AD. These products were gifted to me but all thoughts are my own.ad
Fortunately, the stigma surrounding menstruation and period products is lessening (thanks to the abolition of the tampon tax from the 1stJanuary this year) and even the closing off of feminine hygiene aisles during previous lockdowns as they were not deemed to be ‘essential’ items; people who menstruate would highly disagree.
Thanks to social media, there is a great deal more information, choice and support out there for people who want to try new and different products, learn more about their bodies, or even just connect with other people who may be experiencing what they are.Period poverty affects many people around the world. Everyone who menstruates deserves the right to have to safe and hygienic period products. It is unacceptable that 1 in 10 people cannot afford to buy sanitary products while 1 in 7 struggles to afford them.
In a society that is over-reliant on plastic and the increase in global warming, being aware of our carbon footprint is even more vital in the battle to fight climate change. One step which people can take to reduce their plastic waste is to switch their period products.
There is an increasingly large range of brands who offer reusable, vegan products which are compostable and wrapped in biodegradable packaging, so that it won’t damage the environment. How amazing would it be for those people to have access to these products, so that they too could have peace of mind about making a positive impact on the planet?
I am sharing a variety of reusable and biodegradable period products for you to investigate and share with others about what is available on the market.
TOTM
TOTM is an ethical and sustainable period care brand. They are driven by their missions to tackle period plastic and end the silence surrounding menstruation.Usually, period products are so detrimental to the environment, TOTM want to reduce the amount of period plastic that is ending up in our oceans and landfills.TOTM never use: chlorine bleach, fragrance or synthetic absorbents in their period care as these can cause irritation. Periods and menstruation are not something that anyone should be embarrassed about. TOTM are using their platform to raise awareness of issues that could be impacting people’s lives. TOTM is currently donating to Binti International and Endometriosis UK. Their tampons, pads and panty liners are made with GOTS certified organic cotton. This cotton is grown without toxic and synthetic pesticides using sustainable farming methods. If you prefer menstrual cups, they offer a reusable, zero-waste cup.
You can find TOTM on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Light Flow Pads
Their light flow pads can be used day or night for a light menstrual flow. These pads are 19.5cm in length and are soft. They include wings for a more secure fit. These pads come in boxes of 12.
Medium Flow Pads
The medium flow pads are suitable for people with a light to medium flow. These pads are 22cm in length, are soft and absorbent. The medium flow pads come with wings for a secure fit which gives you peace of mind during the night. These pads come in boxes of 9.
Super Flow Pads
Depending on your needs, you can use their super flow pads day or night, particularly ideal for night time use. These pads are for medium to heavy flow and are 23cm long. These pads are naturally soft and have wings to keep them secure at night.
All of the pads TOTM have on offer are made from organic cotton with an absorbent core. There is 0% plastic touching your skin. The backing on the pads is biodegradable and the adhesive is non-toxic. As they are also hypoallergenic, any irritation will be prevented, thus giving you a comfortable experience. Moreover, you’ll be guilt-free, knowing that the products which you are using are cruelty free and vegan to boot! When you receive your products in the post, the pads are individually wrapped in biodegradable and compostable biofilm.
The pads are super soft against the skin and I love the fact that they are 0% plastic waste, which will enable me to reduce my carbon footprint and negative impact on the planet. For the first time, I am not dreading my period and the uncomfortable feeling and rubbing from other plastic based pads. Finally, I love the bright packaging – really cheered me up!
WUKA
Founded in 2017, WUKA is the UK’s first ever reusable, leak-proof period wear and is a female lead start-up. WUKA stands for Wake Up, Kick Ass! They believe that no one should be held back by their period! Ruby, who is the founder of WUKA, is an environmental scientist. Equality, social and environmental responsibility is at the heart of her company. All WUKA period pants cam in a range of styles and sizes; they can be bought individually or in packs of 3 or 5, so you’re sure to find the style and size that’s just right for you!
You can find WUKA on: Instagram and Facebook
WUKA Ultimate High Waste – Medium Flow
This underwear is sustainably sourced and manufactured from Lenzing-Modal fabric and is actually 3.5 times softer than cotton with Eco Soft Technology. They can stretch up to 45% at the waist, so they can support you even if you have a bloated stomach. This style of period underwear has a medium absorbency; you can wear it for up to 8 hours per day, apart from your heaviest days. To take care of your underwear, simply rinse after use, wash at 40°C (without fabric softener) and hang to dry (DO NOT tumble dry!). They are quick drying, so will fit in with your lifestyle.
WUKA Ultimate Bikini – Medium Flow
These bikini style period pants have a high cut leg and are incredibly soft. These too can be worn for up to 8 hours per day and on all but your heaviest days. They are leak-proof and use breathable, organic fabric to make them easy and enjoyable to wear.
When I first came across this product, I thought that it would be bulky, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the underwear was really comfy and fit really well. It was a revelation to wear pants without a pad that constantly moved! They washed up and dried beautifully, so there was no having to switch between these and using pads. Fabulous!
