Periods shouldn’t come with hidden risks. Yet many pads, tampons, and period pants still contain toxic chemicals, that can impact our health and harm the environment. Because there is little regulation or transparency, most people have no idea what’s really in the products they use every month.
The good news is there are safer, sustainable alternatives. We can protect our bodies, reduce environmental impact, and push for legislation that bans toxic chemicals in period products.
How to avoid toxic period products
Until we have regulation, product testing, and transparent information, the consumer is left to play detective. However there are things consumers can do to avoid toxic period products:
- If you are buying tampons, pads or period pants look for the Soil Association certification for “organic”, the Global Organic Cotton Textiles Standard (GOTS), which should tell you products are toxic-free.
- Look for the Oeko Tex symbol for items like period pants which shows the textiles have been tested for certain harmful chemicals
- Research and buy products from companies that openly disclose their ingredients or publish test results on their websites.
- Try to avoid products with perfumes, anti-odour claims, or those that claim to be leak resistant as they may have had ‘forever chemicals’ intentionally added.
- Avoid products containing trademarked names which could cover up anti-odour additives, silver or antimicrobials.
- Washing, cleaning and drying reusable period products as the manufacturer instructs is enough to keep them clean without additives.
- We advise you to ask questions of the retailer or producers and if you’re not satisfied avoid the products.
Make the switch
Organic and non toxic period products are better for you and the planet.
Read Wen’s blog about reusable period products.
Use Wen’s discount codes to make the switch to toxic-free sustainable period products. Sign up below:
DISCOUNT CODES TO MAKE THE SWITCH
Buying plastic-free period products doesn’t need to empty your pocket! We’ve teamed up with brands in our Environmenstrual Coalition to make it easier for you to make the switch to healthy, eco-friendly menstrual products. Sign-up for discounts codes for menstrual cups, washable pads, period pants and menstrual pads and tampon.
Find out more about Environmenstrual Week and how to get involved
