The Best Organic Tampons, According to Reviews

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(Image credit: Giulia de Felice/EyeEm)

Up until somewhat recently, there weren't that many options when it came to shopping for tampons and other period-helpful products. In fact, for many years, our biggest conundrum regarding Flo's arrival was to go pad, liner, tampon, or an almighty protective fortress of all three. Now, however, we have more options—from leak-proof underwear to menstrual cups to sustainable and organically made tampons. Today, we're focusing on the latter. Because yes, just as selecting high-quality food and supplements is important, so too is choosing organic, all-natural tampons. After all, we do allow them to live inside of our bodies for hours at a time!

"We give thought to what's in our food and beauty products, so why not our tampons, which we use in one of the most absorbent parts of our bodies?" asks Jordana Kier and Alex Friedman, who founded Lola, a 100%-cotton-tampon subscription service. "The big brands do the bare minimum and rarely disclose the ratio of ingredients in their tampons, which is typically a blend of the artificial fibers rayon and polyester, among others." Yikes.

Thankfully for our cycles, the past four years or so have instigated a crusade of sorts within the realm of organic feminine products, with more and more impassioned founders and companies launching organic, all-natural, sustainably sourced, and even biodegradable options to keep the ecosystems of earth and vagina alike in peak condition. Looking to make the switch to organic? You've come to the right place. Ahead, the 10 best organic tampon brands, according to research and reviews aplenty.

1. Lola

Prettily and discreetly packaged (extra brownie points!), Lola's selection of dependable and organic tampons might be the most famous within the natural lane of feminine health products. Starting at $10 a month, you can customize your delivery subscription with the period products (and absorbancy) of your choice in addition to the frequency of your tampons' arrival (choose either four or eight weeks). The tampons are 100% cotton and biodegradable with no synthetics to speak of, and they get delivered right to your doorstep every single month. Essentially, the brand is like your period fairy godmother.

What reviewers say: "I love that women are at the core of this organization. I feel so much more comfortable knowing that the products I’m now using are free of toxins. Having these products delivered to my door is so convenient—I know that I don’t have to worry about running to the store on day 1 of my period. I love that the box is customizable and that I get exactly what I need to be comfortable during what is usually a quite painful and uncomfortable time of the month."

2. Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation has made a name for itself in regard to healthy household care and cleaning items we love. Therefore, the fact that we also love its organic tampons isn't all that surprising. Ultra absorbent, these tampons are whitened without chlorine-containing chemicals, are made with certified organic cotton, and are free of irritation-causing fragrances and deodorants. They're also gynecologist-tested and subtly expand for a safe, leak-free seal.

What reviewers say: "I have been buying Seventh Generation tampons for about five years now! I have no complaints about the applicator or the tampon itself. Before I started wearing these, I used more mainstream, non-organic brands, and I was never happy with them. I was always bleeding through them, needless to say, I no longer have to worry. Everyone complains of a cardboard applicator, but I have had no problems. It was a little different at first, but you get used to it. I made the switch because I wanted organic! I am not okay with chemicals! I highly recommend these to everyone who cares about their health."

3. Cora

Organic, hypoallergenic, vegan, biodegradable, and compostable, these tampons from Cora are some of the best money can buy if you're looking for high-quality organic tampons and a nifty subscription service. They're unique in that they feature a strategic octagonal shape (for zero leakage and even absorbency—so smart) and a woven cord for even more protection against potential leakage and staining. Of all the tampons in the bunch, these are the ones we trust most dutifully with our collection of white denim.

What reviewers say: "I can't say enough about my positive experience using Cora's organic tampons. I've been using their products for several months now and feel comforted knowing I'm not exposing myself to any toxins and pesticides on a monthly basis. I try to eat and live as cleanly as possible and I'm beyond excited that I've found these chic and comfortable organic tampons to add to my healthy living repertoire!"

4. The Honey Pot

The Honey Pot Company is known for its non-irritating products, which is a big plus because who wants to deal with itching or irritation down there? The brand's unscented tampons are made of organic cotton that's dermatologist-tested. They also feature a BPA-free plastic applicator.

What reviewers say: "My holy grail for my period. Once I started using tampons regularly, they became my preferred method for my period. These products and this brand have made my period so much more manageable, healthy, comfortable, and quick! On a heavy day, I only have to change maybe three times which is amazing! Period is lighter, better, and not something I dread so deeply anymore."

5. Natracare

A personal favorite (sorry, just had to throw that out there and break the fourth wall), these organic tampons from Natracare are some of the best and most well-known in the business. They're biodegradable, cruelty-free, chlorine-free, organic, and from a female-owned company. Oh, and here's a fun fact; Natracare's certified organic 100%-cotton tampons were the world's first fully certified organic option within the feminine care industry.

