Here is the thing, feminine hygiene is one of the most important topics around the world. 50% percent of the global population needs them at some point. So it is very important to know what are our options and which options are better for our bodies and the environment. Lets find out which are the best cotton pads for periods.
Feminine hygiene products in some countries are believed to be a luxury. Many menstruating people around the world are not able to get products to properly manage their periods. This might be one of the biggest causes of the reusable pads for periods. Thinking that a monthly purchase was unsustainable in some developing countries, activists, health-focused organizations and even governments are developing new ways for less rich countries to have access to feminine hygiene.
But it doesn't matter if you have enough money to buy your pads monthly, there are a few things you need to know to make a conscious decision at the time of taking care of your body.
Sanitary pads, as we get them in the pharmacy have a lot of plastic fibers. This can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and overall discomfort. Natural and organic pads are not only made with fewer chemicals that can affect your body, but they are more sustainable for the environment.
A regular pad, using cotton, plastic, and chemicals lasts a few hours as something we can use but it lasts forever in landfills.
People who menstruate do it for around 40 years on average, so over the course of 40 years they will need some sort of menstrual-related products to manage it. So an average person will use between 8 to 10 thousand tampons or pads during their menstrual life. This adds up to 136 kg of menstrual-related products being wasted by each person in a lifetime.
Recent research shows that an average person who menstruates spent more or less $14 on menstrual products (tampons, pads) a month, and what we said was that an average person menstruates for almost 40 years, those are 480 months, so that adds up to $6720. You can buy a car with that money.
That is a lot of money and a lot of waste. You might think that there is nothing you can do since you need to manage your period somehow. But there are other options that don't include wasting $14 a month and using single-use products.
So first things first: it is not unsanitary to use a reusable cotton pad for your period! After all, organic-based pads are more gentle to your skin, they are more breathable which causes less risk of infections.
And, hey! This is very important. Checking the ingredients list on your pads should be essential. It's not enough for them to say "cotton layered", you need to pay attention to all the chemicals they put in them because those go right into your body.
These are just a few ingredients you need to be aware of when buying single-use pads for periods.
Pulp, superabsorbent polymers, any type of fragrance which mostly contains various unknown chemicals, plastic, polyester, and dyes. Cotton pads for periods don't (or shouldn't) have any of these ingredients.
So before recommending the top 6 cotton reusable pads, let's see some other reasons you should switch to these eco(and body) friendly products.
And...
There are a lot of options for you to take care of your period, but if you are just now transitioning to a more sustainable self-care routine, reusable cotton pads are your best pick.
You may be also interested at: Best Menstrual Cup: Pick the Right Product for You!
Now, let's see what is out there for you to try:
Think Eco is a brand that focuses on manufacturing safer female products. They use organic cotton, cotton grown in soil that is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers and is certified organic by the International Organic Association every year.
With this pack, you will get 3 organic cotton pads for periods. You can choose from a variety of styles and prints and find your perfect size for maximum comfort. The pad is made out of natural fibers and a total of six layers guaranteeing excellent absorption.
To use it just wrap wings around a panty gusset and snap securely. You'll be all set for the day.
This period pads are suggested for daytime use.
Hesta is a brand committed to the well-being of the soil and the health of people who menstruate. This California-based company, focuses on building reusable sustainable, and organic products that are safe to use on a day-to-day basis.
This product has a waterproof layer and is manufactured with 100% undyed cotton free of chemicals. These pads are recommended for people with sensitive skin because the material is so soft you won't even feel it. They will arrive at your home in a little pink box that you can then compost or recycle.
Think Eco is a brand that focuses on manufacturing safer female products. They use organic cotton, cotton grown in soil that is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers and is certified organic by the International Organic Association every year.
The product is made of OCS100 certified organic cotton without harmful substances. This period pads are great for people who worry about a large amount of fluid in their daily lives and for those who have experienced skin soreness or hives with sensitive skin. You can pick your perfect size from 7 different widths and lengths, guaranteeing the best fit.
Think Eco is a brand that focuses on manufacturing safer female products. They use organic cotton, cotton grown in soil that is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers and is certified organic by the International Organic Association every year.
The product is an organic daily liner with no waterproof system. This reusable cotton pads for periods have three features that makes them a great choice. First, they have a gauze material that makes them extra breathable. They are made with Hanjisa, making them more comfortable and easy to clean, they have a double safety device to manage the flow on the fabric. This means you can be free and don't be worried about stains.
Think Eco is a brand that focuses on manufacturing safer female products. They use organic cotton, cotton grown in soil that is free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers and is certified organic by the International Organic Association every year.
This easy-to-wear product only needs you to wrap wings around the panty gusset and snap it! The design is thought for those last days of your period when you are not quite sure if it went for good, Light and breezy design, you won't even remember you have it on!. And a plus! it comes in beautiful leafy designs.
-----
Keep in mind that every time you buy a new reusable pad for periods you need to learn how to properly care for it.
Sometimes when we think of something disposable we think it's clean and healthy, take as an example every item they use in hospitals. But this is not entirely true. Reusable cotton pads for periods are completely safe for your body. If you take good care of them, you shouldn't have any problems.
Let's also have this conversation: Why is Organic Cotton Underwear the Best Choice for You?
Hopefully, these options will make it easier for you to transition from a single-use product to reusable cotton pads for periods.
You may be interested on: Reusable Cotton Pads: The Six Best Picks For You and Where to Get Them
