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15 best eco-friendly tampons and sanitary pads
Try these more planet-friendly products during your next period
Buying sanitary products that make you feel secure and comfortable during your period is important, but as we all aim to become more eco-conscious, it’s also worth considering how environmentally friendly our tampons and sanitary pads are.
A standard plastic tampon applicator can take up to 500 years to decompose, and the average person uses more than 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime. Switching to recyclable or biodegradable sanitary pads and tampons is a great step forward to a happier planet.
The GHI has tried a range of eco-friendly options to find the best on the market. Here are the ones we rate:
Best sanitary pads:
- Winner: FLO Natural Bamboo Ultra Thin Day & Night Pads
- Best for absorbency: Always Organic Cotton Sanitary Towels
- Best for discretion: Organic Mondays Pad Kit
- Best for exercise: Lil-Lets Organic Pads
- Best for sensitivity: TOTM Organic Cotton Pads
Best tampons:
- Winner: & Sisters Organic Cotton Eco Applicator Tampons
- Runner-up: Organic Mondays Tampon Kit
- Best for comfort: FLO Organic Eco-Applicator Tampons
- Best eco-friendly tampon: Albany Mae Organic Non Applicator Tampons
- Best for sizing: Tampax Organic Cotton Applicator Tampons
- Best for seamless fit: TOTM Applicator Tampons
- Best for active days: Lil-Lets Non-Applicator Organic Tampons
- Best for sensitive skin: Organyc Organic Cotton Applicator Tampons
- Best for absorbency: DeoDoc Organic Cotton Tampons
- Best reusable design: DAME Reusable Applicator Set with Organic Tampons
Why should we use eco-friendly sanitary pads and tampons?
The average sanitary pad is made from 90% plastic and can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfills, or sadly in the ocean. When they do end up in our oceans, the plastic remains in these ecosystems for years, causing damage to its inhabitants.
If you can’t get to grips with a menstrual cup, there are some disposable options that have had an eco upgrade. Buying sanitary products that have biodegradable or recyclable packaging is a huge step in the right direction, and doesn’t compromise on hygiene, comfort or efficiency.
While the pads we’ve featured below are still disposable, they are made from organic cotton, which avoids any toxic chemicals that have a negative impact on soil, and waste less energy and water in the process. When it comes to tampons, we've featured a mix of recyclable and reusable applicators.
Want to switch to fully reusable products? Consider trying period pants or reusable pads.
How we test
Pads
Over 160 testers tried nine brands of eco sanitary pads and liners during their period. Testers assessed the level of absorbency, how protected they felt from leakage, and how comfortable they were to wear for the recommended time.
In the GHI lab, we measured the amount of liquid the pads were able to hold and timed how long it took for it to be fully absorbed.
Tampons
Our 160 testers also tried 10 brands of eco tampons, including non-applicator, biodegradable applicator and reusable applicator options. They assessed how easy they were to insert and remove, as well as how comfortable they felt to wear, and if there was any leakage.
In the GHI lab, we soaked each tampon in water and measured the amount each one absorbed. We also assessed how much fibre shedding occurred by opening up each tampon.
Score: 90/100
Made with 100% organic bamboo and a biodegradable plant-based wrapper, these day and night pads are comfortable to wear and don’t budge. Their thin, flexible build means they feel breathable against skin and don’t limit movement, too.
In the GHI lab, we were impressed with their absorbency levels and 82% of testers said there was no leakage. FLO donates 5% of its profits to charities helping women and girls in need, too.
Key specifications
Material: Organic Oeko-Tex bamboo, non-GMO corn starch, plant cellulose, SAP, biodegradable plant-starch backing layer, plant-starch wrappers.
Sizes: Light, medium, heavy/night
Suitable for: Day and night
Wings: Yes
Biodegradable: Yes
Fully recyclable: Yes
Score: 85/100
Using a 100% organic cotton topsheet, these pads are free from fragrances, dyes and chlorine bleaching, which is not only better for your body but also reduces their environmental impact.
These pads scored full marks in the GHI lab for absorbency and all of our testers gave them the thumbs up, too. Our testers felt secure and supported wearing them either during the day or night, and there were no reports of irritation.
Key specifications
Material: 100% certified organic cotton, absorbent cellulose and super absorbent gel pearls. The moisture-proof back layer is made from synthetic materials. Glue is also used to ensure the pad adheres to the underwear.
Sizes: Light, moderate, heavy
Suitable for: Day and night
Wings: Yes
Biodegradable: No
Fully recyclable: No
Organic Mondays Pad Kit
Score: 84/100
With the goal of keeping menstrual waste to a minimum, Organic Mondays offers kits that will provide you with a range of sanitary products, so you have everything you need for your period. Either buy the kits individually or sign up for the subscription service, which delivers straight to your door.
This kit features 12 pads for light to medium flow and eight night pads, or for use on heavier days. The pads are made from organic cotton and the wrapping is compostable, making for a more planet-friendly choice. Our testers were impressed with their shape, which fit seamlessly in underwear, and how thin and comfortable the pads were while still having good absorption.
Key specifications
Material: Organic cotton upper core, FSC-registered pulp lower core, siliconised paper backing strip, packaging is compostable and postal box is made from FSC-certified paper and is recyclable.