What reviewers say: "About a year ago, I switched to all-natural/organic feminine products, and was super nervous about absorption, particularly with tampons. After a year of loyal use, I could not be happier with these! Actually, I was hooked after my first AF visit. I have not once had any leakage issues, and I have found that these contour to my body wonderfully. I think we tend to forget how soft and absorbent 100% cotton is. I LOVE that these are not poisoning my body from the inside as well. Another note: since switching to organic/natural feminine products, my cycles are shorter and lighter. I've read many testimonies regarding this, and read many many articles, explaining that the bleaching and use of chemicals in 'main stream' [sic] feminine products can cause heavier, more painful cycles, and after a year of using Natracare products, I've found this to be totally true. I also love that my Ob-Gyn recommends natural products for that very reason! HIGHLY recommend these."

6. Organyc

Vegan, breathable, and hypoallergenic, the absorbent core of these high-performing tampons is strictly made up of organic cotton fibers that are ideal for everyone, but sensitive skin types especially. Plus, the cardboard applicator ensures smooth and effortless insertion.

What reviewers say: "I've been looking for an organic tampon that lasts more than an hour without leaking, and this is it! I mostly use GladRags, but the amount of trash generated during a cycle is absurd and pretty gross. These are handier to keep in my bag for an emergency, to wear when swimming, or to wear with some tight-booty clothes to avoid the diaper look. If you're on the hunt like me, make this your next and final try-out."

7. O.B.

Not only are O.B.'s tampons made with 100% organic cotton, but the applicator is made from plant-based materials and made from renewable resources. They're free of chlorine, fragrances, and dyes, too.

What reviewers say: "This one is a good one. It is fully absorbent, comfortable, has a working comfortable applicator, and isn't made of a fiber that is irritating to the delicate area at hand. (I used a natural cotton tampon once that was SO insanely absorbent, it caused irritation.)"

8. L. 

Although we love L.'s organic tampons for its GOTS organic certification, BPA-free plastic applicator, and a litany of other period perks like being breathable, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free, we're even more impressed by the brand's commitment to women and the act of giving back. For every tampon purchased, one is donated to a female entrepreneur in a developing country in need. 

What reviewers say: "These are the best tampons ever. So incredibly soft and they don't dry me out like the big name brand ones. And they're organic! Win-win. Highly recommend!"

9. Oi

With a strong commitment to transparency, integrity, and honesty, this New Zealand company (led by an ultra-cool band of holistic women) takes a stand against chemicals, synthetics, and toxins, and instead creates some of the safest and eco-friendliest organic tampons in the market. These tampons are certified organic, biodegradable, and feature recycled packaging.

What reviewers say: "I love these! The applicator is smooth and works well; the environmental and health impacts are minimal, which is a huge deal for me. These are my new brand."

10. Rael

Launched in 2017 with a mission to provide natural and organic feminine care products without sacrificing comfort or functionality, Rael is an exciting addition to our collection of favorite organic tampons. In addition to being toxin-, fragrance-, color-, and dye-free (plus organic and hypoallergenic), Rael has a brand vision to empower and inform women with safer and healthier alternatives for their bodies. 

What reviewers say: "These tampons have the greatest absorption I've ever seen. I've been using conventional tampons for over 20 years now and after trying these once, I can't bring myself to use the other brands again. They are so sturdy and don't break apart when I pull them out. Super easy to put in and pull out. So happy I found these!!"

11. My Box Shop

My Box Shop's tampons are made of 100% organic cotton. They don't have dyes, pesticides, microplastics, and bleach so they're not irritating. They also have eight channels of absorption so you don't have to worry about leakage.

What reviewers say: "I couldn't tell a difference between these and leading brands. Great overall! The applicator is a little funky (you have to pull back part of it because it's compact with packing), but once you figure it out, it's no problem!"

12. Sustain

Sustain's organic tampons have two absorbing layers of protection: a core and an outer layer. There are no added fragrances, additives, or synthetics so wearing them won't leave you with irritation. The applicator is bioplastic and made out of 90% sugar cane, too.

What reviewers say: "I don't usually use tampons because I can't find a brand that doesn't irritate me down there. But these don't and they are incredible. I'm so happy I found them. I'm in love with some of their other products like condoms and lube too. The natural ingredients don't irritate me as much as most popular brands. I would recommend their products to anyone."

More Period Care Products to Shop

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(Image credit: Guille Faingold/Stocksy)

These heating patches can be used to relieve menstrual cramps and back pain. They fit seamlessly under clothing—just make sure to place them on your undergarments, not directly on the skin.

Thinking about trying a menstrual cup? This soft version from Saalt is specially designed for people with bladder sensitivity, cramping, or discomfort with firmer cups.

Hum Nutrition's Moody Bird supplements are formulated to ease PMS symptoms, like cramps, mood swings, and irritability. Ingredients include chaste berry and dong quai root.

Infused with herbs and natural ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, licorice, red raspberry leaf, fennel and chaste tree berry, this tea can relieve any period discomfort.

Pamprin targets a variety of PMS symptoms: cramps, irritability, headache, backache, bloating, muscle aches, and water-weight gain.

Rael also makes organic cotton pads that are both chlorine- and fragrance-free. The pads are comfortable and prevent overflowing and leaks.

Next: This All-Natural Way to Relieve Period Cramps Is a Total Game Changer

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Beauty Director

Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.