If you’re looking for a safer option for your period, consider switching to non-toxic tampons.
As a woman, you may use up to 16,000 tampons in your lifetime and recent studies have highlighted the concerning presence of harmful chemicals in tampons, including dioxin, furan, pesticides, and phthalates. These chemicals come into contact with some of the most absorptive skin on our bodies and raise concerns about their potential impact on our health.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best non-toxic tampons available, so you can make an informed decision for your health.
If you love non-toxic products, check out our favorite natural and Non-Toxic Lipsticks & Lip Glosses and our guide to the Best Non-Toxic & Vegan Toothpastes.
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Table of Contents
What Are the Harmful Effects of Regular Tampons?
Research has revealed that a significant number of conventional tampons contain harmful chemicals linked to various adverse health effects such as:
- Skin irritation and skin lesions
- Allergic reactions
- Disrupted hormones
- Infertility
- Liver problems
- Cancers
Note that the use of organic and non-toxic tampons does not protect against Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare yet severe condition caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. TSS is commonly associated with the use of high-absorbency tampons as they can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth and toxin production. The ingredients in regular tampons are not proved to increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Toxins in tampons: What ingredients should you avoid in regular tampons?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require feminine hygiene product companies to test for all harmful chemicals or disclose the presence of chemicals used in their products. In fact, many tampon makers only provide a suggested ingredient list stating that their product “may” contain certain substances.
Fragrance is a commonly used ingredient in pads and tampons, and many of its components remain a mystery. Recent testing has shown that tampons contain dioxins, furans, and pesticide residues, which have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption.
Non-organic cotton used in tampons was found to contain pesticides like lindane, quintozene, and glyphosate as cotton crops are often heavily treated with chemicals.
In addition to pesticides, tampons have also been found to contain phthalates, a chemical which have been linked to reproductive harm. Parabens and fragrance allergens such as limonene and linalool have also been detected. While these allergens are not dangerous per se, they can cause issues for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis conditions.
The 2017 French documentary “Tampon, notre ennemi intime” sheds light on the composition of tampons, painting a bleak picture of their potential health effects.
How to avoid harmful ingredient in tampons?
Here are some tips to avoid harmful ingredients in tampons
- Choose unscented products when available
- Choose chlorine-free bleach or unbleached tampons
- Choose plastic-free packaging as plastic wrapping can contain BPA
- Buy organic cotton tampon when you can to avoid pesticide residues
- Look for the certifications GOTS (organic cotton), Made Safe and EWG (for non-toxic products) on the product you are buying
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognized label for organic fibers that was established in 2006.
The label is committed to establishing ecological and social criteria for organic fiber production, from manufacturing to distribution. One of the key features of GOTS certification is the prohibition of toxic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs. In addition, the certification also prohibits unethical practices such as child labor, unsafe working conditions, and precarious employment.
Overall, the GOTS certification ensures that the entire production process of organic fibers meets strict environmental and social standards.
EWG
The certification process conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) ensures that products are both safe for human health and environmentally friendly.
Since its founding in 1993, EWG has been dedicated to chemical safety, working to ban hazardous substances and encourage the creation of safer, healthier products by companies. On their website, consumers can access various reports detailing substances that have been proven to cause allergies, fertility issues, and even cancer. EWG certification indicates that a product has undergone rigorous checks for human safety and has been deemed free from hazardous chemicals.
The EWG label serves as an important clean beauty certification, providing assurance regarding the safety of makeup and skincare products.
Made Safe
The Made Safe certification label signifies that a product is free from harmful ingredients that can be detrimental to both human health and the environment.
Established in 2014 by the non-profit organization Nontoxic Certified, Made Safe is an independent third party that scrutinizes a product’s ingredients, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life disposal. The end result is a final product that is devoid of any harmful substances. Currently, the Made Safe ingredient list prohibits the use of over 6,500 hazardous substances, providing consumers with greater peace of mind.
This certification applies to a wide range of products, including apparel, baby and child items, bedding, cosmetics, household, intimate and personal care, and pet products. As a result, the Made Safe certification has become a popular clean beauty certification among consumers seeking safer and healthier products.
Other things to consider when buying non-toxic tampons
When shopping for non-toxic tampons, there are several other factors to consider. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
1.Absorbency level: Tampons come in various absorbency levels, including light, regular, super, and super plus. Make sure to choose a tampon that matches your flow to avoid leakage and discomfort.
