The Benefits of Organic Cotton Period Products: Why More Women Are Making the Switch in 2026

I'll start with a confession: it took me an embarrassingly long time to think about what was actually in my tampons. Years, in fact. I'd scrutinise the ingredients list on a £3 yoghurt but happily use period products without a second thought about what I was putting inside my body. When I finally looked into it—prompted by a conversation with a friend who'd switched to organic—I felt a bit foolish. But also, genuinely curious.

So here we are. If you've been wondering whether organic cotton period products are worth the switch, or whether it's all just clever marketing aimed at people like me who panic-buy bamboo cutlery, let me share what I've learned.

What Actually Makes Period Products "Organic"?

First things first: what does organic even mean when we're talking about tampons and pads? It's not like they're growing in someone's allotment.

Organic cotton period products are made from cotton that's been grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. The cotton is certified—usually by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or similar bodies—which means there's actual oversight, not just a nice label someone's slapped on.

The difference from conventional products? Standard tampons often contain a blend of cotton and synthetic materials like rayon, plus they may be treated with chlorine bleaching processes. Some also contain fragrances and other additives. Whether these pose health risks is debated—I'll get to that—but the point is, with organic products, you know exactly what you're getting.

&SISTERS by Mooncup, one of the brands leading this movement in the UK, puts it simply: 100% organic cotton, nothing else. No plastic in the product itself, no synthetic fibres, no chlorine bleaching. And I'm aware I'm starting to sound like an advert, so I'll balance this out with some honest opinions later. Promise.

The Health Considerations: What Does the Research Say?

This is where it gets complicated, and where I need to be careful not to veer into scaremongering territory. (My partner has already accused me of becoming "that person" at dinner parties. He's not entirely wrong.)

What we know:

Conventional tampons and pads may contain trace amounts of dioxins—byproducts of chlorine bleaching—as well as pesticide residues from non-organic cotton. A 2019 study published in the journal Environment International found various chemicals in tested period products, including phthalates and parabens in some brands.

What we don't know for certain:

Whether these trace amounts actually cause harm. The levels found are typically very low, and regulatory bodies like the FDA maintain that commercial tampons are safe. But here's the thing: vaginal tissue is highly permeable. Anything placed there can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system's filtering mechanisms.

My take:

I'm not a scientist, and I'm not going to tell you conventional products are dangerous. But I also think the precautionary principle has merit. If I can choose products with fewer unknowns—especially for something I use monthly for decades—why wouldn't I?

That said, I know some of you are thinking this sounds like worry for worry's sake. And you might be right. The evidence isn't conclusive. What I will say is that gynaecologists are increasingly recommending organic period care products for patients with sensitivities, which suggests there's something to the reduced-irritant argument, even if we don't have definitive proof of long-term benefits.

The Environmental Argument: Actually Quite Compelling

Right, this is where I get properly enthusiastic. (Brace yourself.)

The environmental case for organic cotton is more straightforward than the health debate. Conventional cotton is one of the world's most pesticide-intensive crops. According to the Soil Association, cotton accounts for 16% of global insecticide use despite covering only 2.4% of cultivated land. That's a significant environmental footprint.

Organic cotton farming uses no synthetic pesticides, promotes biodiversity, and typically uses far less water—up to 91% less, according to some studies—because organic methods focus on soil health and water retention.

But wait, there's more. (I caught myself getting preachy there. Let me dial it back.)

The issue isn't just what's in the products—it's what happens after you use them. Most conventional pads contain up to 90% plastic. Yes, really. That shiny top layer, the leak-proof backing, the elastic wings—all plastic. A single pack of pads can contain as much plastic as four carrier bags.

When you throw them away, they're heading to landfill where they'll take 500-800 years to decompose. Given that the average person who menstruates uses around 11,000 disposable period products in their lifetime... well, you can do the maths.

