Pro Comfort tampons come in only regular and super absorbencies. (Fun fact: Only Germans and Austrians have a higher tampon-use rate than Americans; people in much of the rest of the world rely even more exclusively on pads.) We will consider the moderately priced and social media fave The Honey Pot tampons for a future update to this guide. justify-content: center; But even if youve been buying the same tampons for years, you may learn that there are options that you like a bit better, that can save you money, or both. Its not a significant health concern, but we looked for the least-sheddy models. Unsubscribe at any time. These chic tampons are more than just eye-candy: The tampons are made with certified-organic cotton, and is free of rayon, pesticides, fragrances, chlorine, and dyes. Manufacturers use rayona material formed from wood pulp in a chemical processbecause its more absorbent than cotton and is not a crop, which means that the companies arent totally reliant on a plant that might have a bad year and suddenly become more expensive. Sorry, we're unable to find stores near that location. If you prefer an organic applicator tampon, try Tampax Pearls fraternal twin, Tampax Pure. The Pearl tampons heavy-duty plastic wrapper didnt open up in our pockets or purses, and it made disposing of the used tampon much easier. our recommended applicator-free tampon, O.B. We believe undisclosed and synthetic materials have no place in tampons. Such tampons perform just as well as others, but since the result of bleaching isnt something you should worry about, a chlorine-free designation shouldnt be a factor in which tampon you pick. @media all and (max-width: 850px) { FIND OUT MORE, PRICE ADVANTAGE Unlock exclusive offers on hundreds of favourites with your Advantage Card. These tampons are made without chlorine bleach, latex, parabens, perfumes, dyes, or man-made materials. Click OK to extend your time for an additional 20 minutes. Dioxins: Tampons undergo bleaching during the manufacturing process. Organics tampons are generally less expensive, plus more widely available. (And if youre looking for the ultimate budget- and eco-friendly option, you may want to consider a menstrual cup.). "ItemImage467" : "/wcsstore/eBootsStorefrontAssetStore/images/NoImageIcon.jpg", } The earliest delivery date for these orders will be shown at the checkout. Pro Comfort and O.B. People worry about bleaching with elemental chlorine because the process can produce dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Dioxins are highly toxic in some doses, and the World Health Organization calls dioxins environmental pollutants. Some people worry that synthetic fibers increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome because they were implicated in the TSS boom in the late 1970s, but tampon makers no longer use those particular fibers. According to the FDA, the presence of rayon in a tampon does not appear to increase the risk of TSS. align-self: center; Organic, Natracare, Oi, Cora, Rael, O.B. This tampon is more expensive than some conventional applicator options, but we found its superior applicator and wrapper worth investing a few cents more in. display: flex; Silk Touch (top) and O.B. Tampons are more expensive and harder to find. On rare occasions, people with vaginas have a natural population of a bacteria strain that results in toxic shock syndrome (TSS) when it grows unchecked: either Staphylococcus aureus (known colloquially as staph), or even more rarely, Streptococcus pyogenes (colloquially known as strep). Free of dyes, fragrances and chlorine bleaching. background: #e41274; /* Update ticker background colour */ Seventh Generation and Natracare are the most popular brands as recommended by expert gynos. These babies are applicator-free too, so you can feel good about using the absolute minimum amount of product needed to get by on your period. @media all and (max-width: 767px) { Each box of Tampax Pure purchased also means Tampax will donate one tampon to girls in need in the US through a variety of non-profit organizations. As the world's first fully certified organic cotton tampons, Natracare knows what its doing. We chose not to test them. Plastic free period products to rely on every month, Soft & breathable natural protection for everyday, Biodegradable, organic & natural cleansing wipes. Unlike Tampax Pearl, which comes in all absorbencies, Tampax Pure comes in only regular and super. Several testers also reported a fear of labia snagging and other discomfort with cardboard applicators. But these ingredients lists arent exhaustive, and they dont detail how much of any material a tampon is made of (nor whether a tampon might contain any trace elements as a result of manufacturing processes). I Vacationed Like a Celeb on a Private Fiji Island, We've Got the *Best* Gifts for Mom Over Here, Cute Toiletry Bags That'll Make Packing Easier. Because the packaging is so similar, it is easy to confuse our pick with O.B. Pads and tampons free of dyes, fragrances and chlorine bleaching. Between 1979 and 1996, it noted 5,296 recorded cases. What exactly does it even mean for a tampon to be organic? As with its conventional counterpart, the Pure versions substantial string, full-size applicator, and sturdy wrapper set it apart from the competition. It is priced on a par with other organic applicator tampons, and like Tampax Pearl, its widely available in stores and online. Theyre bigger, though, and they tend to be more