In today’s world, many women are increasingly conscious of the products they use, particularly those related to personal health and hygiene. Organic tampons have emerged as a preferred choice due to their health benefits and environmental sustainability. We explore the best organic tampons available, their benefits, and why switching to organic period products is a smart choice for women.
In light of the recent news that tampons from several brands that potentially millions of women use every month contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, The Women’s Journal speak with female health expert Nurse Rosanne Joseph Anthony from Healthium Clinics about organic tampons and learn whether there is such a thing as non-toxic metal-free tampons available.
“Since the skin of the vagina is more susceptible to chemical absorption than other parts of the body, tampons pose a particular risk of exposure to chemicals, including metals,” she says.
“It is always advised to consider organic and natural options like organic tampons made from 100% organic cotton. Organic tampons are typically free from pesticides, synthetic materials, and chemicals, which may be the ideal option if you are looking to minimise your exposure to any potentially harmful substances.”
She adds: “Always research and choose a trusted brand who have been well established for a long time, with a history of producing safe and high-quality feminine hygiene products. Brands that prioritise transparency and provide detailed information about their manufacturing processes can help you make more informed decisions. Check that tampons are Oeko-Tex certified, crafted from organic-certified materials and tested for harmful chemicals.”
Why Choose Organic Tampons?
Health Benefits
There’s nothing wrong with your vagina – but it’s a highly absorbent membrane. Considering most tampon users have a tampon inside them for a cumulative 7.5 years of their life, nasty chemicals should be out of the question. Especially when recent research studies have shown that exposure to chemicals interferes with the body’s hormones.
As far as organic vs regular tampons go, conventional super absorbent tampons are often sadly filled with super absorbent… chemicals. Even the tampon string and the covering around it are often made of plastic. And despite some brands advertising an ‘organic cotton core’, their tampons, unfortunately, still have synthetic outer layers.
In addition to being free of synthetic materials, dyes, and harmful chemicals, organic tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton. As a result, organic tampons compared to conventional tampons are significantly less likely to cause irritation, allergic reactions, and contamination with toxins, such as toxic metals, dioxins, and pesticides.
Environmental Impact
Sadly, more pesticides are used on conventional cotton than any other crop. Organic tampons, however, use only 100% organic cotton. The absence of pesticides for the growth of organic cotton helps our water stay clean and safe and because rainwater is prioritised in the production of organic cotton, Mother Nature’s natural rhythm is respected, meaning less pressure on local water supplies.
Conventional tampons are also a major contributor to landfill waste as they are composed of plastic and this plastic can take 500-800 years to decompose. As well as going to landfill they can contribute to the staggering amount of plastics in our oceans.
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and fertilisers, promoting soil health and biodiversity. As well as being biodegradable, organic tampons are often packaged in eco-friendly materials, reducing their overall environmental footprint.
‘Lighter Periods’
Some women notice more comfortable periods after switching to organic tampons with less intense period pains and cramps, less itchiness or a more manageable flow. So if you have heavy periods, get vaginal irritation or bad cramps during your time of the month, consider making the switch to organic cotton tampons.
Comfort and Performance
In addition to their superior absorbency and softness, organic tampons are free of synthetic fibres, reducing the chances of discomfort and dryness throughout your menstrual cycle.
Key Features to Look for in Organic Tampons
Certification and Ingredients
Look for tampons that are certified organic by reputable organisations. This ensures that the cotton used is genuinely free from synthetic chemicals. Opt for brands that disclose all ingredients used in their products. Unlike skincare products, tampon brands are under no obligation to disclose a full ingredient list. Organic cotton tampons are what they say on the tin: 100% organic cotton. Nothing more, nothing less. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about what you are putting in your body.
Absorbency and Size Options
Organic tampons come in various absorbencies and sizes. Choose the ones that match your flow and comfort needs. Generally, most brands offer a variety of tampons that range from light to super absorbent tampons.
Packaging and Disposal
Eco-friendly packaging is an important aspect of organic tampons. Many brands use biodegradable materials or recyclable packaging. Additionally, consider how the tampons are disposed of to ensure they align with your environmental values.
Best Organic Tampon Brands
Daye Organic Tampons
Gynecological health brand Daye sells ‘nude tampons’ that are made with 100% organic cotton and contain no plastic. They come in applicators made from renewable sugarcane and are wrapped in an ocean-safe, flushable material. They also have a protective sleeve that stops fibres from shedding inside the vagina and are sanitised with gamma rays to remove contaminants that can cause TSS and infections.
Developed with guidance from experienced gynaecologists and leading experts in vaginal health and period care, Daye is our editor’s pick of the best organic tampon brand. Why? ‘Designed for a bloody good period’, Daye also offers lab-tested CBD-infused tampons that have been proven to help alleviate period pain.
