Have you ever stopped to consider what exactly goes in to making a tampon? The materials used, how they're produced and what effect they can have on our bodies?
For something that goes inside your body each and every month, not many of us have given it a lot of thought, in fact, according to a study undertaken by &sisters, 80% of women believe that tampons are made from 100% cotton but most mainstream tampons, pads and liners contain very little of this incredibly absorbent natural fibre. What's actually in the majority of tampons is a material called rayon which is a synthetic fibre made from bleached wood pulp.
So why are organic cotton tampons and pads better? Read on to find out...
Organic Cotton Is A Natural Fibre
First of all, organic cotton is a completely natural fibre so choosing organic cotton period products guarantees there will be no synthetic materials going anywhere near the most sensitive parts of your body. Some materials and chemicals found in conventional tampons include pesticides, fertilisers, perfumes, dyes, chlorine, dioxins, rayon, cellulose, wood pulp and super absorbent polymers (SAP) which can upset the delicate balance of your vagina.
Organic Cotton Contains Fewer Chemicals
At the growing stage, mainstream, mass produced cotton is grown with fertilisers and pesticides. Organic cotton has been grown without chemical pesticides and fertilisers so you won't need to worry about any chemical residue in your period products as a result.
From a production perspective, organic cotton doesn't need to be bleached, soaked in chlorine or dioxins to purify the natural fibre before its made into the finished product unlike mass produced cotton for the majority of non organic cotton tampons and pads.
Organic Cotton Has A Lower Environmental Impact
According to organic cotton period brand &sisters growing organic cotton uses 91% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton which has a big impact on our environment. Growing organically also helps to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats so by choosing organic cotton you're also being kinder to the birds and the bees.
Conventional tampons often contain crude oil plastics in high percentages meaning they won't biodegrade and will sit in landfill for hundreds of years. On the flip side, organic cotton is completely biodegradable and recyclable so if your products are 100% organic and plastic free, like the &sisters range, you can have a guilt free period when it comes to disposing of your period products.
Organic Cotton Is Better For Your Body
It's not just about the potential chemical exposure, organic cotton can also help you to have a healthier period and monthly cycle. Organic cotton is breathable so you won't be creating a warm and moist environment where bacteria can grow.
If you're suffering from sensitivity and want to avoid some of the fragrances, plastics or chemicals found in mainstream pads, organic cotton is a good choice. It's a really gentle material works in harmony with one of the most sensitive areas of your body.
As you can tell there are so many positives to using organic tampons and period products. At Blomma Beauty we are big fans of &sisters who make Soil Association and GOTS certified organic tampons, pads and liners which are pH neutral and ideal for sensitive skin for a happier period.
Shop organic period products
Sources
https://crimsonconversations.andsisters.co.uk/why-switching-to-organic-cotton-is-better-for-your-health/
http://www.center4research.org/tampon-safety/
https://www.blume.com/blogs/blume-university/why-use-organic-pads