2.Applicator type: Tampons come with either plastic or cardboard applicators. If you prefer a more sustainable option, go for tampons with cardboard applicators, as they are biodegradable and compostable.
3.Packaging: Look for tampons that are packaged in biodegradable or compostable materials to reduce waste and environmental impact.
4.Comfort: Look for tampons with a smooth and comfortable applicator and a soft and flexible tampon body to ensure comfort during insertion and wear.
The Safest Non-Toxic Tampons Brands
August – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | 100% organic cotton. Free of pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, polyester, rayon, deodorants, dioxins, dyes, chemicals.
Features – Certifications | GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, FDA approved
Applicators Option | with applicators
Price | $5.5 for 8 units
Customers Review | “ Love the package design. Using these products make me feel safe about what I am putting in my body. I just wish there was more than 8 tampons in the box.” Iman
Public Goods – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | Free from BPA, chlorine, pesticide, and rayon
Features – Certifications | Made from organic cotton
Applicators Option | with applicators
Price | $6.95 for 18 units
Customers Review | “Definitely holds up and worth the money. It’s safe for the environment and works better than regular store bought tampons in my experience. Love these” Courtney
Grace & Green – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | Free from Fragrances, Dyes, Deodorants, or Rayon, or chlorine bleaching, pesticides
Features – Certifications | GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic with a neutral PH
Applicators Option | with and without applicators
Price | $5.91 for 24 units
Customers Review | “All period products need to be like this. Really excited to have found this plastic free, compostable alternative, including a paper wrapper. Fantastic product!” Liane
Sustain – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | 100% Certified Organic Cotton. Free from Chlorine Bleach, Rayon, Dyes, Fragrances or Synthetic Superabsorbents.
Features – Certifications | B Corp certified, bio-plastic applicator
Applicators Option | with applicators
Price | $6.99 for 16 units
Customers Review | “The applicator is so easy to grip! It’s very smooth and it’s made out of 90% sugarcane (extra points for being more environmentally friendly). The tampon itself is also very absorbent. I also love how they packaged them so it’s not obvious that it’s a tampon.” Andrea
Tampon Tribes – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | 100% certified organic cotton, free from toxin, chlorine, dioxin, perfume and plastic
Features – Certifications | GOTS certified organic cotton, compostable, hypoallergenic
Applicators Option | with applicators
Price | $9.5 for 16 units
Customers Review | “ These are great and they’re identical to the organic ones I buy at the pharmacy. You have to rotate the applicator a bit to click it into place for it to push the tampon out, but as long as you figure that bit out they’re super easy to use and are the only cardboard applicator I’ve found that’s actually comfortable to use!” Billyedonia
Natracare – Non-Toxic Tampons
Non-toxic | Chlorine free, organic cotton
Features – Certifications | GOTS certified organic cotton, Vegan certified, Compostable Cardboard Applicator
Applicators Option | with applicators
Price | $9.98 for 16 units
Customers Review | “I’ve been switching my feminine care products out the last year for organic options. I’ve discovered even organic options can sometimes have problematic ingredients, but this brand seems to be one of the best options. Packaging is plastic-free. Cardboard applicators don’t always work as well as plastic, but the trade-off is worth it. I feel these still work well absorbency-wise.”
FAQ
Are there chemical free tampons?
Yes, there are chemical-free tampons.
It exists non-toxic and organic tampons that are free from harmful chemicals such as chlorine, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. These non-toxic tampons are made from organic cotton, which is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
Here are the best chemical free tampons we have found.
What is the most healthy tampon brand?
Here are some brands selling non-toxic, chemicals-free tampons made with organic cotton.
August
Public Goods
Green & Grace
Tampon Tribes
Sustain
Natracare
Cora
Lola
What ingredients should you avoid in tampons?
When shopping for tampons, it’s important to look for products that are free from harmful chemicals and ingredients that can potentially harm your health. Here are some ingredients to avoid in tampons:
-Chlorine: Tampons bleached with chlorine can create dioxins, a harmful chemical that can be absorbed by your body.
-Fragrances: Many tampons are scented to mask odors, but these fragrances can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
-Dyes: Tampons may be colored with synthetic dyes, which can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
-Pesticides: Conventional cotton is often treated with pesticides, so look for tampons made with organic cotton to avoid exposure to these chemicals.
-Synthetic materials: Some tampons are made with synthetic materials like rayon or polyester, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.
By avoiding these ingredients and opting for non-toxic and organic tampons, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and ensure a safer and healthier period.
All credit pictures belong to respective brands