expensive than applicator-free tampons. Because tampons are not sterile and can grow bacteria and mold after a certain period of time, tampon boxes must also include expiration dates, which you should check. Original tampons, which in our test shed more fibers than the Pro Comfort version did. Every tampon we tested came with a list of materials noting what the absorbent core was made of (usually rayon or cotton) and what the string consisted of (generally polyester, polypropylene, cotton, or a combination of these materials), as well as, if applicable, the materials in any fabric overlayor veilaround the absorbent core, which is meant to prevent fiber shedding (this veil is usually made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination of the two). .cu-ticker .cu-ticker--container .cu-ribbon--text { Things New Moms Need That Nobody Tells You About. Sustains tampons are also made from 100% certified organic cotton and feature applicators made from 90% plant-based plastic. For more information see our delivery help or view our returns policy. During our research, we read a lot of papers on the risk of toxic shock syndrome, as well as on the various materials found in tampons. width: auto; Tampax pointed us to the trade-association-run repository Smart Label from the US-based Consumer Brands Association and Food & Consumer Products of Canada. Our testers (and Wirecutter readers) said that the slightly smaller carrying size wasnt worth the work and failure rate caused by the extra step of expansion. TSS has more to do with how long you leave a tampon in and the absorbency level, not the materials it's made from. Are you sure you want to remove this product? The vagina is full of bacteria. Please try again or use a different postcode or place name. Puristics are also made with 100% organic cotton that is chemical and bleach free. The packaging of Blume tampons is 100% recyclable and the applicators feature a rounded tip for more comfy insertion. Symptoms of TSS include a sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, a sunburn-like rash, headaches, and seizures. None stood out from the field: Compared with Tampax Pearl, these tampons had inferior applicators or wrappers. Some manufacturers advertise a sport, also known as active or fitness, version of their tampons. font-weight: 600; 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. Organic applicator-free tampons are virtually the same, and nearly as nice to use, as O.B. Thats because tampon makers arent required to disclose this information. } TSS can result from things other than tampons, including menstrual cups. They also come with a rounded cardboard applicator that they claim is flushable, but flush at the risk of your own septic tank, because that is a headache with a plumber I for one, would not sign up for. This organic version of the Pearl tampons has the same highly rated plastic applicator and wrapper. You Can Now Change Your FSA Contributions Midyear. Pro Comfort design has a sturdy, long string, and testers found the tampon easy to unwrap. Plus, for every sale of a feminine care product, the company will donate an organic pad to a girl in a developing country. The absorbency levels are standard across brands. Please log in to your account to add products to your favourites. Quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do, and our products are thoroughly evaluated before they reach consumers. Copyright The Boots Company PLC. -ms-flex-item-align: center; .cu-ticker .cu-ticker--container .cu-ribbon--text strong { The Pearl tampons foolproof, non-compact plastic applicator, long braided string, and sturdy, reusable wrapper pleased our testers. color: inherit; Seventh Generation might be available in your supermarket or pharmacy, so points there for convenience. For this guide, we talked to two representatives from tampon manufacturers: Anne Hochwalt, a researcher at Procter & Gamble; and Terry Balluck, a spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark. }, The Tampax Pearl ingredient list says that Pearl tampons may include rayon, while Tampax Pure and both of our O.B. For details of Boots online pharmacy services see. The conventional, non-applicator O.B. Researchers who study S. aureus (staph) think that the synthetic materials used in Rely, the aforementioned foam and cellulose, created perfect conditions for the bacteria to grow. Cost per tampon (regular absorbency)1Tampax Pearl: 19, pack of 50Tampax Pure: 38, pack of 16. We independently review everything we recommend. } Among the list of things you can now swap for organic are, you guessed it, tampons! display: -webkit-box; The applicator is fully recyclable and BPA-free as well. Pro Comfort tampons were testers favorite of all seven digital options, organic or conventional. You can find two main types of tampons: those with applicators and those without. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. *At the time of publishing, the price was $18. Many people are concerned about tampon ingredients, and the fact that companies are not currently required to disclose them. color: #fff !important; /* Update ticker text colour */ is the only brand that sells conventional non-applicator tampons at most major US retailers.). These tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and feature a bio-plastic applicator and are free of chlorine, pesticides, and fragrances. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. (The only things that should go down a toilet, they say, are the three Ps: pee, poop, and toilet paper.) Who says you need a name brand to have organic tampons? For more information about Tamapx products please visit tampax.co.uk. Tampax Cotton Protection Super is for medium to heavy flow days during your period. So if youre overwhelmed by the tampon selection at the store, keep in mind that any of these should be fine for you as long as you dont push your luck in how much you expect them to absorb. Please choose a colour or size before adding this product to your favourites. Tampax Pearl is the only conventional applicator tampon that all of our testers liked regardless of their flows, with testers praising its long, braided string and its sturdy, easy-to-use plastic applicator. padding: 6px 9px 5px 9px !important; Whereas most organic applicator-free tampons we tried produced only a moderate amount of fuzz, others got pretty cotton-ball-like at the bottom and left behind some chunks of fiber on the string and on our hands. You can choose between plastic and cardboard based on other parameters without having to think about safety; your choice should come down to comfort and how you feel about the garbage you produce. (Spoiler alert: Our conventional, applicator-free pick is also made with organic cotton.). That said: if you prefer to use organic tampons, you do you! Like O.B. Our research and testing didnt reveal any notable differences in tampon safety and efficacy (except in the case of sea sponges, which we highly advise you avoid putting inside your vagina). Tampax Pure Cotton tampons contain 100% organic cotton core. Lola's products are made from 100 percent organic cotton (pssst, they also now carry gyno-approved lube, condoms, and *cramp meds*!). Among applicator tampons, we like Tampax Pearl and Tampax Pure (an organic choice) best. Organic tampons are made with organic cotton and often use cardboard applicators rather than plastic. Tampax Pure Cotton is processed free from elemental chlorine and free from chlorine dioxide. But just because you can essentially replace your whole bathroom shelf with organic-only products, should you? *At the time of publishing, the price was $6. We also ask that you complete our questionnaire so our pharmacy team can check that this product is suitable for you to buy. Most of the time, the bacteria live peacefully and dont cause problems. TSS is a rare but serious illness that may be fatal. Pro Comforts tampons, but they cost substantially more. Anne Hochwalt, researcher at Procter & Gamble, interview, Philip M. Tierno Jr., professor and researcher at the NYU School of Medicine, interview, Terry Balluck, spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark, interview, Deborah Kotz, spokesperson for FDA Media Relations, interview, Sharra Vostral, author of Under Wraps: A History of Menstrual Hygiene Technology, interview, Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions - Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Michael J. DeVito and Arnold Schecter, Exposure assessment to dioxins from the use of tampons and diapers, Environmental Health Perspectives, January 1, 2002, Dioxins and their effects on human health, World Health Organization, October 4, 2016, Rana A. Hajjeh, Arthur L. Reingold, Alexis Weil, Kathleen Shutt, Anne Schuchat, and Bradley A. Perkins, Toxic Shock Syndrome in the United States: Surveillance Update, 19791996, Emerging Infectious Diseases, December 11, 1999, Aaron S. DeVries, Lindsey Lesher, Patrick M. Schlievert, Tyson Rogers, Lourdes G. Villaume, Richard Danila, and Ruth Lynfield, Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome 20002006: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Molecular Characteristics, PLoS ONE, August 10, 2011, Philip M. Tierno Jr. and Bruce A. Hanna, Propensity of Tampons and Barrier Contraceptives to Amplify Staphylococcus aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-I, Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, July 21, 1994. - Tampax tampons with a 100% organic cotton core } We arent sure of everything thats in most tampons, including some that we recommend. The applicators are cardboard, BUT, theyre rounded, so its not like the vending machine cardboard-toilet-paper tube nightmare youre probs thinking of, when you hear cardboard applicator. Collect from one of 2,200 stores. Since tampons are disposable, and the average person who menstruates will go through a lot of them (people using tampons regularly will use more than 10,000 tampons in their lifetimes2), cost is also a factor. Since the early 1980s, the FDA has required tampon manufacturers to put warnings about TSS on their boxes, reminding people not to leave tampons in for an extended period of time (eight hours tends to be the maximum). We had some of the testers who tried digital tampons test reusable tampon applicators from Dame (25, or about $32) and Thinx ($60). O.B. margin-left: 20px !important; .cu-ticker .cu-ticker--container .cu-ribbon--text { This means if you have a heavier flow, Dr. Jones says its best to use a regular tampon and change it more often than to go for a super absorbency and to leave that in longer. Promise. Tampax Cotton Protection Super Tampons x16 In September 1980, Relys manufacturer removed those tampons from the market. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson. .cu-ticker { And there's an important distinction: the organic label doesn't necessarily mean the tampons are totally free of all chemicals. Theres not much evidence that nonorganic, or conventional, tampons are any worse for you than organic ones. We decided not to add these to the panel test. Their tampons are 100% cotton, perfume and chlorine free, and biodegradable. The Pure version also performed well on our fiber-shedding test. Overall, the evidence to support organic over non-organic tampons isnt conclusive. If youd like to avoid disposables, you might try a menstrual cup instead. (The ingredients listed there are the same as those noted on Tampax boxes.) Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Size and fit can vary widely, so we have multiple picks. Pro Comfort is not marketed as an organic tampon, the cotton that forms the bulk of the wad, the veil that covers that absorbent core, and the string are in fact all organic (the thread used to sew the string to the tampon, however, is not). You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. Her latest picture book, The Real Santa, follows a determined little Black boy's journey to discover what the jolly icon truly looks like. Other conventional tampon brands that we tried in our blind panel test pool included Solimo (Amazons brand), Tampax Cardboard, U by Kotex Security, Playtex Simply Gentle Glide, and Playtex Sport. The applicators are BPA free and plant-based as well (though they don't specify what percentage). text-align: center; } The main difference between organic options and other, store-bought options comes down to the material. @media all and (max-width: 320px) { If your current tampon style is comfortable to wear and doesnt leak, theres no reason not to keep using it. This item has been successfully added to your list. The quality varies considerably depending on the soil and rainfall. background: transparent; /* Update background colour */ Dr. Jones and Dr. Cross also both recommend this brand. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). First, testers noted whether each tampon was easy to unwrap and comfortable to insert. One tampon in particular, Rely, was strongly linked to many TSS cases. They have also been independently tested for harmful substances by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Turns out, it's somewhat contested. Testers liked the organic version just as much. We also tested organic tampons from Oi, Rael, and Organyc and found that none were standouts worth paying more for compared with O.B. Cost per tampon (regular absorbency)O.B. 1.50 or free when you spend 15 or more. Tampax Cotton Protection has MotionFit technology that gently expands to fit your bodys unique shape. Toxins aside, using organic tampons may also be a good option if you have recurrent vulvovaginitis or contact dermatitis with regular tampons, as Dr. Peace Nwegbo-Banks, a board certified OBGYN in Texas explains. -ms-grid-row-align: center; We then narrowed the list, favoring lines that were well reviewed, less expensive on a per-tampon basis, and widely available at a variety of US retailers. "catentry_id" : "2370467", We sent each tester three samples of each tampon of the type they usually used, between 45 and 66 in all per tester. No vagina should be exposed to pesticide and dioxin residues on their period! In a detailed post on her blog, Dr. Gunter explains that the toxin most people are concerned about in cotton is something called glyphosate, which exists in such trace amounts in tampons that "a lifetime of heavy tampon use doesn't approach the amount allowed for one day of oral intake.". These Menstrual Cup Cleaning Tips Will Convert You, The Fastest Way to Treat Your Period Cramps, 5 Period-Proof Leggings for Your Next Workout, The Comfiest Undies for When You Have Your Period, The 18 Best Organic Tampon Brands, Because Your Vagina Deserves It, Carina Hsieh lives in NYC with her French Bulldog, Hannah writes about health, sex, and relationships for Cosmopolitan, and you can follow her on. Pro Comfort tampons cost a bit more than the next-closest conventional competition (O.B. Those tampon sizeslight, regular, super, super plus, and ultraare all defined by specific absorbency according to FDA rules. Testers who tried all absorbencies of both Tampax Pearl and its new, near-identical organic version, Tampax Pure, preferred these applicator tampons to all the other brands they used. Weve got you. -webkit-box-pack: center; Even though tampons aren't food and they just hang out in your bod for a few hours at a time, the vagina is a thin, mucous membrane and absorbs toxins and chemicals more easily than your hearty outer skin, says Michael Fitch, MD, a family medicine doctor who specializes in women's health. Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Our applicator-tampon testers overwhelmingly preferred traditional plastic applicators to compact applicators, citing a high percentage of failed tampons as a result of the extra step necessary to expand compact applicators (which can be rendered useless and often end up as a bloody mess when the user opens the applicator too much or not enough). Pro Comfort, were available for nationwide shipping. The applicator is made with 95 percent plant-based materials and contains no BPA. That percentage goes up over the years: At 20, they have a 75 percent chance of being protected; at 30, they have a 90 percent chance of having those safety antibodies. Testers cited several flaws that were not dealbreakers, such as applicator-free tampon wrappers that were occasionally difficult to open or produced an extra piece of plastic waste (versus separating cleanly in two parts), or compact applicators that didnt plunge correctly. The build-your-own-box subscription makes these the most customizable on the market: you can specify how many light, medium, super, and super-plus tampons come in your pack, and decide how often each box of 18 comes in the mail. Organic: 25, pack of 24, You probably already know whether you like tampons. Is Bey's New Song About the Elevator Incident? All the tampons we tested worked fine when we filled them with the amount of liquid they were rated to hold. Tampons are made from bleached materials to make them safe to use. