This one is for you ladies...
Sorry guys.
When it comes to health, what we put in our vajays is important too. When we stuff it with toxic chemicals, our body absorbs them just like it would if we ate something unhealthy.
Wanna hear something crazy? The FDA doesn't require tampon companies to list ingredients on their packaging - along with pads, menstrual discs, and menstrual cups, they are considered medical devices, so they sneak by. In order to be cleared by the FDA, tampons must be made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of both. That's it. Infuriating right?
If you're anything like me, which I assume most women are, this mostly likely has you questioning what exactly am I putting in my body every month?
The FDA then reviews data submitted by the manufacturer to ensure that the tampon and applicator are made with safe materials. Here are a few of the criteria they look for:
-absorbency
-strength
-whether they contribute to growth of harmful bacteria
-whether they change normal bacteria levels in the vagina
That said, cotton and rayon are NOT the only ingredients you're shoving up your hoo-ha each month.
I'm here to help you out, girl. Here is a list of five of the more common ingredients found in tampons - you can make whatever decision feels right for your health...and your vajay.
1) RAYON
Rayon is derived from wood pulp. High levels of absorbency may cause the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus to grow and can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) - rare, but still can happen. Enough for me to say, thanks, but no thanks.
2) COTTON
Slightly less absorbent than rayon, but always look for organic, 100% cotton tampons - they are free of dyes, plastics, bleach, fragrances, and pesticide-treated cotton, while cotton blends may have some of those harmful ingredients.
3) TITANIUM DIOXIDE
An environmental pollutant that has been linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. Again, rare, but (also again) enough for me to say thanks, but no thanks.
4) FRAGRANCE
This is a no-brainer for me. I absolutely cannot stand the smell of strong fragrances - they scream toxic. If you don't buy 100% organic tampons, it may contain fragrances or organic compounds with strong-smelling odors. Barf.
5) BPA
A hormone-disrupting chemical that comes from producing plastic. Enough said.
Fear not! There are so many non-toxic tampon brands out there. Here are a few of my favorites:
Natural & Organic | Yes Assortment Available | Light, regular, super, super+ Applicator Options | Applicator or applicator-free Price | $9–12 for 18
Discouraged by dirty cotton, Cora knew there was a better way to create high-quality products without harming our bodies or the planet. Every Cora product is GOTS-certified, made with organic cotton in Turkey, and ethically sourced by workers in Slovenia. For every new subscription, they donate a month's supply to girls in India. With applicator and applicator-free options, you can buy a one-time box or opt for monthly subscriptions—with a free signature kit to start. Known to be super absorbent, you’ll feel confident even on white-denim days.
100% certified organic tampons with cardboard applicator
Absorbent cotton tampons made for light or medium menstrual flow days.
Plastic free tampons
No perfume, rayon or dyes
Totally Chlorine Free
Ingredients grown without toxic pesticides
Biodegradable & compostable
Personal favorite. These are what I use. They even have a subscription where they deliver a new box to you every month or every 60 days (your choice!) and you save 5%.
Regular & Super Tampons
TOP Tampons made with 100% Certified Organic Cotton, Natural
Superior leak protection
Plant Based Compact "Planticator" Applicator, Eco-friendly
Looks and feels like plastic but made out of sugarcane
Smooth, curved tip for comfortable, easy insertion
Great tampon option for teens
Free of: toxins, chemicals, synthetics, fragrances and dyes
Hypoallergenic
With every TOP purchase, we donate period products to women and girls in need
FSA/HSA eligible
**Remember: this is not medical advice. This is information based on several hours of research I've done. Take what you want, leave what you don't.
**source: Well + Good
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