Natural tampons are made from absorbent materials like purified cotton, rayon fibers, or a blend of both. They are considered a medical device and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Organic tampons are made from 100% organic cotton and are free from dyes, fragrances, and bleach. Some organic tampon brands also have BPA-free applicators or no applicator options. Here are some positive and negative aspects of natural and organic tampons:
Positive aspects:
- Natural cotton is an ideal absorbent fiber that provides the period protection we all need.
- Organic tampons are free from pesky pesticides, chemicals, and dyes.
- Some organic tampon brands give back to communities or the environment somehow.
Negative aspects:
- Even tampons labeled organic can contain worrisome ingredients such as plastics or additives.
- Some organic tampon brands contain titanium dioxide, which is a chemical used to brighten or whiten products and has been heavily debated as a potential carcinogen.
- In order to understand potential long-term health risks from tampons (organic or not), researchers need to answer a number of questions.
It is important to note that the FDA clears tampons for sale only if they’re made primarily out of cotton, rayon, or a mixture of the two.