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. border: 1px solid #fff; /* Update border colour */ Although we recognize that some people who prefer not to (or are unable to) insert digital tampons without an applicator may find these waste-reducing options useful, we found them clumsy to use overall. Plastic applicators are not biodegradable or recyclable. One study we found says that organic-cotton tampons decrease the risk of TSS dramatically, but another study found the opposite to be true. A handful of bills have also proposed that the US Congress require tampon manufacturers to disclose the chemicals and processes they use in manufacturing sanitary products. Easy to unwrap and insert, the Pro Comfort tampons shed fewer fibers than most applicator-free (aka digital) tampons, testers found. - Plant-based plastic applicator with a rounded tip for easy tampon insertion To minimize potential brand biases, we sent testers samples whose identities we had (mostly) eliminated, with only the sanitary packaging (which well call wrappers throughout) in place. Standard Delivery Rayon: Many tampons are made from a mix of cotton and rayon. Why would you want to choose an organic tampon over a non-organic tampon? Panel testers disliked U by Kotex Click, our previous top pick, because of its compact applicator, which had a tendency to fail. Organic tampons are not necessarily processed any differently than tampons made from synthetic materials, and they are not any safer from a personal health perspective. Named Day Delivery If youre springing for organic-cotton tampons because youre worried about exposure to harmful ingredients, that isnt necessary. The Fitness applicator is compact, and the Sleek applicator is full-size, but both cost an average of over 30 per tampon, making them much more expensive than the conventional competition. Organic. (In this guide we use the term blood colloquially to refer to the stuff that the tampon is absorbing; in reality, tampons absorb menstrual fluid, which is made up of blood, vaginal secretions, cervical mucus, and tissue from the endometrium.) Unfortch, they don't seem to be FDA approved anywhere on the box or on their site. display: flex; We found that this wasnt a distinguishing point among brands, as nearly every tester reported general satisfaction in this regard with all the tampons they tried. align-items: center; They are made of 100% organic cotton, and come with a 90% plant-based applicator. We ultimately ordered (and bled on) hundreds of tampons from 18 different brands representing all five FDA-specified absorbencies. If your period is accompanied by strong, unpleasant odors, consult a doctor to make sure nothing else is going on. .cu-ticker .cu-ticker--container .button:hover { transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; Pro Comfort as the Porsche of tampons, what really makes this applicator-free tampon stand out is its ease of unwrapping and its competitive pricing. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Tampax Cotton Protection tampons have a 100% organic cotton core and offer Tampax's best comfort and protection. Applicator-free, or digital, tamponsthose that you use your finger to insertare much more compact than those with applicators. (Those materials are no longer present in tampons.) (O.B. However, this is the only non-applicator brand to come in ultra absorbency, which many peopleincluding our volcano flow testerappreciate. font-weight: 300; -ms-flex-item-align: center; Tampons come in lots of shapes (bell-shaped, winged, tube-shaped), which dont substantially affect how quickly they absorb liquid or how well they hold it. - Tampax MotionFit tampon that gently adapts to your bodys unique shape The OCS100 Standard credential certifies that the absorbent core is 100% organic cotton, validating the integrity and quality of our organic fibers. High Quality 90% Plant-Based Plastic Applicator, The natural waxes & oils, so cotton is more absorbent, Natural colorants and contaminants, so cotton is purified. All tampon materials and finished products are assessed for safety using the broadly recognized risk-assessment principles established by the US National Academy of Sciences and World Health Organization, Anne Hochwalt, a researcher at Procter & Gamble, told us in an interview. We asked Tampax for an ingredients list for Pure tampons and received the same response that we got for Pearl (check Smart Label). Sure, they might not be the cutest, but they're a fan favorite (peep all those positive Amazon reviews) and relatively cheap if you buy in bulk online. Upon even deeper investigation, the CDC found that people who used a tampon were far more likely to come down with TSS than people who didnt. } And of course, tampons still need to be changed every 4-6 hours, regardless of if they're organic or non-organic.