Right before my instagram platform changed pretty dramatically *shyly waves at 100k new followers* I was working on a sustainable period-care guide to release on my blog. As someone who has struggled with difficult periods, I’m very particular about the products I use and want to support companies that are innovative, sustainable and effective. Below is my roundup of my favorite brands from over the years. For transparency, I haven’t been paid by any of the brands I’m mentioning, but a few companies sent me products to test. This roundup is a list of products that really stood out to me.
Joyja: The Happy Period Panty $20-$25
According to their website, 7 million tampons end up in landfills each year on average and many products can take up to 400 years to biodegrade. Finding ways to decrease my environmental footprint while on my period led me to the world of period underwear and this is by far one of the cutest brands I’ve tried. They go beyond the standard black, thick period-underwear with a size inclusive selection of thongs, bikinis, hipsters and more with light (1 teaspoon) to heavy (4 teaspoons) absorbency. For me, I use these as more of a backup method while at home (since i’m mostly staying inside) and I’ve found them to be very effective so far. The biggest draw for me is I feel safe from any leakage.
Nixit: Period Cup $49.00
Okay, I won’t lie. Their marketing and branding is really cute and this is what initially drew me into wanting to check out the brand. Also, the shape of the cup is really unique and it’s suction free (which makes removal much easier). I first used a period cup in high-school, at a time when not many people at my somewhat conservative high-school were discussing periods in general yet alone a period cup! I stopped using it because I never could get it to fit quite right; however, at 25 I decided to step back into the ring with a different design. I like the nixit because it helps save money (it typically lasts 5 years), you don’t have to worry about Toxic Shock Syndrome, and it lasts 12 hours. If I were in an office, I’d feel much more comfortable in this cup knowing that it fits comfortably and I wouldn’t have to worry about changing it until I got back home. As someone with anxiety, it’s such a relief! It’s also free of toxins (which unfortunately many tampons have), so I don’t have to worry about that and it’s BPA free. I’ve tried many and this is my favorite period cup currently on the market.
So as much as I try to opt for other options, I like to be extra careful and like to have backup protection just in case. Some days I also just prefer using pads, but I only opt for sustainable and organic brands (to avoid toxins and decrease my environmental impact). Another huge draw to this lesser known brand is that a lot of research and science went into creating a pad that could potentially minimize period pain and discomfort (hello! I need this!)
According to their website “Certified third party testing was conducted in 2018 with women aged 21 – 45, over a time frame of two months using our NannoPads and placebo-controlled products. The NannoPad group experienced less pain (at 95% confidence) and fewer days of menstrual pain after using the NannoPad. The result of NannoPad group also shows a significant reduction of painkillers being used for menstrual cramping. For additional studies and reference, click here. Nannopad® contains many of the same ingredients used in these studies. “
For me personally, I’d have to try them for a longer period of time to see if it helps ease any period discomfort, but I’m very curious to see if anyone else has tried this brand!
L. Organic : Tampons, Pads and Liners $6.99 - $11.99
When I do use tampons, which is rare, this are my go to. I discovered them at my local CVS and was happy to see the tampon applicators are BPA-free and they don’t contain rayon, chlorine bleaching, or synthetic pesticides. They’re also a benefit corporation and a buy 1: donate 1 brand. For every tampon, pad or liner purchased L. Organic makes one accessible to a person that needs it. I like that they’re mission based, fight to end period poverty, and their tampons come in pretty large packs of 30 so I don’t have to worry about going back to the store often. This is my favorite sustainable and mission-based brand for tampons.
These are my current favorite products that’ll help you reduce your environmental footprint while also being super effective! Let me know your favorites in the comments.
xo LT