None of us love that time of the month.
It can be painful, inconvenient, and, if you don’t have the right products on hand, really annoying!
However, with the arrival of organic feminine hygiene products on the market, many of us are starting to wonder whether we should be making the switch.
Anybody who cares about their health is sure to care about what they’re putting inside their bodies, right?
With the number of synthetic chemicals, pollutants, and toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis, why wouldn’t you want to reduce your exposure by making a switch to organic tampons?
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Contents
- So, Why Should We Consider Making the Switch?
- What Is an Organic Tampon?
- What’s the Difference Between Organic Tampons vs. Regular Tampons?
- How to Choose the Best Organic Tampons for Your Needs
- What Is The Best Brand Of Organic Tampons For Beginners?
- Top 13 Organic Tampons Reviewed
- FAQs
- Are Tampons Regulated By The FDA?
- What are the Best Organic Tampon Brands With No Glyphosate?
- Are Cotton Tampons Better for You?
- Are Organic Tampons Safe?
- Are O.B. Tampons Organic?
- What are Kotex Tampons Made Of?
- Can Tampons Cause Infertility?
- Are Organic Tampons Safe to Use Overnight?
- Can Organic Tampons Cause UTIs?
- Can You Wear a Tampon with an IUD?
- What is the Smallest Organic Tampon?
- Can You Get Toxic Shock from Organic Tampons?
- To Sum it All Up
So, Why Should We Consider Making the Switch?
Non-organic tampons are often made using synthetic materials such as rayon, polyethylene, polyester, and non-organic cotton which is laden with pesticides.
They are often bleached using chlorine, can contain dioxins as by-products of the bleaching process, and can be fragranced using irritating synthetic perfumes.
All in all, this isn’t the sort of stuff we want being absorbed into our bodies by our fragile lady parts.
There are also other reasons aside from your health to consider switching.
Using organic tampons is better for the environment.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics estimates that the average woman will use 11,000 tampons in her lifetime. That is a huge number of tampons to be going in the landfill!
But you know what’s even better for the environment?
Investing in one of the best menstrual cups – one cup will last you up to 10 years. Talk about a steal!
Many organic tampon companies are contributing to social projects to help girls in developing countries gain access to personal hygiene products.
And finally, as if that wasn’t enough, many organic tampon producers allow you to place a standing order so that your tampons arrive every month, right before you need them.
How’s that for convenience?
What Is an Organic Tampon?
The definition of organic agriculture according to IFOAM Organic International is:
“A production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.”
This essentially means that crops are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Most organic certifying bodies will require that the land used to grow organic crops has been free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for a minimum of 3 years, allowing the soil to regain its natural life-giving properties.
So, organic tampons, are tampons that have been made from organic crops, such as organic cotton, as opposed to non-organic cotton or man-made materials.
It also means that the tampons will not have been treated with any kind of bleach, will not be made from any synthetic materials, and will not have any chemical additives such as fragrances.
In a nutshell, you can be sure that any tampon that is organic, will only be made of 100% natural materials.
What’s the Difference Between Organic Tampons vs. Regular Tampons?
Aside from what the tampon is made of, the main differences between organic and regular tampons are for your health and the environment.
There is a lot of controversy on the web as to whether organic tampons are any better for vaginal health than regular tampons.
But we are so bombarded with information on the internet these days that it can be hard to know what to believe, especially when so much information is paid for by companies with an agenda to sell their products.
For example, in the tampon debate, non-organic tampon companies claim that the glyphosate (a pesticide which may cause cancer) levels are so low in their products, that there is little to no risk to women’s health.
But those little doses of harmful chemicals can add up to a lot very quickly! Especially when you consider how much exposure we get from other sources on a daily basis.
Many articles claim that as organic tampons are not scientifically proven to be safer, you are just as safe using non-organic tampons.
However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Just because something hasn’t been scientifically tested, does not mean it’s any more or less safe. It just means that that experiment hasn’t been done yet.
The truth is, there is so much that modern science just doesn’t know and hasn’t had time to research.
And, many people are familiar with the fact that some scientific studies are paid for by, and hence biased in favor of certain companies and their products. Companies like Monsanto continue to pay for studies that aim to show that Glyphosate is not carcinogenic.
But at the end of the day, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? If you could choose to use a tampon that doesn’t contain potential carcinogens, wouldn’t you?
So, in another nutshell, the difference between organic and regular tampons is that organic tampons are safer for your health, and better for you because they haven’t been produced using synthetic materials and chemicals.
How to Choose the Best Organic Tampons for Your Needs
Now that we agree that organic tampons are a safer alternative to non-organic, how do we choose?
When it comes to choosing the best organic tampon brands for your own use, many of the criteria remain the same as if you were choosing non-organic tampons.
If you have a light, medium or heavy flow, you’re going to want to choose tampons that match your flow so you have the right amount of absorbency.
The same rules apply in that you should always choose the tampon with the lowest absorbency to fit your flow so that you don’t end up leaving it in for too long and being at risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
Many organic tampon brands come in a range of absorbencies and come with a choice of applicator or non-applicator tampons – but more on that below!
What Is The Best Brand Of Organic Tampons For Beginners?
Similar to the last point, it really comes down to what type of tampons you are comfortable using.
If you’re still getting used to using tampons, then choosing a slimmer tampon may make it easier to insert. But it really just takes practice!
The main decision you need to make here is whether you prefer to use an applicator or not.
So, Applicator or non-Applicator?
I have used both an applicator tampon and a tampon without it, but that doesn’t mean you should listen to my preference of either type.
Instead, after reading a LOT of tampon reviews, it seems to be that most negative reviews come from people having trouble with applicators.
It is highly likely that applicators were created as a marketing ploy as a way of selling to inexperienced tampon users, and they may not actually make the use of tampons any easier.
But, if you’re interested in organic tampons from an environmental perspective, it’s better to do away with applicators as they are essential single-use pieces of plastic (or cardboard) that the environment can do without!
A little note for beginners:
Inserting a tampon just takes practice. Everybody’s fingers are more than long enough to comfortably insert a tampon without an applicator.
And don’t worry, it is perfectly hygienic if you wash your hands before and after. All it takes is a little push, and your vagina will direct the tampon the rest of the way. There’s really nowhere else it can go, so there’s not much that can go wrong!
In general, pushing the tampon with your middle finger just past the middle joint will comfortably guide it into the right place. Then, if you can’t feel anything, you know you’ve done it right. If you can still feel the tampon, it’s not in far enough!
It’s always a little puzzling to me when I read reviews from people claiming that a certain tampon isn’t comfortable… if you’ve inserted the tampon correctly, whatever brand and whether it’s organic or not, you shouldn’t feel it at all.
The only exception here will be if you have serious cramps. In this situation, any tampon, no matter the brand, may be uncomfortable.
Whether or not you choose to use an applicator, all brands of organic tampons are suitable for beginners.
One final piece of advice for beginners would be to go with a lower absorbency as the tampon will likely be slimmer and easier to insert.
Now that we’ve gone over the things you need to know about organic tampons, here are the best organic tampons 2020 reviewed for your convenience.
Top 13 Organic Tampons Reviewed
Best Organic Cotton Tampons
Seventh Generation Organic Tampons
Seventh Generation chlorine-free organic cotton tampons are made of certified organic cotton so you can be sure that you’re not putting any harmful chemicals inside your body. They are free of dyes and fragrances and use a water repellent wax coating on the string.
The tampons, applicators (if you use them) and packaging are all biodegradable which makes these tampons a great choice from an environmental perspective.
They also list the ingredients of the tampons on their boxes which is always a plus – we like transparency!
Seventh Generation applicators have had very mixed feedback, which is a shame because the tampons themselves are top quality. To avoid disappointment I would personally recommend going without the applicator.
Pros
- Available in Regular or Super absorbency.
- Available with or without applicators.
- Tampons, applicators, and packaging are all biodegradable.
- Seventh Generation is a Certified B Corporation which means they follow certain ethical guidelines which are good for workers, the community and the environment.
Cons
- The applicators could be a little tricky for people to use.
- No Light absorbency option.
Here’s Maya Rudolph’s jingle, I mean, vagingle about why you should pick Seventh Generation organic tampons!
Organyc 100% Organic Cotton Tampons
One of the original producers of organic feminine hygiene products, Organyc is all about organic and knows what it’s doing.
Their tampons are made of 100% certified organic cotton meaning that the cotton they use is adhering to certain environmental and fair labor regulations.
Their website even has a page with natural alternatives to painkillers, tips for helping to manage your period cramps naturally, and information about sustainability and the importance of going organic.
Very carefully made to eliminate the chances of any irritation, Organyc’s tampons are the best choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Pros
- Available in Regular, Super and Super Plus Absorbency.
- Available with and without applicators.
- Skin pH compatible, hypoallergenic and breathable.
Cons
- No light absorbency option.
Best Organic Tampons With No Applicator
Natracare Organic Non-Applicator Tampons
Natracare tampons were one of the first organic varieties to hit the market as people became more aware of the harmful consequences of synthetic chemicals.
Natracare’s organic non-applicator tampons are literally made of 100% organic cotton and nothing else. No chlorine, rayon, plastic or dyes, these are simple, clean and natural so you’ll feel really good about putting them in your body.
Avoiding the use of an applicator means less waste for the environment and allows you to position the tampon exactly how it suits you.
Pros
- Natracare tampons are biodegradable, compostable, and made only of 100% organic cotton.
- They are very affordable for organic tampons, making the healthier choice available for all budgets.
- Available in Regular, Super and Super + sizes.
Cons
- No Light absorbency available.
Maxim Organic Non-Applicator Tampons
100% cotton, free from synthetics, wood pulp or chemicals, Maxim tampons are ethically produced according to the ICEA.
They are designed to hold their shape as they absorb and expand, rather than ‘blooming’ the way some tampons do, so you will have no trouble removing your tampon. This also means that they don’t dry you out or cause any irritation.
If you want to try them out without buying a whole pack, Maxim also offers a Period Survival Kit which is great for a girl who is waiting for her first period or so that you can get a sample to see how you like them.
Pros
- Certified organic and free of harmful ingredients by ICEA.
- The tampons have a security veil to prevent any loose fibers from being left behind.
- Hypoallergenic organic cotton tampons are good for you and the environment.
- Packaging is made from recycled cardboard.
Cons
- It’s very hard to find cons for organic tampons!
Best Organic Tampons With Plastic Applicator
Cora Organic Cotton Tampons With Applicator
Cora organic tampons are a popular option for those who want to use an applicator. The BPA free recyclable plastic applicator is smooth and easy to use which is a plus for people who struggle with cardboard applicators.
The tampons themselves are 100% organic cotton, chlorine-free, fragrance-free and GMO-free.
Cora is also a community-minded company, providing products and education to girls in India.
Pros
- Known for being absorbent.
- Can buy as a monthly subscription with the first month free.
- Available with or without applicators.
- Available in Light absorbency.
- For every box of tampons you purchase, one box is donated to a girl in India.
Cons
- Like all applicators, there is a knack to using them so you may need to practice a bit.
L. Organic Tampons with BPA Free Applicators
I know so many have been looking for the L organic tampons review, well, your searching has ended!
L is a company that has put a lot of thought into its products, and you can tell.
Made with 100% GOTS Certified Organic cotton, their tampons are available for purchase through a monthly subscription where each purchase results in the company donating a product to a girl in need.
Plus, once you’ve purchased your first container, subsequent orders come with a reduced amount of packaging so that you can reuse the original container.
Pros
- L is a Certified B Corporation so you can feel good about your choice to purchase their products from ethical environmental and social points of view.
- The BPA-free plastic applicators are sleek, easy and comfortable to use.
- The tampons themselves are hypoallergenic and breathable making them a healthy choice for your body.
Cons
- Only available in Regular and Super absorbency.
