Once upon a time when your period arrived, pads were the only option, but now you can choose from tampons, period panties, menstrual cups, and even organic tampons. Yes, organic. Not just for food anymore, organic is term you've likely seen when buying bedding or beauty products, and now it's made its way to menstrual care products.

However, I fully understand that reusable period options are a bit of a learning curve. And they’re not for everyone. Many people use organic tampons because they’re biodegradable and better for the environment. Other people choose organic tampons because they’re more hypoallergenic and better for sensitive skin. recommend – fully organic with none of the chemicals in other brands – better for you and the environment.” But it dawned on me last year that I wasn’t being conscious about my menstruation. (A 2019 study shows that awareness can influence people to choose products that are better for the environment.) Why was I putting so little thought in the products I interact with intimately — and which contribute to so much waste globally? Environmental impact of menstrual products The average nonorganic pad takes 500 to 800 years to decompose. A cotton tampon takes around six months. However, nonorganic tampon brands aren’t biodegradable: They may be wrapped in plastic or use a plastic applicator. Our naturally absorbent and comfortable applicator tampons are 100% organic cotton and come with a biodegradable cardboard applicator.I'm such a fan of their products and sustainability efforts. Thrilled to know I’ll no longer have to boil my cup in a pasta pan!” - Hayley Morris

Organic, hypoallergenic, vegan, biodegradable, and compostable, these tampons from Cora are some of the best money can buy if you're looking for high-quality organic tampons and a nifty subscription service. They're unique in that they feature a strategic octagonal shape (for zero leakage and even absorbency—so smart) and a woven cord for even more protection against potential leakage and staining. Of all the tampons in the bunch, these are the ones we trust most dutifully with our collection of white denim. I have a whole blog post all about how to use menstrual cups and how to choose the right menstrual cup for you. The short answer is no, there is no proof that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. Since tampons are inserted inside our bodies for hours at a time, it makes sense that people would have safety concerns, but Dr. Ross says there is no reason for alarm. Women all over the world are switching to organic cotton tampons for many reasons, but one reason that actually has experts puzzled is that they may help to lighten your period and reduce cramps. This could be because when you use conventional tampons, your body is absorbing all these harsh foreign chemicals, and it disrupts your delicate reproductive system. When you use organic cotton tampons, no nasty chemicals are being absorbed. If you tend to have heavy bleeding or experience bad cramps during your period, try switching to organic cotton tampons and see how much better you feel! These unscented tampons are free of dyes, rayon, and chlorine and are a great option or those who prefer applicator-free insertion.I got my first period when I was 11 years old. I’m 34 now. That means I’ve had (hold for minds to stop being blown…) roughly 300 periods. In the 23 years I’ve been a bleeder, I’ve tried and tested a lot of products and brands. Going organic is more common (not to mention easier) than ever and things like organic deodorants and organic lubes are becoming more and more popular. Among the list of things you can now swap for organic are, you guessed it, tampons! But just because you can essentially replace your whole bathroom shelf with organic-only products, should you? What exactly does it even mean for a tampon to be organic? Do organic tampons have any health benefits? Why would you want to choose an organic tampon over a non-organic tampon?

In the market for a great organic tampon? We’ve got you. Here's our guide to some of the most popular organic tampon brands out there. Who What Wear is part of Future US LLC, an international media group and leading digital publisher.

Not only are these one of the more affordable options for organic tampons, they’re also pretty easy to find in most drugstores or supermarkets. These tampons are also made of certified organic cotton and come with BPA-free applicators. As an added bonus, they’re also hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin. Vegan, breathable, and hypoallergenic, the absorbent core of these high-performing tampons is strictly made up of organic cotton fibers that are ideal for everyone, but sensitive skin types especially. Plus, the cardboard applicator ensures smooth and effortless insertion. They are usually bleached with peroxide, while traditional tampons are bleached to be bright-white with chlorine. And according to experts, when tampons are bleached with chlorine, it creates dioxin as a byproduct. Dioxin is a well-known carcinogen (a substance that is capable of causing cancer) and a possible hormone disruptor -- not exactly something you want for your lady parts. The Benefits of Using Organic Cotton Tampons Tampax's Pure Organic Tampons were the winner out of every tampon we tested – organic and not! These had near perfect absorbency scores with minimal shedding. Testers found them comfortable to wear, insert, and remove, especially liking the tabs on the wrapper for easy opening.