It’s that time again – time to pay your “monthly bill”. You run to the store and pick up the usual “popular” or store-brand feminine product and go on your way, never stopping to think for even a second that there could be any health or environmental risks involved in your choices.

For years, that was me – get whatever and go with the flow so to speak. Now, after learning about all of the toxic chemicals that make up those name-brand products (not to mention how extremely absorbent our lady parts are), I can no longer just buy “whatever”.

Did you know that conventional pads and tampons aren’t even made with 100% cotton? Most are made with a blend of rayon, cotton, and other synthetic ingredients. What’s worse is that not only is any cotton that is used GMO, so it is sprayed with pesticides but conventional feminine products are bleached with chlorine – a process that produces dioxin (an endocrine disruptor) as a by-product. And if that’s not bad enough, the fibers from the rayon can become attached to vaginal walls, increasing the risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)! Yeeeeaaaaah, me and my V say no thanks!

Fortunately, there now are many safer options for us ladies.

A few of my favorites include Natracare  – affordable (depending on where you buy) and easily accessible organic feminine products and Fleur Organics – Created by a registered nurse who saw the potential dangers of using conventional feminine products, she sought to provide safer, healthier options. Fleur Organics was her solution. Made of 100% organic cotton and other non-toxic substances, these products are designed to minimize the risks of irritations and allergies in your most intimate area! Fleur Organics also offers a subscription option, in which you can customize your products according to your cycle.

For those who prefer tampons to pads there is also a brand called Jo Says,  a Shanghai-based company that offers organic, eco-friendly products that will soon be available worldwide, so stay tuned! You can learn more about them on their website.

I have also recently had the privilege of testing some products from a brand called Veeda, which was started by two Australian guys when a friend of theirs couldn’t find any natural pads or tampons in Brazil where she lived. From there, they learned about the dangerous chemicals used in feminine products, not to mention the higher price tag of most of the organic versions. Realizing this was an issue, they set out to change that and thus, Veeda was born.

Veeda uses 100% pure, natural cotton in their products, and though not organic, no toxic chemicals, dyes, fragrance or synthetics are used. The cotton is also cleaned with oxygen rather than chlorine, making it safer for both women and the environment. The pad packages use a bio-degradable wrap that breaks down in 6-12 months and has been tested for environmental safety. The tampon applicators are BPA-free and the tampons themselves are 100% biodegradable as well.

How do they work?

I’ll be honest, I have never been able to use tampons comfortably, so I can’t give a review on those. BUT, the pads that I was sent I liked a lot. They were comfortable, didn’t bunch or move, absorbed well and were non-irritating (I never knew that conventional pads could irritate so badly, even the so-called “fragrance-free” ones!). I would definitely like to try some of their other pads for sure and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for greener, cleaner, more budget-friendly feminine products.

Prices range from $4.49 (for single packs)-$29.97 (for multi-packs)

Besides making safer and more affordable feminine products, Veeda is also a company that gives back. You can read about their 360˚ Care Fund here!

What are your fave natural feminine products? Let me know below!

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xo

*Products were sent to me for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions of products are 100% my own.

Sources:

http://theorganicsinstitute.com/shocking-truths-about-tampons-pads/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/07/03/feminine-hygiene.aspx

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