In middle school, we would sneak pads and tampons out of our purses, and hope that nobody saw what we were doing- god forbid one fell out of our bag.
We had no idea the feminine product manufacturers were hiding their own secrets within the products…harmful ingredients and toxic chemicals.
We seldom think to ask ourselves: what exactly are we putting into our bodies? and it’s scary to realize this.
We did our research and discovered which harmful chemicals are in period products, which brands to watch out for, and which healthy alternatives to use instead. What we found was quite enlightening!
Period Products
Throughout history, people have developed ways to manage periods, from the rolled-up cotton used by the Ancient Egyptians to the invention of the tampon in 1933.
Curious about how tampons are made? Watch this video.
Period products are a necessity, there’s no arguing that. On average, people who menstruate bleed for 1,800 days over the course of their lives.
That means that throughout our lifetimes, these products come in contact with our skin a LOT.
Now let’s consider the fact that these products are coming into contact with the vagina: the most sensitive and absorptive skin on the body. The vagina is capable of secreting and absorbing fluids at a higher rate than the skin.
That’s why it’s so scary that many of today’s menstrual and intimate care products contain chemicals that are linked to cancer, disrupt hormones, and cause allergic reactions.
Through the absorptive skin, toxic substances can then transfer directly into the bloodstream. Yikes!
Hidden Secrets
Many of these chemicals are not required to be listed on the label, which means we’re not even completely sure what else is in them. Since pads and tampons are regulated as medical devices, there is no government requirement to list ingredients.
Additionally, because period product manufacturers are primarily focused on keeping up with demand, they spend little time finding solutions to the toxin problem.
Chemicals to Look out for
Most conventional pads and tampons are made with synthetic materials and toxic substances.
Some of the chemicals can interfere with estrogen signaling according to Ami Zota, an assistant professor of epidemiology at George Washington University.
Here are the categories of chemicals found in period products:
Dioxins and furans
Dioxins and furans are byproducts of the chlorine bleaching process that give pads and tampons their pure white look.
Dioxins and furans have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and hormone disruption.
How to avoid them:
Choose chlorine-free bleach or unbleached tampons and pads.
Buy products that list all of their ingredients
Parabens
These chemicals are used as preservatives in cosmetics and body care products.
Parabens can cause endocrine disruption and reproductive harm. They are part of a group of Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCS).
How to avoid them:
Read ingredients
choose brands that don’t take the following chemicals: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben.
Fragrance
Fragrance is commonly used in pads and tampons, and many fragrance ingredients are kept secret. Some fragrance ingredients found in period products contain chemicals like diethyl phthalate and Galaxolide®.
Scented period products can upset the balance of power between good and bad bacteria. The chemicals in these products can also mess with your pH balance.
How to avoid them:
choose unscented products instead, especially for tampons and pads.
Other
Chemicals found in plastic applicators may also be harmful to health as well as pesticides.
Smart Shopping
When buying your period products, make sure products don’t contain these ingredients: Acetone, Chloroform, Chloroethane, Chloromethane, Dioxin, and Styrene. Check out this full list of chemicals to watch out for.
These ingredients have been found in feminine wash, sanitary pads, tampons, and feminine wipes, so be weary and read the labels.
Period underwear has also been shown to contain chemicals. Brands including Thinx and Knix Wear have been found to contain high levels of PFAS. This family of forever chemicals is linked with cancer and liver damage.
Healthier Alternatives
Here are some recommended brands for safer, healthier period products:
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately many period products still contain harsh chemicals: dioxins, furans, parabens, and fragrances that are bad for our bodies. Our best way to protect ourselves is to check labels and shop for organic, fragrance-free, unbleached alternatives… PERIOD!
What’s your favorite organic period care brand? Share it below!