayon, a common material used in tampons, is derived from wood pulp. However, despite its high absorbency levels, rayon may encourage the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can lead to the rare but severe condition known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by a bacterial infection. It's important to note that the incidence of TSS is low, with only an estimated 3 to 6 cases per 100,000 individuals per year.
Cotton
Conventional cotton farming, despite occupying only a tiny portion of the world's total agricultural land, accounts for up to 25% of the global production of pesticides. These pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment, harming fish, birds, and beneficial insects while contaminating soil and drinking water, which can be detrimental to human health.
Opting for organic cotton products is a more environmentally friendly choice, as they are grown without pesticides. This means that the organic cotton used in tampons is also free from harmful chemicals, making them a healthier option for people to use.
Titanium dioxide (dioxin)
Dioxin is a harmful environmental pollutant linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. In the past, dioxin was found in tampons due to the use of chlorine gas to bleach the wood pulp used in rayon production. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned this process, resulting in only small traces of dioxin in tampons. Nevertheless, more research is needed to determine if these levels of dioxin are safe for use in tampons.
On the other hand, organic cotton tampons are the safest choice as they do not contain rayon, a material made from wood pulp that may have been exposed to dioxin in the past. Using organic cotton tampons reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, providing a healthier and more natural option for women during their menstrual cycles.
Fragrance
Conventional tampons may contain fragrances, and organic compounds emitting solid odors. "fragrance" is often used to describe hundreds of synthetic scents and ingredients. However, the safety of fragrances in tampons has yet to be extensively studied. Odors can cause allergic reactions such as coughing and sneezing. Moreover, fragrances can irritate the vagina, leading to inflammation, itchiness, pain, and even infections.
The vagina is self-cleaning and does not require fragrances to smell good. Fragrance-free organic tampons are a safer choice as they do not contain synthetic scents or potentially harmful ingredients. By choosing organic tampons without fragrances, women can avoid the risk of irritation or infection and maintain a healthy and natural balance in their bodies.
Bpa
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been widely used in manufacturing plastics and resins since the 1950s. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), BPA can mimic the natural hormones in our bodies, which can interfere with the production, response, or action of these hormones.
Unfortunately, BPA is often present in traditional tampon applicators, which can pose a risk to women's health. Therefore, it's essential to choose organic tampons that do not come with applicators or have BPA-free applicators.
By opting for organic tampons, women can reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins that can interfere with their body's natural hormone balance. It's essential to prioritize our health and choose safe and beneficial products for our bodies.
How to use a tampon?
When using tampons, remember a few essential things to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. First, washing your hands thoroughly before handling a tampon is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria.
When it comes to inserting the tampon, there are different positions you can try, such as squatting, sitting, or putting one leg up on the toilet seat. The choice of position may vary from person to person, so it's essential to find what works best for you.
The next step is to push the tampon inside the vagina using an applicator or finger. A smooth and rounded applicator can make insertion more manageable and more comfortable. Relaxing as much as possible during insertion is essential, as tensing up can make the process more difficult and uncomfortable. You can also put a small amount of lubricant on the end of the tampon to help it slide in more easily.
If you are having trouble inserting the tampon, asking someone you trust, like a family member or close friend, for help is okay.
Once the tampon is inserted, changing it every four to eight hours is important, depending on your flow and level of comfort. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the risk of bacterial growth and potentially lead to toxic shock syndrome.
To remove the tampon, gently tug the string until it comes out easily. It's important to leave the tampon in for at least eight hours and avoid wearing it overnight if possible. If you wear a tampon overnight, insert it right before going to bed and remove it as soon as you wake up.
After removing the tampon, it should be wrapped in toilet paper and thrown away in a trash can. It's essential to refrain from flushing the tampon or its applicator, as they can cause clogs in pipes and damage sewage systems.
In summary, using a tampon can be a safe and comfortable experience if you take the necessary precautions. By following these steps and paying attention to your body's needs, you can stay relaxed and healthy during your period.
What to look for when shopping for organic tampons?
A wide variety of tampons are available, each with different features to consider when choosing the right one for you. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
✔️ Absorbency: Tampons come in different sizes to accommodate varying levels of menstrual flow. The FDA regulates absorbency labels, which include light, regular, super, super plus, and ultra. If you're new to tampons, starting with a lighter size is best, and working your way up if necessary. To minimize the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but severe condition, use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow and change it every 4-6 hours.
✔️ Applicator: Tampons can be inserted with a plastic or cardboard applicator or with no applicator at all. Our tester panel generally preferred plastic applicators, but those who used no-applicator tampons found them easier to use with less waste.
✔️ Shape: When fluid-filled, tampons take on one of three shapes: they can unfold side-to-side, expand 360º, or broaden without spreading. No-applicator tampons typically only grow as they lack an applicator to help them keep their shape. Testers did not strongly prefer any particular form, but lab tests found that the expanding styles are less suitable for heavy flow as they also don't hold liquid.
✔️ Ingredients: Dr. Tang, a medical professional, advises avoiding tampons that contain certain chemicals, such as BPA (a hormone-disrupting chemical), titanium dioxide, dioxin (an environmental pollutant), perfume, elemental chlorine bleaching, and dyes.
Finding the right tampon for your body and your flow is crucial, as using the wrong size or type of tampon can be uncomfortable or even cause health problems. Feel free to experiment with different options until you find the one that works best for you. And remember to always wash your hands before and after inserting or removing a tampon and to dispose of used tampons in the trash (not down the toilet).
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) caused by leaving a tampon in for too long include:
Vomiting
Fever
Diarrhea
Sunburn-like rash
Dizziness
Faintness
Difficulty breathing
Confusion
It's essential to remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. TSS is a rare but severe infection caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria that can be dangerous.
To prevent TSS, it's crucial to use the lowest absorbency tampon possible for your flow and change your tampon regularly, every four to eight hours (or as often as needed).
Using organic cotton tampons from Tampon Tribe is another option that provides more comfort during periods. Their tampons come in various absorption levels and are made with organic cotton. Plus, they offer free delivery straight to your door.
7 Top Tampon Brands Based on the 2023 Review
Over the past few years, there has been an increasing awareness of the need for sustainability in the period care industry. Brands are responding to this demand by offering various sustainable options for tampons and organic pads. These products are made from environmentally friendly materials and are packaged using renewable resources, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Sustainable tampons are gynecologist tested to ensure they are safe and effective in preventing leaks. They come in different absorbencies, and some brands offer organic tampons with a BPA-free or plant-based applicator. These tampons are better for the environment and the health of those who use them.
As more consumers become aware of the impact of their period care choices on the environment, sustainable options are becoming increasingly popular. These options are not only beneficial for the environment, but they also promote good health and hygiene.
LOLA
These tampons are compact and designed with 100% organic cotton that expands in all directions to prevent leakage. They are made without synthetic fibers, fragrances, chlorine bleach, chemical additives, and dyes, making them a safer choice for your period care. You can even order them customized through the Internet and receive a discount.
Lola is a relatively new brand in the market that is dedicated to using 100 percent organic cotton in its tampons. You can choose from a cardboard or plastic applicator or opt for no applicator at all and use your finger to insert the tampon. The tampons are available in different absorbances like a light, regular, super, or super plus. The best thing about Lola is that you can sign up for a monthly subscription plan and have your tampons delivered straight to your doorstep right before you need them each month.
2. Tampax
Tampax is a brand of tampons that is very similar to Kotex. They are your everyday type of tampon and come in light, regular, and super absorbencies. Tampax has a unique "LeakGuard Braid" feature that helps prevent leaks. Their applicator is made of 90% plant-based plastic and has an anti-slip grip to make insertion easier. In addition to providing quality products, Tampax is also dedicated to helping girls in need. For each specially marked Pure pack of tampons or pads purchased, they will donate one to a girl who cannot afford period products so she does not have to miss school.
3. Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is a brand that offers eco-friendly household items and tampons made of organic cotton without chlorine. Their packaging is made from recycled materials. Additionally, they donate some of their tampon and pad sales to non-profit organizations promoting period care equity. As a certified B-Corp, Seventh Generation has been providing non-toxic and sustainable products for personal care and household use for over three decades.
4. Playtex
You've probably heard of Playtex Sport tampons, which our panel recommends for exercising or swimming. Testers appreciated the contoured plastic applicator and the grip, which made insertion more comfortable. Some testers would prefer the packaging to be more discreet. Note that these tampons have a longer string, so it's important to tuck it away when at the beach. Playtex offers sport tampons and "gentle glide" tampons, but it's best to avoid their scented options as fragrances can irritate your sensitive vagina. Ultimately, the choice of tampon brand and type is a personal one.
5. O.B.
These tampons use 100% certified organic cotton without chlorine, fragrances, or dyes. They feature a True-Comfort applicator made up of renewable resources, which is up to 92% plant-based, and for those who want to minimize waste, there's a non-applicator option. In Lab tests, o.b. Organic tampons were given high marks for preventing leaks and being comfortable to remove, especially when changing frequently. They are ideal for those with lighter flows as they do not absorb as much as other types. However, Tampax Pearl and Lola have "light" absorbances for those with very light periods.
6. U by Kotex
U by Kotex is a well-known and established brand in the period care industry. Their tampons are equipped with a classic, smooth plastic applicator that is easy to use for most people. These tampons are available in three absorbencies - regular, super, and super plus - to suit your individual needs. They also offer specialized tampons for sports and extra security, which provide additional protection for those with heavier flows or during activities like exercise.
7. Rael
Rael tampons are designed with a unique blend of 100% organic cotton that is responsibly sourced and conforms to your body for maximum comfort. They are also crafted with Leak Locker technology that provides up to 8 hours of protection against leaks, giving you the confidence to go about your day without worry. Moreover, Rael tampons are made with non-chlorine bleached cotton and come with a biodegradable applicator, making them eco-friendly for conscientious consumers. The company behind Rael is based in Southern California and is dedicated to empowering women with safer and healthier alternatives for period care.
Last but not Least…
Choosing organic tampons is not only great for your body but also for the environment. Organic cotton tampons are produced without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, which can have a negative impact on your health and the planet. By choosing organic tampons, you can reduce your reliance on synthetic materials damaging to the environment. However, finding eco-friendly brands committed to sustainability can be difficult, as some may engage in greenwashing. At Green Hive, we provide a list of environmentally friendly brands that are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. We believe in promoting sustainable living and working towards a future where sustainability is the norm.
