Monthly periods can really be a pain — and you’ve likely dealt with it since you were roughly 12, 13, or 14 years old. By now, you’re probably used to your “monthly visitor,” as my grandmother would say, and many don’t really think about the plethora of choices available now in the world of menstruation.
A lot of period brands make conventional pads and tampons with plastics, rayon, fragrances, bleach and other chemicals we not only put in our bodies but that end up littering landfills. So, finding the safest, most comfortable and effective period products, while also helping to save the planet, are real challenges for many women.
You might ask yourself, “How can I be more eco-friendly during my period, while also using products that are safe for me?” The answer: Opt for washable period panties, organic tampons and pads and reusable menstrual cups.
These are some of our favorites for safe and sustainable period products you’ll actually (somewhat) look forward to using:
10 Best Eco-Friendly Period Products
1. Modibodi Period Underwear
Modibodi has great go-to options for regular wear during your cycle or for keeping you dry, comfy and fresh during workouts. The period panties (start at $21.50) range from light to heavy, have overnight absorbency levels and are washable — which means fewer pads, liners and tampons to throw out. The brand has even extended its product options to leggings, period panties for teens and underwear for men.
This Recycled Seamfree Hi-Leg Cheeky panty has moderate to heavy absorbency (two to three tampons). If you’re a new customer, you get 10% off your first order when you sign up for emails.
Price: $28.50 at Modibodi
2. LOLA Organic Tampons and Pads
When choosing tampons or pads, make sure you go with a product with organic cotton. And that’s what you get (and then some) from the woman-owned brand LOLA, which prides itself on creating products that have no “mystery ingredients.” Try the eco-friendly “First Period” Starter Kit that has pads, pantyliners and organic cotton tampons with BPA-free plastic applicators, a canvas pouch and a sheet of stickers for period tracking.
Price: $34 at LOLA, plus 15% off your First Period Kit
3. DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator Set
The founders of the UK-based company DAME were bound and determined to create period products free of chemical dye, plastic applicators and other synthetic materials. Their BPA-free applicator design is award-winning and a customer favorite.
DAME Reusable Applicators have active Sanipolymers to stop 99.9% of bacteria. The set comes with a DAME Reusable Applicator (which lasts for up to 3000 uses), three Regular DAME organic tampons, three Super DAME organic tampons, a travel wallet and a DAME bathroom storage tin.
Price: $32 at DAME
4. Saalt Menstrual Cups
Saalt is a woman-owned brand that started out with its first product, the Saalt Cup, offering a cleaner, more sustainable period care option. Menstrual cups have become a popular reusable product — especially as of late. Holding up to four tampons’ worth, the soft, chemical- and toxin-free silicone formula is gentle for those experiencing bladder sensitivity, cramping or discomfort with firmer cups. You can wear it for up to 12 hours and use it for up to 10 years.
Price: $29 at Saalt
5. Aisle Extended Liners
As one of the very first companies to sell reusable period products, Aisle takes the performance and environmental standards of its products seriously, “Because people with periods deserve products that feel good, fit well, and never let us down.”
For those who may not be ready for tampons or menstrual cups, Aisle’s pads (previously named Lunapads) are a great, sustainable option. Choose from the mini pad ($16), maxi pad ($19) and super pad ($22) based on your flow, and throw them in your next load of laundry after use. Made with breathable cotton, the pads can handle even the heaviest flows and have handy snaps to help stay in place while you go about your day.
Price: $15 at Aisle
6. Flex Reusable Disc
Another woman-owned brand, Flex offers nature-made, nature-loved products and that contain ethically sourced and reusable products. The earth-friendly Flex Disc is an alternative to tampons and is 100% reusable. One disc equals six supersize tampons.
Price: $34.99 at Flex
7. Rael Organic Cotton Tampons
Rael is an Asian- and woman-owned brand that uses high-quality organic materials and innovative Korean manufacturing technology. From tip to string, the Rael tampon is made from responsibly sourced organic cotton and offers up to eight leak-free hours.
Price: $7 for 16 tampons at Rael
8. The Honey Pot Company Organic Regular Tampons
If you want confidence in your tampons, then The Honey Pot Company has your back. Selling only eco-friendly products, the female-owned brand offers feminine care that’s “powered by herbs,” according to The Honey Pot. The organic cotton, unscented tampons are a safe and leakproof option to regular tampons. You can find a variety of flow options beyond regular tampons.
Price: $8.99 for 18 tampons at The Honey Pot
9. June The Period Starter Kit
Get started with the June Period Kit before your next monthly visitor knocks on your door. It comes with a June cup, compact sanitizer, cup wash, ten cup wipes and a pair of period underwear. The June cup offers all-day leak-free protection that you can wear for up to 12 hours. Plus, pick your panty size for a backup during those heavier flow days.
Price: $49 (reg. $89) at June
10. Knix Knixy Lace Leakproof Thong
Who said period panties can’t be sexy? Knix certainly didn’t get that memo when they created the Knixy Lace Thong. Designed for lighter days, the Knixy thong absorbs 1 teaspoon worth thanks to its leakproof technology. Its stretchy, soft lace construction might even make you wish every day was a light day.
Price: $23 at Knix and 15% off your first order until Aug. 28
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