I was at The Health Nut the other day when my friend spotted organic tampons and laughed. At first I laughed too…just another marketing plot to make money, but then I thought about it and actually, it seems to make perfect sense. We’re so picky about what we put on our skin and what we eat; why has it taken this long for us to get discerning about what we put inside our most intimate area? Some research led me to discover that the FDA doesn’t require feminine care brands to list all of their ingredients, meaning your tampon may not be 100% cotton, instead containing synthetic fibers, some of which may be carcinogenic because they contain dioxin. Dioxin, however, is only present in trace amounts, and the risk for toxic shock syndrome is just as high (or low) with natural fibers as with synthetic ones. It’s also worth noting that there haven’t been any long-term studies done on tampon use nor any studies to prove that organic ones are any better than their non-organic counterparts. The industry regulates and tests itself, which for me means it’s better to be on the safe side and opt for natural if possible (call me a cynic!). Plus, even if you question whether going organic is better for your body, one thing that’s not up for debate is that the natural brands on the market today are best for the environment.
Case in point? The Honest Company launched 100% organic cotton tampons, pads, and panty liners, all of which are free of any fragrances, dyes, and chemical residues. They’re also certified organic by a company that requires safe conditions and fair wages for their workers. Their applicators are made from 90% or more plant-based material (as opposed to plastic), and the strings are woven not glued. Seventh Generation also makes organic feminine care products, as do niche brands like Lola.
What are your thoughts – organic or not?
Thanks for raising this issue Sharon! For us at Natracare it was never a marketing ploy, and always about providing an alternative for women that doesn’t involve plastics, pesticides, perfumes, latex, chlorine-bleaching (which is still used – http://www.natracare.com/why-natracare/chlorine-free/) and many more ingredients that we have discovered to cause skin irritation or potentially impacting on women’s health. There is much more that I could say about Toxic Shock Syndrome, the FDA regulations, “safety” and skin problems that women have from conventional feminine hygiene products, but I invite you instead to take a browse at our website which explains “Why Natracare” and maybe even watch this story which explains the creation of the world’s first organic tampon! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzzJVEnHJso