Chlorine, methylene chloride, toluene, and xylene in your pads and tampons right now? Maybe. Honestly, I had to research what the heck that means and basically the point is, I shouldn't have to. If I'm placing a product down there...I should know that it's as natural as it gets.
Understanding that these compounds can affect my body is important to me. So I figured, why not share what I learned and the solution to this madness!
1. Yes, these compounds can be absorbed
I mean, there are a lot of things, compounds, vapors, whatever, that our body is exposed to on a daily basis. However, the elements found in our products are only exposed to us, if we choose to use them.
We have the power to decide what goes into our bodies, from what we put in our hair, our stomachs, on our skin, to how often we use them.
2. Natural Products = Less Health Problems
I don't know about you, but exposure to compounds found in adhesives, rubber, and paint thinners sounds, disturbing. And this has to lead to some sort of health-related consequence down the line.
For 5 days every. single. month. I use these chemically-based products. That's 60 days of exposure to unnatural compounds or compounds that I shouldn't be exposed to on a daily basis.
3. Organic Products Feel Better...And Dare I Say Last Longer?
For me, personally, I feel like the organic pads resulted in fewer symptoms during my period. Less pain? Yes, please. And let's get real for a second, for those that need to change their pad or tampon a few times a day may think, "there is no way that a fluffy little cotton pad will handle alll diss."
I thought the same...but honestly I change mine LESS. So, yes, the ones in the picture are Super and act SUPER regardless of being 100% cotton. I've used organic pads for 2 months now, and the OI pantyliners, and I feel a difference in my body.
(And for all you science obsessed humans saying, "Placebo effect," you know it's better than nothing.)
The cotton absorbs differently than whatever material used in other products.
They don't feel any different. It's still like wearing a diaper. But if anything, they feel softer. They're better for your body and don't fret, they don't cost as much as you think.
What Are Some Chemical Free Alternatives?
This organic alternative was a tad expensive, however worth the benefits. They got the goods from pantyliners, to pads and tampons. I LOVE their mission statement and goals for helping Mother Earth. "You go, Glen Coco!"
So, a whopping 24 pantyliners are in one pack and 10 in a pack for the pads. And I have to say that the pantyliners are something to get used to (I have always used...Always—no pun intended).
However, they serve their purpose and with time I've come to love them. So I know you're wondering, well how much do they cost? The pads are around $10-$11 and the pantyliners $5-6.
This leads me to another cheaper alternative (however, they have fewer goods) that I came across due to a happy accident.
I desperately needed more pads and went to a store that didn't sell OI, but, found...*drum roll*... Always PURE.
These guys right here are my best friends. I was happy to find they have a sustainably sourced alternative. Since I'm already used to the style and shape of Always, I didn't even notice the difference when switching over to Always PURE.
These are also less expensive at $8.99 for 21 pads. BOOYA. They also have tampons BUT—I have yet to find Always PURE pantyliners—wah.
Recommendations?
I would say that either product is a really great alternative as opposed to the chemical-based pads. If you have always used Always, I would suggest just sticking to the same brand for an easy transition.
And then make your way to OI or other sustainable alternatives you may find! I currently use the Always PURE and the OI pantyliners and my body's pretty happy.
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Resources
Nhlapo, M., Mashego, M., Low, M., Ming, D., & Harding, K. (2019). Investigating the development of low-cost sanitary pads. Procedia Manufacturing, 35, 589-594.
Park, C. J., Barakat, R., Ulanov, A., Li, Z., Lin, P. C., Chiu, K., ... & Ko, C. J. (2019). Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products. Reproductive Toxicology, 84, 114-121.
Yadav, S., Illa, M. P., Rastogi, T., & Sharma, C. S. (2016). High absorbency cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers for feminine hygiene application [Abstract]. Applied Materials Today, 4, 62-70.