Best Organic Light Tampons
Cora Light/Regular Organic Tampons
Light Organic tampons are hard to find, but luckily Cora provides a variety pack of Light and Regular tampons making them the best organic tampon for light to medium flow.
Cora’s tampons are 100% certified organic cotton with a leak-proof body-centric design to make you feel confident and protected.
Pros
- Light and Regular sizes made of 100% certified organic cotton.
- One box bought = one box donated.
- Fearless Fit Design for maximum leak protection.
- A variety pack of Light and Regular without having to buy the Super absorbency if you don’t need them.
Cons
- May not be able to purchase the Lite tampons by themselves.
Best Organic Super Plus Tampons
Oi Organic Cotton Applicator Tampons Super Plus
Oi tampons are a New Zealand company designed to be reliable throughout sports and active lifestyles, which is exactly what we need them to be!
100% pure organic cotton with a smooth recycled cardboard applicator, they are completely biodegradable.
These tampons are recommended by gynecologists to reduce irritation and the risk of allergies as a result of exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Pros
- 100% GOTS Certified Organic.
- Oi tampons are a great choice for active lifestyles and activities such as swimming and running.
- Super plus absorbency is designed for 12-15 g of absorbance.
Cons
- The cardboard applicator may or may not work out for you.
By the way, if you’re looking specifically for the best tampons for swimming, we have it here on Miss Coty as well!
Other Brands Worth Considering…
The Honest Company Organic Tampons Super Plus
Made from the absorbent and breathable 100% Certified GOTS Organic Cotton, The Honest Company’s Super Plus tampons are a great choice for those heavy flow days.
Founded by Jessica Alba, The Honest Company continues to support research into safe and ethical products.
Pros
- Available with or without a plant-based applicator.
- 8 Specialized grooves promote even expansion of the tampon for maximum absorbency and minimum leakage.
- Made without any extra ingredients, the cord is woven into the tampon, not glued.
Cons
- An unnecessary amount of packaging if you’re interested in the environmental impacts.
Puristics Organic Cotton Tampons
Puristics are producers of feminine hygiene and anti-aging skin care products that don’t include any of the dirty dozen nasty chemicals. Their tampons are 100% organic cotton, certified by IMO, and are chlorine, fragrance and synthetic fibre free.
They are very popular for being comfortable, highly absorbent and leak-proof.
Pros
- Available with or without the cardboard applicators which have rounded tips for easy insertion and are flushable which is an added bonus!
- These hypoallergenic tampons expand to fit your natural shape for maximum protection.
Cons
- Cardboard applicators may be a little too flimsy for easy use.
Rael 100% Organic Cotton Tampons
Rael are Californian based organic tampon brand that is worth checking out. They are non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and leak-proof.
Rael tampons are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, made without synthetic fibers such as rayon or viscose.
Pros
- These Super absorbency tampons are designed to absorb 9-12 g of menstrual blood during medium to heavy flow.
- The tampons expand in a radial direction width ways ensuring a comfortable fit with no leakage.
- They come in a small, recycled cardboard box with no unnecessary packaging.
- Available with or without recycled cardboard applicators.
Cons
- The cardboard applicators may be tricky to use effectively.
Azalea Organic Cotton Tampons
Azalea is a brand of organic tampons produced by Whole Foods Market in the USA.
They are made with certified organic cotton, are chlorine and fragrance-free, and are hypoallergenic.
The cotton core is soft and breathable while the cotton string is tied not glued to the core.
Pros
- Certified organic by ICEA.
- Available in Regular and Super Absorbency.
- Available either with or without an applicator.
Cons
- Super absorbency may appear closer to regular depending on what you’re used to from other brands.
Veeda Natural Cotton Tampons
Veeda provides Lite and Regular tampons both with or without BPA-free plastic applicators making them a great option for light to medium flow.
Though not strictly organic (the certification process can be rather lengthy) they are made from 100% hypoallergenic non-GMO cotton with no additional synthetic chemicals, bleaches, dyes or fragrances.
