Disposable period products? No way! What can you use instead?

The study is crystal clear! 60 Millions de Consommateurs published on September 28, 2023, an in-depth comparative test on disposable period products and their toxicity. The findings remain just as alarming. Toxic contaminants are still detected in many period products intended for female intimate hygiene.

The well-known magazine also points out that even so-called “green brands” are affected. The very ones that highlight “fragrance-free, chlorine-free, allergen-free” formulas with eco and organic certifications and logos are being called out!

Yet the scandal surrounding the composition of pads and tampons is not new! For years, the main brands of feminine hygiene products have been exposed. The composition of disposable pads, tampons, and panty liners was simply mysterious and undisclosed. Women had no idea what they were buying or wearing for several days each month! The shock was unprecedented when pesticides, glyphosate, phthalates, and petrochemical additives, among others, were discovered!

Where do we stand today? And why, despite some limited progress, is it urgent to change habits and switch to period products that are much healthier, more sustainable, washable, and reusable? Why avoid and ban disposable menstrual products? What are the alternatives, and are they effective?

The reasons that push us to stop buying tampons and pads are varied. Ecology, health, economy, practicality—these are the main arguments that will help you take the leap and adopt safe, healthy hygienic protections that finally respect you!

Do you care about the environment? Is your impact on the planet important to you? Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Are you particularly concerned about plastic production and the resulting pollution?

Disposable menstrual products are polluting and generate a huge amount of waste: packaging, plastic bags, adhesive strips, plastic tampon applicators, and the product itself once used. Everything goes to the trash, and unfortunately, none of it is recyclable.

Disposable sanitary pads and tampons have a disastrous environmental impact. 

• Not to mention the energy, water, and huge amounts of plastic required to manufacture them. 
• A tampon takes hundreds of years to break down. 
• Plastic often ends up in the ocean and fuels the vicious cycle of pollution from microplastic particles in our water, air, and environment.

With their obscure and questionable composition, women cannot have 100% confidence in disposable tampons or pads. Toxic shock syndrome, irritation, disruption of the flora, allergies, intimate dryness—in short, pads and tampons are not your best health allies.

Harmful and toxic substances are rightly a concern. Moreover, using a tampon for more than six consecutive hours increases the risk of TSS, the toxic shock syndrome. A very serious condition, but fortunately rare. 

Disposable pads and tampons are not reliable menstrual products. They can easily become saturated, overflow, and cause stains and leaks. They also require a bit of planning: you need to go to the bathroom regularly to change them. It’s a waste of time in your day and a constant source of stress.

Period poverty affects many women.

Reusable menstrual products have a relatively high purchase price. However, this should be seen as an investment that quickly pays off! Both period panties and cups can be reused again and again, cycle after cycle, year after year without issue if properly cared for.

Washable pads and washable period panties can last and provide safe, reliable absorbency for several years—on average five years. This makes them cost-effective in the long run. Using these types of products also avoids repeated supermarket purchases and reduces mental load! No more worrying about it! Considering that a woman has her period about 500 times in her life, a small investment is quite smart.