ORGANYC
Organ(y)c only uses 100% certified organic cotton in all of their liners, sanitary pads and tampons. Many brands use SAPS – Super Absorbent Polymers that are made from crude oil. Organ(y)c only uses cotton as that can naturally absorb up to 20 times its weight! Some pads and tampons contain cotton. Organic cotton is breathable and soft, so you won’t suffer from irritation. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Organ(y)c Intimate Wipes
These cotton wet wipes will gently cleanse your intimate area. The wipes are infused with chamomile extract, which will help to offset any skin irritation and can aid in the reduction of burning or itching. They are SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and alcohol free.
Organ(y)c Intimate Wash
The certified organic formulation of their wash is infused with essential oils and extract such as chamomile which calms, cools and cleanses. This formula is SLS and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate) free, so it is suitable for daily use on sensitive skin.
Organ(y)c Organic Cotton Panty Liners – Light Flow
The panty liners come folded and individually wrapped in a biodegradable mater-bi pouch. They are made with 100% certified cotton comprising a top sheet and highly absorbent core. They are available in light to moderate flow, or as flat liners which are extra-long.
Organ(y)c Organic Cotton Sanitary Pads – Heavy Flow
Like the liners, the folded pads are individual wrapped and supplied in a biodegradable mater-bi pouch. They are made from 100% certified cotton, comprising a top sheet and highly absorbent core. They have protective wings to keep the pad in place.
These cruelty free and vegan products have been a great alternative to my usual products. The wipes were particularly useful in helping me to stay clean and feeling fresh during my period. The pads felt soft against my skin and I felt secure thanks to the wings as I went about my day and whilst asleep during the night.I love the fact that the wrappers are biodegradable, so I can feel good that I am not adding to the plastic in the environment as the cotton degrades to compost in less than 5 months – totally amazing!
Cheeky Wipes
Helen, who is a mum of four, is the founder of Cheeky Wipes. Having suffered from eczema for more than 40 years, she established Cheeky Wipes and created the skin-friendly, reusable baby wipes when she was pregnant with her third child. The company has grown to be a huge success and since 2016 alone, they have saved over 28 million disposable, sanitary products and 22 million packets of baby wipes from landfill. What an amazing achievement and positive impact on the environment!
You can find them on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Feeling Cheeky Hipster Style Period Pants
The hipster-style period pants are made of 95% cotton and 5% elastane. They have a waterproof layer of Oeko-Tex certified TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). To care for your pants, simply soak (a recommendation), wash at 30°C or lower (without fabric softener – this can affect the absorbency) and simply hang up to dry (DO NO tumble dry).
Initially, I was worried about using period pants as I was under the misconception that they were bulky. However, the underwear felt lightweight and was really comfortable to wear. Cheeky Wipes have managed to create a slim line design that is not only comfortable, but doesn’t compromise on the quality of the protection which they provide. I particularly loved the waistband, which sports their brand name, and they look just like regular underwear!
Eco Bravo
Based in London, the company is the passion project of a mother and daughter duo, who are aiding people into using a greener way of living. When researching sustainable products, they saw how difficult that was, so they created Eco Bravo.
Eco bravo offer a huge range of ethically sourced, manufactured and shipped products, which are guaranteed NOT to cause any damage to the environment. For example, the range includes: health and beauty products, home and kitchen products, gifts and much more besides. You can follow them on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter, where you can read other people’s experiences of using their products, learn about new products and offers.
Reusable Sanitary Pads (Pack of 6 – Stars Design)
These reusable pads are completely plastic free. Incredibly soft, the top layer is fleece embedded with bamboo-charcoal to help eliminate any odour. The middle two layers contain absorbent microfiber and the outer layer is made of a waterproof PUL (Polyester/Polyurethane Laminated Knit) fabric.
The pads are uniquely designed with foldable sides that can be fastened with a popper. This means that they can be folded up small to fit in your bag when you’re on the go. There is either a fun star or flamingo print to choose from. Each pack comes with 3 small sized pads, 3 medium sized pads and a waterproof pouch (it has 2 zipped pockets) to use for both the clean and used pads. The pouch allows you to store and/or carry them around without fear of them mixing together.
I love the star print! The pads are easy to fasten and I felt a lot more secure when moving compared to adhesive wings. I love the idea of reusable pads as I’ll not only save money, but reduce the damage to both the environment and the planet, one of my New Year’s resolutions!
Do you use reusable period products or sustainable options? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I love this post! I am super interested by period pants as I can imagine they are super comfortable and easy to wear! You’ve definitely given me some new ideas and o may have to branch out this year! X
Very Informative post on something so important and yet so less talked about. Every Female should read this insightful post.
Thank you. Share your link if you have one?
I’ve heard some really good things about Wuka! They seem like an incredible brand. I’ve not heard about any of the brand’s you’ve mentioned x
I love the sound of all these options, thank you for sharing this! I use the Organicup and haven’t looked back – I also used to love Callay which is an organic period subscription service xx
I think it is amazing how far we are coming with sustainable products, but certainly in this area.
The more I read about the underwear the more convinced I am that they would be a great idea for me. I certainly need to be doing more in terms of being sustainable.
