Top Tampon Brands to Use That Are Organic And Non-Toxic

Experts say people can use about 11,000 menstrual products over the course of their reproductive years. That includes sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, and so on. Tampons are popular because they feel “free” and “cleaner” since they don’t require as much interaction with menstrual blood as pads do. However, research indicates that conventional tampons may contain potentially toxic chemicals, leading many people to opt for organic tampons instead.

The Concerns About Tampons

Past research found that menstrual products contain chemicals (such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds) that may disrupt the endocrine system. This part of the body is responsible for metabolism, sleep, blood sugar, sexual development, etc.

A new small pilot study discovered small levels of lead and arsenic in conventional and organic tampons. However, the researchers didn’t determine if the heavy metals absorb into the skin and affect the body. 

“I do not want people to panic, but to be aware that heavy metals have been found in these menstrual products,” said senior study author Kathrin Schilling, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. “Obviously, the next step is to do research that would show if the metals leach from the tampon into the body.”

Read More: Are Tampons Safe? The Risks and Alternatives Every Woman Needs to Know

Regular vs. Organic Tampon

Schilling goes on to explain that the team found “an average of 100 nanograms per gram of lead, and 2 nanograms per gram of arsenic in the tampons.” The conventional ones had higher levels of lead (10 times higher than the levels allowed in drinking water), and the organic ones had higher levels of arsenic (five times lower than levels allowed in drinking water). However, both kinds contained volatile organic chemicals.

“It’s important to note that arsenic shouldn’t be present in tampons at all, and we don’t yet understand the effects of vaginal exposure since it hasn’t been studied,” said Schilling. “There is no safe level of lead exposure, and it has been shown to cause reproductive health issues in women.”

Keep in mind that most tampons are made of cotton or a combination of cotton and rayon (which is derived from wood pulp). Since arsenic is naturally found in the environment and lead is part of Earth’s crust, these heavy metals can easily be absorbed into plants.

“Be aware”

Anna Pollack, associate professor of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, (who was not involved with the study) expresses concern over menstrual products that are used internally. “However, there is no reason for people to be afraid to use menstrual products at this time,” she added. “I would just be aware of the issue and monitor any research that develops.”

What are Organic Tampons?

Because of growing concerns about the contents of tampons, many companies have sought to produce organic versions. These are marketed as being more natural and environmentally friendly than the regular kinds. However, as the aforementioned study showed, organic tampons aren’t completely free of unwanted chemicals.

Even so, not all organic tampons are the same. U.S. laws require textiles like cotton to maintain certain standards in order to use the term organic. However, tampons contain other ingredients, such as plastic and other additives. So, “organic tampons” may still contain potentially toxic chemicals. 

‘Major Problem’

This presents a major problem, according to Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research at Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE). “What we’ve noticed is, you’ll see on the package, it’ll say ‘100 percent organic cotton core,’ which is really key language. If you look at their actual ingredients, they’ll often have a polypropylene or polyethylene sheath on top of that organic core. So you’re still getting the plastic, you still may be getting titanium dioxide, you still may be getting all kinds of other additives. That doesn’t seem entirely truthful to me.”

However, WVE does indicate that organic cotton is more environmentally friendly than non-organic cotton, which may influence some shoppers. They may also be more hypoallergenic. But for now, there’s not enough research saying they’re better health-wise. Nevertheless, some people may be more comfortable with natural cotton and potentially fewer ingredients until research proves if these chemicals are truly concerning or not. 

Read More: I Almost Died From Toxic Shock Syndrome and It Had Nothing to Do With a Tampon

Top Organic Tampon Brands

Organyc

• 100% organic cotton
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-free
• Offers sizes regular, super, super plus
• Applicator is made of 90% plant-based ingredients
• Also offers applicator-free versions
• Advertises good leak prevention

Playtex Organic Cotton 

• 100% organic cotton
• Fragrance-free
• Dye-free 
• Offers sizes regular and super
• Plastic comfort tip applicator with an eco-friendly cardboard applicator stem

Cora 

• 100% organic cotton
• Applicator-free
• One pack includes a variety of tampons with absorbencies for all types of blood flow
• Offers sizes regular, super, super plus, light
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-free

Rael 

• Organic cotton
• Offers sizes regular and super
• BPA-free plastic applicator with rounded tip
• Advertises “leak locking” technology
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-free

Tampax Pure Tampons Regular 

• Made by one of the most trusted menstrual care brands 
• 100% organic cotton
• Designed for leak-protection 
• Offers sizes regular and super
• Applicators made from 90% plant-based material
• Fragrance-free

DeoDoc

• 100% organic cotton
• Biodegradable cardboard applicator
• Hypoallergenic
• Offers sizes regular and super
• Vegan ingredients
• Cruelty-free testing
• Advertises comfortable and easy insertion

Seventh Generation 

• 100% certified organic cotton
•  Smooth comfort applicator made of 99% plant-based plastic
• Fragrance-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Long, thin, and easier to insert
• Environmentally-conscious brand

Sustain

• 100% organic cotton 
• Plant-based compact applicator 
• No synthetic additives  
• Fragrance-free
• Hypoallergenic 

Lola

• 100% organic cotton 
• Offers BPA-free compact applicator, cardboard applicator, and no applicator options 
• Hypoallergenic 
• Fragrance-free
• Dye-free
• Expands in all directions to prevent leaks 
• No synthetic fibers, chlorine bleach, or chemical additives

O.b organic 

• 100% organic cotton from responsible resources
• 92% of the applicator is made of plant-based materials
• Biodegradable cardboard applicator
• Hypoallergenic
• Offers size regular and super
• Fragrance-free
• Advertises irritation and dryness prevention 

Use Tampons Safely

Tampon use is simple once you get the hang of it, but don’t forget the following safety precautions: Always wash your hands before and after inserting and removing tampons to avoid spreading bacteria. 

Don’t leave in a tampon for more than eight hours or overnight due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome. This bacterial infection could be fatal if not treated quickly. Its symptoms include diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, rashes, and high fever. So opt for low-absorbency tampons that require regular changes, and avoid ones you can wear for eight hours or more.

Overall, look for tampons that don’t contain plastic, fragrance, or colorants. If you experience discomfort, pain, an allergic reaction, or other symptoms like atypical discharge while wearing tampons, stop using them until you can speak with your medical provider.

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