So, I’ve included them in this list because there aren’t many options out there for light organic tampons, and these tampons are definitely far, far better than conventional synthetic tampons.
Designed to fit the female shape and expand width wise for maximum protection, Veeda tampons are soft and comfortable.
Pros
- More affordable than certified organic tampons while still being 100% natural.
- Lite and Regular options which are rare on the organic tampon scene providing perfect protection for light to medium flow.
- Available with or without applicators.
Cons
- Not certified organic but natural in every other way.
FAQs
Are Tampons Regulated By The FDA?
Tampons are regulated by the FDA under the same risk category as condoms.
This means that they are in the middle class (Class II) of risk, and are classified as medical devices.
This is good and bad.
The FDA has certain regulations to make sure that tampons are manufactured safely in a way that won’t increase health risks such as TSS.
However, as they are medical devices, there is no requirement to list ingredients on tampon packaging, making it hard to know what you’re putting inside your body.
What are the Best Organic Tampon Brands With No Glyphosate?
No organic tampons will contain glyphosate, as glyphosate is a pesticide that is prohibited for use on organic crops.
All organic tampons are glyphosate-free, so it becomes a question of choosing the best brand for you, simply using the organic tampon reviews mentioned above.
Are Cotton Tampons Better for You?
Generally speaking, putting natural fibers inside your body is going to be safer than inserting synthetic fibers.
So, yes, though the debate is still raging, cotton tampons are likely to be better for you.
The length of time that women have been using tampons is so short in terms of evolutionary history, that it’s just too soon to know what is safe and what isn’t.
However, we know that the vagina is very sensitive and will absorb any synthetic chemicals that may be released from your tampon while you’re wearing it.
Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Are Organic Tampons Safe?
Organic tampons are just as safe, if not safer than non-organic tampons.
Are O.B. Tampons Organic?
No, O.B. tampons are not organic. Check out their website for more information.
What are Kotex Tampons Made Of?
Kotex Tampons are made of a mixture of Polyethylene, Polyester, and Rayon fibers, none of which are organic.
Can Tampons Cause Infertility?
No. Not at all. The use of tampons and fertility are completely unrelated and independent of each other.
Are Organic Tampons Safe to Use Overnight?
This depends on how long you sleep for! If you’re only going to be in bed for 8 hours or less, any tampon, organic or not, is safe to use overnight provided you insert it with clean hands immediately before going to sleep and remove it as soon as you wake up.
It is the amount of time that the tampon is inserted that is the important factor.
If you think you might sleep for more than 8 hours, then use a pad or a menstrual cup instead.
Can Organic Tampons Cause UTIs?
Unless you’re doing something very interesting with your tampon, no tampons, whether organic or not, can cause a UTI.
The urethra (the opening of the urinary tract just below the clitoris) is where foreign bacteria need to enter in order for a UTI to develop.
Tampons used correctly should have no contact with the urethra, as the vaginal opening where the tampon is inserted is completely separate.
Can You Wear a Tampon with an IUD?
Yes, tampons and IUDs sit in completely different parts of the reproductive system so don’t interfere with each other and can definitely be used at the same time with no problem.
What is the Smallest Organic Tampon?
Cora Organic Tampons provide a Light absorbency option, which is smaller and slimmer than other absorbencies.
It’s hard to say exactly which tampon is the smallest but Cora’s Light tampon is likely to be a very good choice if you’re looking for something small.
Can You Get Toxic Shock from Organic Tampons?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is basically a bacterial infection that arises from bacteria introduced to the vagina by the tampon.
If you wash your hands before inserting your tampon and don’t leave the tampon inserted for more than the recommended amount of time, you should be safe from TSS.
Organic tampons pose no extra risk over and above the basic risk of using non-organic tampons.
The risk comes from not washing your hands and leaving tampons in for too long.
To Sum it All Up
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and feel more informed and confident about organic tampons.
Though ultimately tampon choice comes down to personal preference, any of the brands on this list will be reliable and worth a try if you’re considering stepping away from non-organic brands.
Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Making the switch to organic will be better for your body and the environment in the long run!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
