If you’re a tampon user, think about how many tampons you use in a lifetime – literally thousands. The tissue in this area is much more absorptive than other skin so it makes perfect sense that what’s in the actual tampon matters.
A group called Women’s Voices for the Earth identified the following potentially harmful ingredients in tampons:
🚫 Dioxins and furans from bleaching
🚫 Pesticide residues from the cotton
🚫Unknown fragrance chemicals
Exposure concerns = cancer, reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, and allergic rash.
Pads
WVE found that hazardous ingredients in pads may include:
🚫 Dioxins and furans from bleaching
🚫 Pesticide residues from the cotton
🚫 Unknown fragrance chemicals
🚫 Adhesive chemicals such as methyldibromo glutaronitrile
Exposure concerns = cancer, reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, and allergic reactions.
💡Important to know 💡
Oddly enough, tampons are regulated as “medical devices” so they are not required to disclose ingredients. In 2020, New York became the first state in the nation to require all ingredients in tampons, pads and other menstrual products to be listed on packaging. Hopefully more states will follow suit.
What to look for when shopping for tampons or pads:
✅ Companies that disclose actual ingredients on the packaging. If you cant find this, I’d put it back on the shelf.
✅ Products with 100% certified organic cotton
✅ Products without fragrance
✅ Products with plant based applicators and packaging
Menstrual Cups:
If you’re ok getting up close and personal with your lady parts 🤭 menstrual cups like Diva Cups are a great option. Silicone cups are BPA free with no added chemicals, plastics or dyes.
Benefits include less cramping, longer wear time, minimal waste, and $$$ saved. 👍🏻
Re-”thinx” your Period Underwear:
Many popular period underwear brands have hit the market in the last few years. If you’re a period underwear user, be aware that Mamavation conducted a study where she sent 20 pairs off for testing and 65% came back with detectable levels of fluorine chemicals (PFAS, etc) in the inner or outer layers. Thinx, Knix, and Proof brands scored the worst. Search for the Mamavation study to find the ones without PFAS present + some discount codes if interested.
Better Menstrual Product Brands:
🌿 The Organic Project
🌿 Cora – also has period underwear
🌿 Rael – also has period underwear
🌿 Seventh Generation
🌿 Honest
Sometimes it feels like we have to be wary of EVERYTHING and it’s exhausting 😞. Remember, small changes add up and as consumer demand shifts to products with fewer harmful ingredients, companies have no choice but to take note and change for the better. We ARE a powerful force for change so keep up the fight! 👊
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