Sizes: Light, medium, heavy/overnight
Suitable for: Day and night
Wings: Yes
Biodegradable: Yes
Fully recyclable: No
Score: 84/100
Blending organic cotton and compostable materials, the majority of our panel found these pads lightweight and discreet, with 86% saying they were comfortable to wear.
Testers also appreciated the sticky backing, which helped the pad stay in place, even during exercise. The downside? Some said the pads were a little too slim and short to feel fully protected on heavier days.
Key specifications
Material: Organic cotton, corn starch (certified compostable), synthetic resin (latex free), paper with silicone coating, cardboard (FSC certified) with 30% recycled content.
Sizes: Normal/regular
Suitable for: Day
Wings: Yes
Biodegradable: Pad wrappers only
Fully recyclable: Cardboard box only
Score: 81/100
TOTM avoids unnecessary plastic, chemicals, dyes and fragrances in order to avoid discomfort, irritation and waste. Created with sensitive skin in mind, these pads claim to be breathable and naturally soft.
All our testers agreed, with 92% finding they had the freedom to move about during the day and were also comfortable to wear at night. Some reported less absorbency than others on this list, but overall we think this is a reliable choice.
Key specifications
Material: 100% organic cotton absorbent core, topsheet and wings. Secure biodegradable backing with non-toxic adhesive. Individually wrapped in a compostable biofilm. Packed in FSC-certified and fully recyclable cardboard.
Sizes: Light, medium, super
Suitable for: Day or night
Wings: Yes
Biodegradable: Yes
Fully recyclable: Yes
& Sisters Organic Cotton Eco Applicator Tampons
Score: 91/100
There are no harmful chemicals, synthetics, perfumes or colourants here. These 100% organic cotton tampons with a biodegradable cardboard applicator are soft as well as breathable.
They aced our tests too, with 100% of testers saying they felt comfortable and secure enough to remain active, while no one experienced any leakage. & Sisters donates 10% of its profits to help tackle period poverty, too.
Key specifications
Sizes: Light, medium
Biodegradable: Yes, tampon itself
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator and packaging
Score: 87/100
Organic Mondays also has a range of eco tampons to consider. They feature a recyclable cardboard applicator and are made from 100% organic cotton. Testers felt they met their claims on comfort and softness, and were particularly impressed with the fully biodegradable materials.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super
Biodegradable: Yes, applicator and packaging
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator and packaging
Score: 86/100
Featuring a plant-based, recyclable applicator, these organic cotton tampons are also biodegradable. All of our testers found them easy to insert and comfortable to wear but they weren’t as absorbent as others on our list, so remember to change regularly.
Key specifications
Sizes: Light, regular, heavy super
Biodegradable: Yes, tampon itself
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator only
Score: 86/100
These tampons are fully biodegradable, made from organic cotton, hypoallergenic, and free from chlorine, rayon and fragrances. There's also no applicator, eliminating further waste.
They were voted best for their eco credentials by our testers, who said they were still comfortable to insert without an applicator. They were pleased with absorption too, and 91% said they trusted them enough to exercise while using them.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super, super plus
Biodegradable: Yes, tampon itself
Reusable applicator: N/A
Recyclable: No
Score: 85.4/100
You might not think of Tampax when looking for an eco alternative but its organic cotton tampons also come with a plant-based applicator. Some said the applicator was a little flimsy but on the whole these were comfortable to insert and wear.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super
Biodegradable: No
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: No
Score: 84.5/100
TOTM does tampons too, and our panel scored them highly for comfort and fit, with no reports of pain or irritation while inserting, removing or wearing.
The applicator is made from biodegradable cardboard, which some found fiddly to use, but once inserted 88% said the tampon felt secure throughout the day.
Key specifications
Sizes: Light, medium, super, super plus
Biodegradable: Yes, applicator
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator and packaging
Score: 84.4/100
Easy to insert, comfortable and discreet, these Lil-Lets tampons are a reliable choice. Our testers said they were best for on-the-go situations, so make sure you pop some in your handbag. All said they were ideal for active days, too.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super, super plus
Biodegradable: Yes, wrapper
Reusable applicator: N/A
Recyclable: No
Score: 83/100
No additives or artificial or genetically modified materials are used in any of this brand's sanitary products, to make them safer for the environment and you.
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, these pads won't cause any irritation. Testers said they felt comfortable too, although they weren’t the easiest to insert.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, heavy
Biodegradable: Yes
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator and packaging
Score: 82/100
Made with non-chlorine-bleached cotton, zero viscose and rayon, and an outer layer that prevents fibre shedding, this brand aims to produce tampons that are optimal for vaginal health.
Our testers liked them too, reporting no leakage and good absorbency. The recyclable applicator wasn’t the smoothest to use, but we’re being picky.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super
Biodegradable: Yes, tampon and applicator
Reusable applicator: No
Recyclable: Yes, applicator and packaging
DAME Reusable Applicator Set with Organic Tampons
Score: 80/100
Like using an applicator but don’t want a disposable? This reusable applicator from DAME features medical grade materials that are designed to be antimicrobial at all times, making your period hygienic as well as eco-friendly. Testers liked its sleek design and 88% said insertion was comfortable. There was no leakage from the tampons either.
Key specifications
Sizes: Regular, super, super plus
Biodegradable: Yes, tampon itself
Reusable applicator: Yes
Recyclable: No
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
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