The first lesson in womanhood is that your body is amazing and has the power to do amazing things.

But try telling that to 5^th-grade Kiesha who got her period while her mom was at a concert and was home hanging with her grandparents. I assure you, nothing felt amazing about it.

However, as I’ve grown, I’ve come to believe that my body is truly amazing, which got me thinking more about what I put in it — particularly, tampons.

 There’s such a thing as non-toxic tampons? Yep.Why? Because tampons are a piece of cotton you stick in your body to absorb the cells and lining your uterus sheds, and they sit in that warm, moist place for extended amounts of time. If that cotton contains toxins, they are leaching directly into your sacred parts.Fortunately, there are plenty of non-toxic products on the market. Here are a few pros and cons to consider as you make the best choice for yourself. 

Pros:

Tampons labeled “organic” mean that they are free of pesticides, additives, fragrances, deodorants, pesticides, and chlorine.Organic cotton is defined by Organiccottonplus.com as that which is “grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.”In other words, organic cotton uses less water, less C02, is more sustainable and is not grown using GMO seed. It’s just better for the environment and for you. 

Cons:

While some major tampon manufacturers list their ingredients, current FDA regulations don’t require it.Also, non-toxic tampons do not change the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).Some medical experts say that the concern around toxins in tampons is overblown. Like anything, it is up to you to decide what to do with that information.My personal take is that each industry has some version of the message that with limited exposure, this very small amount of "X" toxin is unlikely to cause you any trouble. 

But what they are not considering {nor are they responsible for} is the number of toxins in every personal care product, food item, home care product, or environmental toxin you’re repeatedly exposed to. It’s not so much the little bits here and there, but the cumulative effect of them altogether.

 

Since I am concerned about repeated daily exposure over the course of my life, and because I know that mitigating my risk for illness is in my hands, I choose to find affordable and better solutions. My health, my decisions. Same goes for you.

 

So for this reason — and a few others — I personally prefer menstrual cups to tampons.

 However, if you want to find non-toxic tampons, here’s a few things to look for:

• A BPA-free applicator
• Organic cotton
• No fragrance
• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable

 And these are a few brands that adhere to those safety standards:

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1. Lola: $$ (20-count for $6.98)

GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton. Free of toxins, dyes, or synthetic fibers; BPA-free plastic applicator, and hypoallergenic. Female-owned company.     

2. Cora: $ (32-count $8.99)

 GOTS-certified organic cotton tampon and string; water-resistant wax coating (string), BPA-free plastic applicator. Also available applicator-free. Female-owned company.    

3. Seventh Generation: $ (36-count for $13.54)

 GOTS-certified organic cotton (absorbent material, cover, string sewing thread); synthetic water-repellent wax (string). Plant-based plastic (sugarcane-based) and chlorine-free.     

4. Organyc: $$ (32-count for $11.08)

Applicator made with bio-material from renewable resources.      

5. The Honest Company: $ (20-count for $5.99)

GOTS-certified organic cotton; non-applicator. Female-owned company.       

6. Natracare: $ (20-count for $4.99)

Free of GMOs, dioxins, pesticides, and chlorine. Plastic-free; biodegradable and compostable.      

7. OI: $$$ (32-count for $13.75)

 Certified Organic Cotton. Bleach-free and biodegradable; plant-based applicator. Female-founded company.     

8. RAEL: $$ (32-count for $12.59)

Organic cotton; free of fragrances, viscose, toxic ingredients, chemicals, or chlorine bleaching. BPA-free applicator.    

9. SUSTAIN: $$$ (36-count for $16.99)

100% organic cotton. Female-founded company; Certified B-Corporation.     

10. The Honey Pot: $$ (18-count for $7.99)

100% organic cotton. Free from pesticides, chemicals, chlorine, dyes, dioxins, or synthetic materials; BPA-free plastic. Female- and black-owned company.     

11. L Organic: $ (30-count for $6.99)

Free of chlorine bleaching, pesticides, fragrances, or dyes.  

12. Top: $$$ (30-count for $16.49)

100% organic cotton. Free of toxins, chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, and dyes. With every TOP purchase, they donate period products to women and girls in need. FSA/HAS-eligible. Female-owned company. This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.