Brands like &SISTERS and Natracare have specifically designed their products to be plastic-free and biodegradable. &SISTERS, for instance, uses plant-based materials for everything—even the applicators are made from sugarcane. After watching Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's latest documentary on plastic waste, this kind of detail has started mattering to me more than I expected.

What About Cost? Let's Be Honest.

Here's where I have to admit something: organic period products cost more. There's no getting around it.

A pack of conventional tampons might cost £2-3. Organic equivalents typically run £4-6. Over a year, that difference adds up—potentially £30-50 more annually, depending on your flow and product preferences.

Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your priorities and budget. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for choosing conventional products—period poverty is a real issue, and affordability matters. But if you can stretch to organic and the environmental or health aspects resonate with you, I'd say it's money well spent.

What I find interesting is that the price gap is narrowing. As demand grows—and it is growing, rapidly—more retailers are stocking organic options and prices are becoming more competitive. You can now find &SISTERS products in Asda, Boots, and Ocado. They're not tucked away in some specialist health food shop anymore. They're in the regular period care aisle, which feels like progress.

Also worth mentioning: if you're open to reusable options like menstrual cups, the long-term savings are substantial. A single Mooncup costs around £20 and lasts up to 10 years. The &SISTERS brand actually owns Mooncup now, so they offer the full spectrum from disposable organic to fully reusable.

Comfort and Performance: Do They Actually Work?

This is the practical question, isn't it? All the environmental credentials in the world don't matter if the products don't do their job.

I've been using organic tampons for about 18 months now—mostly &SISTERS, but I've also tried Natracare and TOTM. Here's my honest assessment:

What I've liked:

• They feel noticeably softer. Genuinely. I didn't expect to notice a difference, but I did.
• No weird chemical smell. Conventional products sometimes have that clinical, slightly plasticky odour. Organic ones just smell like... cotton.
• Fewer irritation issues. I'd occasionally get a bit of dryness or discomfort with conventional tampons. That's reduced significantly.

What I didn't love:

• The applicators. Some organic brands use cardboard applicators, which can be a bit less smooth than plastic ones. &SISTERS uses sugarcane-based applicators which are better, but still not quite as slick as the plastic versions I was used to. A minor adjustment, but worth mentioning.
• The absorbency labelling can vary between brands. I'd recommend trying a few to find what works for your flow. What one brand calls "regular" might feel like another's "light."

One thing that surprised me: the taboo around discussing this stuff openly. When I mentioned to colleagues that I was writing about organic tampons, there was a weird moment of embarrassment—from them, not me. We're in 2026 and we still get awkward about periods. Actually, that might be worth a whole separate article.

The &SISTERS Story: Why They Stand Out

I've mentioned &SISTERS by Mooncup several times, so let me give some context on why.

Founded in 2017 by Lucy Lettice and Celia Pool (who previously founded Mooncup), &SISTERS was created specifically to offer organic disposable options for those who weren't ready for reusables. Not everyone wants to use a menstrual cup—for various reasons, some practical, some just personal preference—and that's completely valid.

What I appreciate about their approach:

1. Transparency: They publish exactly what's in their products. No vague "cotton blend" descriptions.
2. B Corp certification: They meet verified standards for social and environmental performance. It's not just marketing.
3. Period poverty commitment: 10% of profits go to organisations fighting period poverty. In 2023 alone, they donated over 50,000 products.
4. Full range: They've acquired Mooncup and expanded into period pants, giving customers options across the sustainability spectrum.
5. Gynaecologist recommended: Their products carry endorsements from healthcare professionals, with a 4.7/5 customer rating.

I'm not saying they're perfect—no brand is. The products are pricier than supermarket own-brands, and they're not available everywhere yet. But for a company trying to do better, they're walking the walk.

Making the Switch: Practical Tips

If you're considering trying organic period products, here's what I'd suggest based on my own experience:

Start small. Buy one pack and see how you find them. Don't overhaul your entire period routine overnight.

