10 Non-Toxic Pads for a More Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Period (2024)
Image: Hannah
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Non-Toxic & Organic Menstrual Pads
Have you ever thought about how much waste is created from period products? Just from one person who menstruates, over 12,000 pads are used in their lifetime. While there are options like menstrual cups or absorbent period underwear, those options don’t always work for everyone. While those are the most commonly marketed options for an eco-friendly period, that is not the only way to reduce waste when it comes to your period. Pads can be made sustainably, too! I rounded up some of the best sustainable period pad options so you can be prepared for your next period.
How do I make my period sustainable?
Choosing a reusable pad is one of the easiest way to make your period sustainable. Since they are able to be washed and reused, there is less heading to landfills or oceans. There is also less packaging required so aside from just the pad, you are also reducing waste by eliminating the need for individual plastic wrappers and outer packaging. However, not everyone feels comfortable with a reusable pad so there are ways to make your period more sustainable with disposable pads as well that are still more eco-friendly for the environment and healthier for your body. Look for pads with 100% organic cotton and free from chlorine and fragrances. Conventional pads are usually made of mostly plastic and filled with toxic chemicals so look for companies that are transparent with their ingredients.
Keep in mind, just because a pad is reusable, doesn’t mean it is always sustainable. While it will be better than single use products, some reusable pads are made from synthetic materials like polyester and spandex. They also don’t always manufacture ethically so keep this in mind when considering where you shop.
Since every body is different and we all have our preferences, make sure to check out these 3 posts: 9 Period Underwear Brands, 11 Organic Tampons for a Non-Toxic Period and 8 Sustainable Swaps for a Zero Waste Period.
Why are Non-Toxic period pads important?
For you and the environment, sustainable period pads are important because of the toxins in them and the toxins they add to the environment. Conventional pads are filled with plastics, even though they are marketed to be pure cottony clouds. Then when actual cotton is used, the cotton was treated with pesticides then bleached with chlorine. Since leakage is often a period pad consumer’s biggest concern, companies began using superabsorbent polymers or SAPs. These synthetic materials are designed to hold large amounts of liquid but also are known to cause many health complications including reproductive, hormonal, and immune system issues among many others. There is also no regulation of ingredients required for period products so you never fully know what you’re putting on your body. All of these harmful ingredients near your most sensitive areas are not good for your health.
From an environmental perspective, pads are a major contributor to landfill waste. Did you know approximately 12 billion pads are added to United States landfills each year? As we now know, most pads are made from primarily plastic materials then individually wrapped in plastic, and then again packaged in... you guessed it, more plastic! That is a lot of plastic that will never degrade and forever live in our ecosystem.
Sustainable period pads are also more cost effective. For those with limited budgets, having reusable sustainable options are actually more viable because they last about 5 years, usually more when washed and cared for properly. This can mean the difference between having access to period care products and not for some people who could not otherwise afford the monthly expense.
Click here to read about toxic chemicals found in Tampons.
How do I shop for Non-Toxic pads?
When you are stocking up for your next period cycle, here is what you want to look for when looking for sustainable period pads. Check that the ingredients are listed, reputable companies have no problem disclosing what is in their products. They should be proud to share all information and if no materials information is labeled, they are most likely made from plastic. The pads should be 100% organic unbleached cotton, sometimes hemp or bamboo are used. Sustainable period pads should also be free from fragrance, dyes, chemicals, chlorine and dioxin. Dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine and known to disrupt endocrine system and reproductive health.
We’ve also made sure to include some disposable pads since they may be more practical if you are traveling or have little access to washing them.
Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic Menstrual Pads:
Sustainable, Reusable Pads
1. Hannah
Price: $20 - 32 (3-pack)
Hannah is a brand that offers both reusable and disposable pad options. The reusable pads are made from organic cotton and designed to prevent leaks with their stitching. Free from toxins, fragrances and certified by Dermatest. With a variety of patterns and full range of pad sizes from thong to overnight, Hannah offers a great variety! The disposable pads are held to the same standard with no toxins, dyes, or chemicals and use only organic cotton. They are available in three sizes regular, large and overnight.
2. Rael
Price: $37 - 40 (3-pack)
Rael offers reusable organic cotton pads in four sizes; petite, regular, large and overnight. They stay put with wings fastened with a metal snap. Free from PFA's and other harsh chemicals, Rael believes in using only natural ingredients for a natural body. While Rael does have a disposable pad line, it is not as sustainable as other options on this list. They don’t use plastic wrappers, but they do utilize SAPs in their anti-leak cores.
3. GladRags
Price: $15 - 30
GladRags pads are made in the USA and free from irritating synthetics and chemical gels. Not all pads are organic cotton but it is clearly marked on each product listing so you can select accordingly. As a woman owned company, their company mission is to positively transform the experience of menstruation through reusable menstrual products & relevant education.
4. Period Co
Price: $20 (5-pack)
Discover one of the most affordable reusable pads available, designed with your comfort and health in mind. Unlike traditional disposable pads, Period Co. offers a sustainable alternative that you can use time and again, all while being completely toxin-free. Say goodbye to harmful plastic and harsh bleach—these pads are crafted from soft, organic cotton that ensures a gentle feel against your skin.
5. Smartliners
Price: $16
These reusable menstrual pads by Smartliners are made from certified organic cotton, and without any of the plastic layers or toxic adhesives you find in conventional disposable liners. They are ultra-absorbent and come with a travel and wash pouch. Just throw them in your normal laundry when you are done!
Disposable Period Pad Options
Sometimes a disposable pad is just more realistic for your lifestyle whether it's that particular day or season of life. Since washing can require more time, or you are not comfortable if in a public setting, there is a way to make a more sustainable choice with single use pads.
Here are some great companies that offer more sustainable disposable period pad options!
1. Lola
Price: $10 - 12
Lola is a women-founded company that prioritizes high quality ingredients for all their products. Their disposable pads are made from 100% organic cotton for the topsheet and core, plant-based bioplastic for the backsheet, and adhesives that are non-toxic. Their pads are gynecologist-approved and available for underwear sizes XS to 5XL. They also work to close the gap between reproductive inequity and provide period products for those in need.
2. Natracare
Price: $16 - 18
Since 1989, Natracare products have been made without plastics, perfumes and chlorine. Their pads are made from renewable materials like 100% organic cotton and PEFC certified wood pulp, which are naturally absorbent, waterproof, breathable and soft. The leak-proof layer of their pads is a home compostable, certified biopolymer made from GM-free plant starch, a renewable resource.
3. Organyc
Price: $6 - 8
Created with people and the planet at the forefront, Organyc pads are made using green manufacturing including geothermal, solar and natural energy. There is no plastic in any of the pad or any of the packaging and they are made with 100% certified organic cotton. All of their products are clinically proven to improve sensitive skin irritation usually caused from conventional pads.
4. Flo
Price: $6 - 10
These pads are made with 100% organic Oeko-Tex bamboo and use compostable wrappers. All of the outer packaging is made of FCS-certified recyclable cardboard. Flo is also working on eliminating plastics in their supply chain and to make all products Co2 neutral by the end of 2021. This forward thinking company is woman owned and women led and strives to be inclusive of their brand messaging.
5. Athena Club
Price: $9
Athena Club offers 100% organic cotton pads with a biodegradable adhesive and wrapper. There are no dyes or toxins used in any of their products. The Athena Club mission is to provide self care products with higher quality standards that are better for the environment and affordable for everyone.
About the Author:
Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective.
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