Daye is the only tampon brand that self-regulates and conducts continuous lab tests for contamination of their batches. It voluntarily adheres to ISO13485 and GMP pharmaceutical standards, and manufactures in clean rooms with sanitised packaging. They believe this should be the industry norm, not the exception. On Daye’s website, you can find detailed information about their safety measures.
Organyc Organic Tampons
Organyc tampons are made from 100% organic cotton and are free from chlorine, dyes, and perfumes. They are suitable for women with sensitive skin and allergies.
“Organic tampons such as Organyc use 100% organic cotton which is better for your intimate area,” says Ingrid Jamieson from Organyc. “Using 100% organic cotton tampons helps to reduce intimate irritations which maybe caused by conventional tampons. Conventional tampons are generally composed of synthetic, chemical filled materials, synthetic fibres, rayon and plastics combined with chemicals used for fragrances.”
“Tampons are bleached, most with chlorine. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant, a pollutant in rivers and streams and can produce harmful dioxins. Organyc tampons are bleached with hydrogen peroxide which is formed in nature by the action of sunlight on water, and naturally occurs in rains.”
She adds: “Organyc tampons don’t use any synthetic materials, harsh chemicals or fragrances, just 100% organic cotton which is healthier for you and healthier or the planet. Organic cotton biodegrades, therefore is kinder to the planet and reduces waste in landfill as well.”
Dame Organic Cotton Tampons
Sustainable period care brand DAME is dedicated to making your time of the month toxin-free. DAME’s 100% certified organic cotton tampons are free from pesticides, plastic, bleach, super-absorbents, colouring, and harsh chemicals.
According to the brand, many customers report that their period becomes lighter, shorter, or less painful within 60 days of switching to organic tampons. DAME’s eco tampons are available on subscription and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) certified, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.
Co-Founder of DAME Alec tells us how the organic tampon brand was born. “Like most business ideas, mine came from a late night conversation with my co-founder Celia,” says Alec. “She’d just become a new mum and that morning had to go to the shops in the pouring rain with her baby strapped to her chest to buy period pads.
“I suggested she had them delivered through the letterbox on subscription, which struck a chord. After some quick Googling, more conversation, and plenty more wine we’d come up with an entire business plan. We were to deliver bundles of personalised period packs to people around the UK so no one ever ran out of these essential products – Sanitary Owl was born.
“Initially we packed these bespoke boxes by hand to a few thousand customers a month. At the end of each day the floor of my flat was an ocean of plastic wrappers, and our hands shiny from contact with the synthetic ingredients. The major brands we were selling contained plastic, were wrapped in plastic, were all single-use, and none could be recycled. The back of the fag packet told us 100 billion period products like this were thrown away every year. The press was reporting plastic bags, why was no-one talking about this?
He adds: “You don’t need to menstruate to spot a market failure in the industry, in fact there even some advantages to being an ‘outsider’. Fresh eyes made it very clear that there were red flags in the industry. A quick research mission in the supermarket revealed that the major brands were pushing discretion on all their packaging; wrappers that opened ‘silently’ were being hailed as innovation – by this time I had three daughters. This wasn’t the experience I wanted for them.
“That said, ‘tampon salesman’ was not my first choice when the careers councillor came around school, so where did the idea for a reusable applicator come from? Collecting litter on the south downs with one grandpa, and bird watching with my other helped foster a deep connection to the natural world from a young age. As for innovation? I’d written a note to my parents when I was six saying I was going to be an inventor, so that answers that.”
Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons
For over thirty years, Seventh Generation has been on a mission to transform the world into a healthy, sustainable, and socially-just place for the next seven generations and beyond. Incorporating this ethos into personal care and period products, Seventh Generation’s tampons are made with 100% certified organic cotton and recyclable packaging and prioritise sustainability in their manufacturing processes.
Seventh Generation organic cotton tampons are hypoallergenic, come in a variety of absorbencies and provide long-lasting leak protection (without rayon or deodorants) and a smooth-comfort plat-based plastic applicator. The products are also fragrance-free, so even your most sensitive skin won’t be exposed to unnecessary harmful chemicals.
Tampax Cotton Protection Organic Tampons
Tampax Cotton Protection Organic Tampons are 100% organic cotton, free from chlorine bleaching, dyes, and fragrances, making them a gentle and safe choice for sensitive skin. With a leak-proof design and a plant-based applicator, these tampons provide both comfort and reliability throughout the day.
Tampax, a trusted name in feminine care, combines its expertise with the purity of organic materials, making their organic offering great choice for eco-conscious individuals looking for high-quality, natural protection.
