Life

The 3 Best Organic Tampons

by Elizabeth Enochs

Whether you suffer from sensitive skin, or you’re just looking for a way to make your period a little more eco-friendly, the best organic tampons can offer all the comfort and protection of ordinary tampons — but with some added peace of mind.

While shopping in this category, there are a few other important factors to consider. Since one of the primary differences between organic and ordinary tampons is the fact that organic tampons are typically made with 100 percent organic cotton (as opposed to a blend of rayon and/or non-organic cotton), you’ll want to make sure your pick has been certified as organic. That’s why all of the options featured below have received the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification for organic cotton.

The next thing you'll want to think about is which applicator style will likely work best for you. Some people prefer plastic applicators because they feel like this type makes for the smoothest insertion, while others prefer biodegradable cardboard applicators. Some even prefer to use tampons with no applicators at all, since those can be more discreet and create the least amount of waste.

While organic tampons tend to be unscented, pesticide-free, and chlorine-free, some brands go above and beyond that. L. Organic tampons is a cruelty-free company and it operates on a solidarity model, which means it supplies pad machines to areas where period products are less accessible, as well as donating pads to people in need. Sky Organics Organic Tampons are always cruelty-free, and their tampons featured below are fully biodegradable. Seventh Generation Organic Tampons are always gynecologist-tested — plus, they’re the most affordable option listed below.

If all of those features sound good to you, keep reading to see which option will best suit your needs. While organic tampons tend to be a bit pricer than ordinary ones, there's a range of price points to choose from — plus, all the tampons here are highly rated on Amazon.

1The Best Organic Tampons With Plastic Applicators

In addition to being hypoallergenic, breathable, and free of chlorine, pesticides, fragrances, and dyes, L. Organic cotton tampons are always made with GOTS certified organic cotton. This pick comes with a BPA-free plastic applicator, and L. Organic operates on a 1:1 donation basis — which means for every L. Organic product you purchase, a package of pads is donated to a person in need. The company is also cruelty-free. Plus, these tampons boast an impressive 4.4-star rating on Amazon, and have super absorbency to cover your heavier days. L. Organic also has a regular absorbency option.

What fans are saying: “Received them yesterday, perfect timing! I like the compact packaging. Very user friendly plastic applicator: small and discrete. Tampon is slightly thicker in comparison to the Tampax Pearl. However, it felt very comfortable, and no leakage throughout the day.”

2 The Best Organic Tampons With Biodegradable Cardboard Applicators

Like all of Sky Organics feminine products, Sky Organics organic all-natural cotton tampons are made of GOTS certified organic cotton. These tampons come with a plant-based, biodegradable cardboard applicator, which makes the entire product 100 percent biodegradable since organic cotton is also a biodegradable substance. In addition to being made without bleach, chlorine, or fragrance, this pick is also cruelty-free and promises to be leak-proof. While the tampons here are for regular flow, the brand also has super and super plus absorbency options.

What fans are saying: “I have always wanted to try eco-friendly cotton tampons since regular tampons cause me irritation, but I was initially worried about the cardboard applicator on these. Surprisingly, I didn't really notice a difference when inserting, and I am much more comfortable wearing these. It eases my conscience, too, that all of the packaging is biodegradable. Absorbency is about what you would expect of a regular tampon, but the price is a little higher.”

3The Best Organic Tampons Without Applicators

Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons are GOTS certified, and this pick is applicator-free, making it totally biodegradable. (It also makes them extremely discreet and much easier to carry around, if that's a high priority for you.) These tampons are gynecologist-tested, and they're free of fragrances and chlorine-processing as well. While this particular tampon pick has regular absorbency, the brand also makes applicator-free tampons in super and super plus.

What fans are saying: “I use these tampons because they are chlorine and fragrance free. I also love that they don't have an applicator, so you can put one in your pocket and not have everyone at the office know you're headed to the bathroom to change your tampon!”

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