Period Care Swaps
Conventional period products are made from non-organic cotton treated with pesticides and bleached with processes that leave dioxin residues. The alternatives are simple, certified and widely available.
Why conventional period products are a concern
Conventional tampons and pads are made from non-organic cotton and rayon. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. Pesticide residues including glyphosate have been detected in conventional tampons in laboratory testing. The vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive, meaning whatever is in the product has a direct and rapid route into the bloodstream.
The bleaching process used to whiten conventional period products can produce dioxins, a group of compounds linked to hormonal disruption and immune system effects even at very low concentrations. Many conventional products also contain synthetic fragrance to mask odour, adding another layer of undisclosed chemicals applied to sensitive tissue.
Organic cotton alternatives are processed without synthetic pesticides and bleached using chlorine-free processes. The switch is one of the simplest and most meaningful a person can make given the frequency and intimacy of exposure.
Organic Tampons and Pads
OUR TOP PICK
Natracare Organic Tampons and Pads
Soil Association Organic Certified Since 1989 · GOTS Certified · Vegan · Plastic Free · No Chlorine Bleaching · No Synthetic Fragrance · No Dioxins · Biodegradable
The original certified organic period care brand. Natracare has been Soil Association certified since 1989, longer than almost any other brand in this space. Made from 100% organic cotton with no synthetic fibres, no plastic components, no chlorine bleaching and absolutely no synthetic fragrance. Fully biodegradable. Available in tampons with and without applicator, pads in multiple absorbencies and panty liners. Widely available on Amazon UK, Boots, Holland and Barrett and most supermarkets.
Find on Amazon UK →UK BRAND OPTION
TOTM Organic Cotton Period Products
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton · Plastic Free Packaging · No Chlorine Bleaching · No Synthetic Fragrance · No Dioxins · UK Brand · Subscription Available
UK based organic period care brand using GOTS certified organic cotton throughout. No chlorine bleaching, no synthetic fragrance, plastic-free packaging and fully biodegradable products. Available in tampons, pads and liners. TOTM also offer a subscription service which reduces packaging and ensures you never run out. Available on Amazon UK and direct from their website.
Find on Amazon UK →Reusable Alternatives
Reusable period products eliminate disposable waste entirely and over time represent a significant cost saving. They require an adjustment period but most people who switch do not go back.
Menstrual Cup
Medical Grade Silicone · No Absorbency Chemicals · Lasts Up To 10 Years · Zero Waste · No Dioxins · No Synthetic Fibres
Made from medical grade silicone, latex or rubber with no absorbency chemicals, synthetic fibres or bleaching processes. Collects rather than absorbs. A single cup lasts up to ten years. The Mooncup is the original UK brand and is made in the UK from medical grade silicone with no dyes, perfumes or BPA. The OrganiCup is ALLERGY UK certified and made from 100% medical grade silicone.
Find on Amazon UK →Reusable Cloth Pads
Organic Cotton Options Available · No Synthetic Chemicals · Washable · Long Lasting · Zero Waste
Washable cloth pads made from organic cotton are a chemical-free and zero waste alternative to disposable pads. Look for GOTS certified organic cotton options. Most last several years with proper care. An initial investment that pays for itself quickly and eliminates monthly disposable waste entirely.
Find on Amazon UK →Period Pants
Absorbent · Washable · Reusable · No Disposables · Up to 12 Hours Wear
Absorbent underwear you wear, wash and reuse. A quality pair holds the equivalent of two to four tampons and can be worn comfortably for up to twelve hours. Most people spend between £80 and £120 a year on disposable period products. A set of four to six pairs handles the same job and lasts several years.
Important: Not all period pants are safe. Independent investigations found PFAS in several major brands including THINX. OEKO-TEX certification alone is not sufficient as it does not test for fluorine. Only choose brands with published independent fluorine test results showing zero detectable PFAS.
OUR TOP PICK
WUKA Period Pants
B Corp Certified · GOTS Certified Organic Cotton · Zero PFAS Detected by Two Independent Labs · No Silver Treatments · UK Brand
A UK brand independently tested by two separate laboratories, both reporting zero PFAS. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton with no added chemicals. Available in light through to super absorbency, multiple styles and sizes XS to 4XL.
Find on Amazon UK →The vaginal mucosa absorbs more rapidly than most skin surfaces. What goes there matters enormously. Organic certified period care is one of the most meaningful and most overlooked switches a person can make.
Your body deserves the same scrutiny you give your food.
Sources: Environmental Health Perspectives | Women's Voices for the Earth Tampon Safety Report | Some links on this page are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would genuinely use ourselves.