Mix and match. Some people use organic for tampons (which go inside the body) but stick with regular pads for lighter days. That's a valid middle ground.

Check the certifications. Look for GOTS, Soil Association, or similar standards. "Natural" on its own doesn't mean much.

Consider your whole routine. If you're making environmental choices, think about reusable options too—period pants, menstrual cups, reusable pads. They can work alongside organic disposables.

Don't beat yourself up. Some months you'll grab whatever's convenient. That's fine. Small changes over time matter more than perfection. (I sound like that GP waiting room poster again, don't I?)

The Bigger Picture: Periods and Sustainability

Here's where I'll allow myself a slightly bigger thought, then wrap up.

Our choices around period products are part of a larger shift in how we think about health and environment together. For too long, these were treated as separate concerns—but they're deeply connected. The chemicals in products affect both our bodies and our ecosystems. The plastic in pads ends up in oceans and landfills.

I'm not saying switching to organic tampons will save the planet. It won't. But it's one piece of a much larger puzzle. And there's something empowering about making an informed choice about something so personal, so regular, so... normal.

For decades, period products were designed with one metric in mind: absorbency. That's changing. Companies like &SISTERS, Natracare, and others are proving that you can have products that work well, feel good, and don't cost the earth—literally.

And if you're still sceptical? Completely fair. Read the research, try the products if you're curious, and make your own call. That's all any of us can do.

FAQs

Are organic tampons better for you?

Organic tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton without synthetic pesticides, chlorine bleaching, or added fragrances. While regulatory bodies consider conventional tampons safe, organic options reduce your exposure to potential trace chemicals. Many gynaecologists recommend organic products for patients with sensitivities or recurring irritation, though conclusive long-term comparative studies are still limited.

What are the benefits of organic sanitary pads?

Organic sanitary pads offer several advantages: they're made without synthetic pesticides or chlorine bleaching, they're typically plastic-free (conventional pads can be up to 90% plastic), they're often biodegradable, and they tend to cause less irritation for sensitive skin. Environmental benefits include reduced pesticide use in cotton farming and significantly less plastic waste in landfills.

Are organic period products worth the extra cost?

Organic period products typically cost 30-50% more than conventional options—around £30-50 extra annually for most people. Whether this is "worth it" depends on your priorities. If reducing chemical exposure, supporting sustainable farming, and minimising plastic waste matter to you, the premium may feel justified. The price gap is narrowing as demand grows and more retailers stock organic ranges.

Do organic tampons work as well as regular tampons?

Yes, organic tampons perform comparably to conventional ones in terms of absorbency and leak protection. Many users report they feel softer and cause less irritation. The main practical differences are that some organic brands use cardboard applicators (though sugarcane-based options exist), and absorbency labelling can vary between brands, so you may need to experiment to find your preferred option.

What chemicals are in regular tampons?

Conventional tampons may contain traces of dioxins (from chlorine bleaching), pesticide residues (from non-organic cotton), synthetic fibres like rayon, and in some products, fragrances, phthalates, or parabens. The levels are typically very low, but since vaginal tissue is highly permeable, some health advocates recommend minimising exposure through organic alternatives.

Are organic cotton pads better for the environment?

Yes, significantly. Organic cotton farming uses no synthetic pesticides (cotton accounts for 16% of global insecticide use), promotes biodiversity, and uses up to 91% less water than conventional methods. Additionally, organic pads are typically plastic-free and biodegradable, unlike conventional pads which contain plastic that takes 500-800 years to decompose in landfill.

What is &SISTERS by Mooncup?

&SISTERS is a UK-based B Corp certified company founded in 2017, now owning Mooncup, the pioneering menstrual cup brand. They produce 100% organic cotton period products including tampons, pads, and liners, all plastic-free and biodegradable. Their products are available at Asda, Boots, and Ocado, with 10% of profits donated to period poverty charities.