Thanks for sharing and opening my eyes up to the range of products out there x
I am so delighted to hear that UK no longer has the tampon tax! Here in The Netherlands we still live like menstruation doesn’t exist or it is a woman’s own burden to carry. It’s great that the government is taking steps towards a more equal society. Great product recommendations by the way!
I am so glad to read about periods more and more. There’s still such a huge stigma around it even if it’s a natural thing. I will look into the period underwear, I wanted to give it a try. I am a huge fan of menstrual cups and since I swapped I never looked back! Thanks for sharing x
What a brilliant post! I have been researching recently a lot more into period products, and I have not heard of some of these so I will be definitely checking these brands out. Thank you for this insightful and brilliant post, it was super useful for me xx
Glad it was really useful for you Gemma xx
These are great menstrual vegan products, I have always been sceptical about trying period pants but I have had good things about them so I might try them one day! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Such an informative post, Lauren. I’ve never really thought about period products being vegan before, but of course it’s such a natural step forward. The period pants sound amazing – we all need comfort when those cramps are biting. Thank you for sharing! x
Thank you for sharing such an informative post! I think it’s so important that we talk about periods openly in order to ease the stigma… I hope your post encourages others to be open too ♡
Pixee xo | Thats What Pea Said
Thank you for reading and commenting. I can’t comment on your latest post it will not let me.
These look great! I am really interested in trying some period underwear!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Such a brilliant post and I love how many alternatives that there are on the market now!
Woah, this is a lot of products, definitely something for everyone here! I don’t have periods currently and I haven’t done in around 4 years. But when I do again, I’ll definitely be more wary of the products I use! x
When I was researching there are SO many options on the UK market.
Great blog!
I was using a cup for 5 years but I have the feeling my body is reacting to it now. I do not want to use regular pads so I started to use reusable sanitary pads. Thus far I love it. Although I still miss the big pads for heavy flow the first day.
Going to check out the Wuka underwear. Was already curious…now up to further investigation 😉
Wuka yes or eco brave reusable sells a pack of 6 that have small and large pads. I hope it helps. If you have a blog link can you send it
I have seen a lot of people talking about period panties as of late and I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t intrigued. I’ve been debating buying a pair or two just to try them out. The idea of not having to worry about tampons/pads when I’m wearing them is REALLY tempting!
I’ve always been intrigued about these. I shall look into it…
I don’t use any sustainable products right now but there’s a Canadian company I’ve been meaning to try called Knix. I believe they have period panties similar to WUKA! I’m waiting til my products run out before I make the switch.This topic is so so important. Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
I am utterly fascinated by these products. I don’t think I feel fully comfortable switching from my current products right now because my period is one of the most challenging things I experience due to my disease, but it’s helpful to know about the other options out there if I were to feel better about changing things! Thanks for this information.
Definitely using sustainable options are better for the planet. Thank you for reading.
Period panties sounds like a great idea for someone who gets occasional leaking overnight. Very informative!
These products are so cool! I didn’t even know there was a thing like period panties (guess I’ll have to try it now).
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
Yeah you can save so much money on pads by using these. Thank you for reading.
These all sound brilliant – I have to admit, I haven’t heard of any of them before, but I’m glad that’s changed. I really want to get some period panties xx
Seem interesting that the cheeky wipes founder decided to help others with the products. Great products
I’ve always been interested in different period products and especially the underwear, I’ve always just been a little worried about leaking but now I’m going to look into these brands some more! X
Definitely do! They are great. Can you link your blog?
It’s incredible how many amazing sustainable and vegan options there are when it comes to period products! Thanks for highlighting some fabulous brands x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
This is such a helpful post and I love that you’ve included so many options and brands. I’ve been on the look out for some good quality sustainably period products. I’m going to have a look at trying some of the ones you’ve mentioned.
I have wuka pants and I absolutely love them, I ended up hearing about them from someone else’s blog post a year back or maybe longer, but I thought I’d try them out and they’re brilliant! So would totally recommend them. Great post! x
That’s great! Thank you x
I love that theres so many new products on the market that are resueable and i love that so many bloggers are openly sharing them!
I love the diverse range of products you share from these amazing companies! I have not heard of too many of them, but it is so inspiring that there is no plastic waste here and that the pads are all cotton. I have only ever used handmade pads of flannel but I think I would be willing to try the underwear. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Wished these products are available here in the Philippines! Cause honestly I would like to try them. When I’m on my period I just crave a lot of sweet food. My dysmenorrhea kills me every time. I definitely need that super flow pad! Thank you so much for sharing! Loved your thoughts on these.
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Great post! I love that there are no options for women that are more sustainable! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been wanting to try some period pants but I’ve been put off by the price – especially if I bought several pairs, it would add up to a lot! But I might gradually invest in some. xx
That is a fair point. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Wuka, and I love using sustainable period products 🙂 I currently stick to regular pads and period pants- but I need to try sustainable pads too as they are so much better for the environment x
These are great products! I love that it’s all vegan which means it’s not toxic for our body and also to our environment. Plus, look at that underwear! It looks so soft and comfy! Thanks for sharing this. xxx
Oh wow!!!!!!! These products are awesome. I need to check out some of these brands. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing these products. I have two daughters’ and I still get my period.
Michelle