Feminine Care

When it comes to period products, there are lots of options out there. So, with all these choices, it’s hard to know which one to go for. Here’s a low down of the most common options to help you make up your mind. 

• Tampons

Tampons are small cylindrical devices made from cotton or rayon that are inserted inside the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. They can be inserted either with an applicator or without and are used just once and then thrown away. Eco-friendly tampons are tampons that are made to be completely recyclable or biodegradable, without any single-use plastic. 

• Pads

Pads are rectangular-shaped items that can be stuck in the inside of underwear and are designed to absorb menstrual flow. Like tampons, pads are used once and then thrown away and they come in different varieties to suit your menstrual flow. Eco-friendly pads are pads that are made entirely of natural, biodegradable materials or are reusable. 

• Panty Liners

Panty liners are similar to pads as they are absorbent items designed to be stuck inside the underwear. However, panty liners are much thinner and more discreet than pads and are designed to absorb a much lighter amount of liquid. Like eco-friendly pads, eco-friendly panty liners are made from natural, biodegradable materials. 

• Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small cup-shaped items made from rubber or silicone that are inserted inside the vagina to catch the menstrual flow and can then be removed, emptied, and reused. Because menstrual cups can be reused in unlimited amounts, they are considered a great eco-friendly feminine product option. 

• Period Pants

Period pants are underwear items designed to absorb menstrual flow. They are usually slightly thicker or larger than normal underwear, although they can be bought in various shapes and sizes. They are designed to be worn once and then washed and reused unlimited times, making them another great eco-friendly option. 

What are eco-friendly feminine products made of?

The materials used to make eco-friendly feminine products will depend on the type of product. 

Eco-friendly single-use period products like vegan tampons and vegan pads will be made from biodegradable or recyclable materials, for example, unbleached cotton, hemp, or bamboo. 

In contrast, reusable period products are made from various materials that may or may not be recyclable. Menstrual cups are often made from latex-free silicone but can also be made from rubber or other materials. The material used to make period underwear also varies, although it is often made with nylon or lycra. For both menstrual cups and period pants, their recyclability varies from product to product.

Are eco-friendly feminine products safe?

Eco-friendly feminine products are safe, as long as they are used correctly. It is important to wash your hands before and after using period products, and only use them for the time allotted on the label. If you don’t follow these instructions, then you may be at risk of infection, particularly if a feminine product that is inserted in the vagina is left there for a long time. 

Usually, a vegan tampon should be used for no more than 8 hours and a menstrual cup should be used for no more than 12 hours. If you have any worries about the feminine product you are using, feel free to go to the doctor, or switch to a different period product. 

Top feminine product brands to try…

The good news is that there are loads of great vegan feminine products and eco-friendly feminine products available to use - especially online at Plant X. 

For vegan tampons, why not try the Natracare Organic Tampons? Complete with a plant-based applicator, these tampons are made from natural organic ingredients, with absolutely no chlorine, and are gynecologist tested! 

Seventh Generation also has great Chlorine-Free Pad options. Made from wood fluff pulp, these pads contain no rayon or deodorants and are a great eco-friendly pad option that is also hypoallergenic. 

Natracare’s Natural Panty Liners are another great eco-friendly feminine product option. 100% biodegradable and compostable, these organic panty liners are also recommended by gynecologists. 

If you are looking for a menstrual cup, we’ve got that too! Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, the DivaCup is a fantastic reusable option that is free from plastic, dyes, and chemicals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which feminine products are best for longer protection?

As we mentioned, feminine products always need to be changed regularly for your vaginal health. However, some can be worn for longer than others. For example, a menstrual cup can stay in for up to 12 hours, which may make it perfect for use in certain situations, like a long-haul flight for example! 

If you have a heavy flow, doubling up on products is also a great option. For example, combining period pants and a vegan tampon may be a great way on ensuring all-day protection while you are out and about. 

Which pads are good for sensitive skin?

When it comes to pads, usually eco-friendly pads are the best options for sensitive skin. This is because they don’t contain the chemicals that standard pads often do. Also, eco-friendly feminine product brands often make an effort not to include ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. For example, the Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Pads are hypoallergenic and deodorant free for this reason. 

How long can I wear a vegan pad?

How long you should wear a vegan pad varies from day to day, however, there are some general rules you should follow. A pad should normally be worn for no more than 8 hours and needs to be changed before it gets full. If your pad feels damp or you can see that it is almost fully saturated with blood, it is time to change it, even if you have only had it in for a short time. 

Are some vegan pads softer than others?

The softness of a pad also varies from product to product. Some pads are specially designed to be extra soft, others are not. This can be for a variety of reasons, and will there will be a variety of preferences for softness. So, when trying out different pads, their softness is another factor to consider when picking your favorite one!

Which pads are best for teenagers?

The best vegan pad for a teenager will vary depending on their body. Every pad is different, they have different shapes, different sizes, and different absorbancies. So, the best way to work out which pad is best for a teenager is to try different options and work out which one suits their flow best (whether it is heavy or light) and which one they find most comfortable (whether it is large or small, winged or not winged).