17 Period Care Products To Make Your Period More Sustainable
This post contains affiliate links and when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!
According to the World Bank, on any given day, more than 300 million people are menstruating. The menstrual cycle is a natural and beautiful process that allows the body to cleanse itself each month, providing a unique opportunity for menstruators to shed any buildup that has accumulated in their bodies over the month.
Although menstruation is a beautiful and significant natural cycle, it does come with the occasional god-awful butt cramps, cold sweats, and mood swings. Even with all of that, mainstream period care companies choose to make menstruation even more difficult by creating products with potentially harmful by-products and synthetic materials that can further aggravate our reproductive and hormonal health. Some tampons and pads are made with chlorine-bleached cotton, which can release dioxins, a group of toxic chemicals that can accumulate in the body over time. Many period care products also contain fragrances, dyes, and other synthetic materials that can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.
Mainstream period care also creates tons of waste, as these products are disposable and companies don’t prioritize biodegradable materials. Switching to sustainable and low-waste menstrual products can help sustainable baddies reduce their exposure to these harmful chemicals and promote a healthier, more sustainable approach to menstruation. So, if you’re in need of products to soak up all that blood, here are a few sustainable and ethically-made options!
Pads & Tampons
Rael’s Organic Cotton Reusable Pads are made from ultra-absorbent certified organic cotton that keeps you fresh while preventing irritation and alleviating odor. These pads can be used up to 120 times and are crafted with five moisture-wicking layers of organic cotton that provide odor control, breathable comfort, and reliable leak protection.
2. August Tampons, Pads, and Liners
August period care allows you to build your own period care box of tampons, pads, and liners and set up a subscription so you never run out of your period products! They will also cover the tampon tax if you’re ordering from any of the 30 states that still have one in place. Use code FLOW10 for 10% off your order!
3. Cora Pads, Tampons, and Liners
Cora’s pads, tampons, and liners are made from hypoallergenic 100% organic cotton. Cora believes everyone should have access to comfortable period care. So with each purchase, they provide period products and body literacy resources to people who lack access to them.
Founded in 1993, Aisle was one of the first companies to bring modern reusable period products to the masses. Their collection of eco-friendly reusables are fashionable, functional, and easy to wear. Aisle’s washable pads absorb eight times as much as the average disposable pad.
5. FLO
FLO’s tampons, pads, and liners are made from materials like organic eco-tex bamboo and certified organic cotton. Materials are sourced to ensure that they are free of any dyes or harmful chemicals and they use biodegradable and compostable plant cellulose for pad, liner, and tampon wrappers and sugarcane biopolymer for their applicators.
Menstrual Cups & Underwear
Intimina’s menstrual disc is made of reinforced, flexible, 100% medical-grade silicone, and it comes with an additional ribbed tab for slip-free removal. This menstrual disc comes in two sizes so everybody can find their fit.
7. Dot Cup
The Dot Cup is a reusable menstrual cup made of medical-grade silicone. It can be safely worn for up to 12 hours and can be used for years. For every Dot Cup purchased, one is given to someone in need.
Cora’s full-coverage sleep shorts offer up to 10 hours of leak protection, which equals the capacity of about six to 10 regular tampons. The shorts are made without toxic chemicals, PFAS, or Azo Dyes.
9. Aisle Gender Neutral Underwear
Aisle menstrual underwear are made with a multi-layered leakproof lining, featuring Truetex™ fabric technology. They'll absorb at least four tampons' worth of menstrual fluid and are a reliable, zero-waste replacement for disposable pads & tampons.
Moozii Reusable Period Underwear is a four layer, highly absorbent & waterproof fabric that holds the capacity of about three tampons and is made with breathable bamboo that is safe for sensitive skin.
11. Saalt Menstrual Cups and Discs
Saalt’s menstrual cups and discs are easy to use, comfortable, and can be worn for up to 12 hours. They are a certified B-Corp committed to donating period care products to regions with the most need, and they help fund initiatives for menstrual health, education, and sustainability.
Pain Relief / Hormonal Balance
12. Organic Olivia’s Flow Balance
Flow Balance is a formula designed to optimize hormone health and support minor PMS symptoms. The herbs work together to encourage normal cycles, supporting hormone modulation and regulation for a healthy balance of hormones.
Cora’s heating pads are gentle, warming patches designed to ease period cramps. They stay warm for up to eight hours, and are shaped to comfortably deliver heat across your abdomen or lower back. They contain soothing herbs like raspberry leaf, dandelion root, and cramp bark.
Pique’s teas are sourced from the most biodiverse ecological destinations around the world. They value quality and artisanship and have formed deep relationships with multi-generational farmers, teamasters, traditional medicine doctors, and ingredient scientists to create their healing teas.
15. DIY Heating Pad
You can create a DIY heating pad using materials you already have at home. Pop a wet dishcloth in a microwave-safe bag and microwave it for a few minutes, or if you don’t have a microwave, put it in the oven on very low heat (keep consistent watch on it if you choose this method). You can also take an old sock and fill it three-quarters full with uncooked rice, corn barley, or oatmeal, tie or sew it shut, and heat it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
16. Seed Cycling
Seed cycling involves eating specific seeds at different times of the menstrual cycle to support hormone balance and potentially alleviate symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and mood swings. Pumpkin seeds are a great seed to eat while you are bleeding.
17. Castor Oil Pack
Hot castor oil packs can also effectively reduce pain from period cramps as well as digestive cramps. The oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, relieve tension in the pelvic area, and the warmth of the pack can help increase blood.
What are your favorite period care products? Do you have any period care rituals you live by?