- Best For Light To Medium Coverage | Rael | Find on Amazon
- Best Overnight Pad | Cora | Find on Amazon
- Best-Certified Organic Cotton Pads | Oi | Find on Amazon
Ladies, listen up! It's time to talk about something that we all deal with, but all the women are comfortable discussing: periods. But here's the thing - women don't have to settle for traditional menstrual products that are loaded with harsh chemicals and synthetic materials that can be harmful to our bodies and the planet. That's where organic cotton pads come in.
Menstrual pads, tampons, and other widely-used period products come in contact with some of the body's most sensitive skin, but ingredient safety regulations are few and far between. If you are researching organic cotton menstrual pads and tampons, you are most likely looking for a better alternative to what you are currently using, and organic cotton pads may just be what you are searching for. Made without synthetic materials and toxic chemicals, organic period products aren't just better for the planet; they're better for the health of your intimate area too.
In this guide, we will highlight some of the best organic cotton pads that are worthy of adding to women's personal care collections. We've got you covered with a range of options, from ultra-thin to overnight, ensuring that there's something for everyone. By choosing our products, you can say goodbye to synthetic materials and enjoy the benefits of a healthier body, as well as contributing to a healthier planet.
What To Look For When Shopping For Organic Cotton Pads
Materials
Look for ones made from 100% certified organic cotton, and avoid those that contain synthetic materials like polyester, fragrances, dyes, or other chemicals. These additives can irritate your skin and cause other health problems.
Non-organic cotton is sprayed with heavy doses of harmful pesticides, potentially leaving behind pesticide residues that can irritate sensitive skin and be absorbed into the body.
Bleach Free
Most conventional period pads get their crisp white color from a chemical-filled chlorine bleaching process that leaves behind dioxins and furans that may harm your health. For these reasons, seek chlorine-bleaching-free organic cotton pads.
Fragrance-Free
Menstrual care brands aren't required by law to share the specific ingredients used to create their fragrances, meaning they can be filled with potentially harmful chemicals that can cause irritation. Unless you're using herbal-infused period pads, stick to fragrance-free period pads.
Phthalates free
A 2019 study found high phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels in many mainstream period care products. Even more alarmingly, because pads are in direct contact with your most intimate areas for an extended period, there is a "probability that a considerable amount of VOCs or phthalates could be absorbed into the reproductive system."
Absorbency
Consider your flow level and choose natural pads with the right absorbency level for your needs. Many organic cotton pads come in different absorbency levels, so make sure to choose an organic cotton pad that will provide the right level of protection for you.
Shape and Size
Look for a brand with an organic cotton pad that fits comfortably and securely. Certain brands provide an array of sizes and shapes to cater to different body types and preferences.
Certifications
Check for third-party certifications that ensure the organic pads meet certain standards. For example, some certified organic cotton pads are certified by organizations like GOTS or USDA, which provide assurance that the product is made with high-quality organic materials.
6 Best Organic Cotton Period Pads For Women
Natracare's Ultra Regular Period Pads
Best Overall
Source: Amazon
Natracare's Ultra Regular Period Pads are fantastic pads for anyone looking for a natural, eco-friendly, and reliable menstrual pad. Made with sustainably sourced and biodegradable materials, these pads are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and toxic chemicals, making them gentle on even the most delicate skin. The top layer is made from soft, certified organic cotton, providing a gentle and breathable surface against your skin. Unlike some of the other pads, Natracare's Ultra Regular Period Pads also contain ecologically certified cellulose pulp and plant starch that is natural and non-toxic.
But what really sets Natracare's Ultra Regular Period Pads apart is these pads are compostable and biodegradable. Natracare's commitment to sustainability extends to the entire life cycle of its products. All of their tested pads are commercially compostable to EN 13432, which indicates that they can decompose into organic matter and return to the soil when composted. This aspect makes them a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional pads, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. But the eco-friendliness of Natracare's pads doesn't stop there. These pads can also be composted at home, allowing for a further reduction in the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Opting for Natracare's pads can make a positive impact on the environment, allowing you to feel good about your menstrual care choices.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Comfort Level: 5/5 Absorbency Level: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.6/5 Odor Control: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Leak Protection: 5/5
Made From | Certified organic cotton, ecologically certified cellulose pulp, plant starch |
Features | Free from plastic, perfume, and dyes |
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LOLA Regular Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings
Premium Choice
Source: Walmart
On light flow days, use LOLA's Regular Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings. Their design incorporates a 100% organic cotton top sheet and core, ensuring reliable, leak-free protection that doesn't compromise your health. A plant-based bioplastic back sheet and non-toxic adhesives ensure they're safe for the planet too. Lola's period pads are free from synthetic fibers, fragrances, dyes, super absorbent polymers, deodorant, and chlorine bleach, making them gentle on even the most delicate skin. Plus, with wings and leak-proof backing, you can trust that these period pads will stay in place and keep you protected throughout your period.
Designed with a woman's body in mind, LOLA's Regular Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings fit your underwear from size XS to 5XL with less bunching for next-level leak protection with less chafing and skin irritation. Unlike the other brands, Lola's options are designed with an hourglass shape that ensures an optimal fit, along with wings that are frustration-free and made to stay in place. You can also purchase with confidence knowing a portion of every purchase goes to support non-profit organizations that donate period care products and speak out about the tampon tax.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Comfort Level: 5/5 Absorbency Level: 4.8/5 Quality: 5/5 Odor Control: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Leak Protection: 5/5
Made From | Organic cotton, bioplastic |
Features | No synthetic fibers, fragrances, dyes, super absorbent polymers, deodorant, or chlorine bleaching here |
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The Honey Pot Organic Cotton Herbal Regular Pads
Best Herbal-Infused Pads
Source: Target
Upgrade your period routine with these Organic Cotton Herbal Regular Pads from The Honey Pot. These pads are made with high-quality certified organic cotton materials and infused with a blend of natural ingredients that help to soothe and protect your delicate skin. The versatile everyday pads are infused with aloe vera, mint, rose, and lavender essential oils for a subtle cooling sensation that leaves you feeling soothed, refreshed, and odor-free.
The organic cotton pads are made from super soft OSC-certified organic cotton top sheets and ultra-absorbent chlorine-free natural wood pulp core; they're hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved. The Honey Pot Company's Regular Herbal Pads with Wings also offer reliable protection against leaks. The wings and leak-lock layer ensure that the pad stays in place, providing peace of mind throughout the day. Purchase with confidence, knowing you're supporting a black-owned, female-founded brand on a mission to revolutionize period care with natural herbal ingredients. Be sure to add these herbal-infused certified organic cotton pads to your menstrual hygiene kits.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Comfort Level: 5/5 Absorbency Level: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.8/5 Odor Control: 5/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Leak Protection: 5/5
Made From | Certified organic cotton, elemental chlorine-free natural wood pulp with super absorbent polymer [core], backing (polyethylene, polypropylene) |
Features | No chlorine, pesticides, and fragrance |
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Rael Pads For Women, Organic Cotton Cover Pads
Best for light to medium coverage
Source: Target
Rael's Organic Cotton Pads are an excellent choice if you're looking for a natural and comfortable menstrual pad. Made with 100% certified organic cotton, these pads are free from toxic chemicals, fragrances, and synthetic materials, making them gentle on even the most delicate skin. One of the best things about Rael's Organic Cotton Pads is their softness and comfort. Rael's Organic Cotton Pads offer a superior level of comfort and absorbency thanks to their premium materials and thoughtful design.
The top layer of the pad is made from 100% certified organic cotton, which is gentle and breathable on your skin. Meanwhile, the pad' super-absorbent core is made with chlorine-free natural wood pulp and super-absorbent polymers, which quickly and effectively wick away moisture, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable. With this innovative blend of materials, Rael's Organic Cotton Pads provide reliable protection against leaks and offer a more comfortable period experience. Another great thing about Rael's Organic Cotton Pads is their reliability. The wings and leak-lock layer provide protection against leaks, ensuring that you feel secure and confident throughout the day.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Comfort Level: 5/5 Absorbency Level: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.6/5 Odor Control: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Leak Protection: 5/5
Made From | Certified organic cotton |
Features | Texas cotton is grown without the use of toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals |
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Cora The Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad
Best Overnight Pad
Source: Amazon
Cora's Overnight Maxi Pads are a game-changer for anyone who wants a comfortable, reliable, and eco-friendly menstrual product. These pads are made with 100% certified organic cotton, which is gentle and breathable on even the most delicate skin. They are free from GMOs, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and chlorine that can cause irritation, making them a great choice for all skin types.
But their superior protection really sets Cora's Overnight Maxi Pads apart. The wings, side barrier, and leak-lock layer provide extra protection against leaks, ensuring you stay confident and comfortable throughout the night. Cora's Overnight Maxi Pads are designed to provide up to 10 hours of extra dry leak protection, ensuring that you can sleep soundly and uninterrupted throughout the night, even on your heaviest days.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Comfort Level: 4.5/5 Absorbency Level: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.6/5 Odor Control: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Leak Protection: 5/5
Made From | Certified organic cotton, ecologically certified cellulose pulp, plant starch |
Features | Free from plastic, perfume, and dyes |
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Oi Organic Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings
Best-certified Organic Cotton Pads
Source: Amazon
Oi's Ultrathin Regular Pads with Wings is a great choice for anyone who wants a natural and eco-friendly menstrual pad that doesn't skimp on performance. Crafted from 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), and BioGro (NZ's organic certification) certified organic cotton cover and core, these pads offer a gentle and breathable layer that is kind to even the most delicate skin. Organic cotton pads are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other toxic chemicals, making them a great choice for people who want to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances.
But what really sets Oi's period pads apart is their eco-friendliness. These pads are biodegradable and compostable, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional pads, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Each individual pad is wrapped with a biodegradable wrapper, and they also come in biodegradable and recyclable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. Their gentle materials, superior absorbency, and eco-friendliness make them a standout option in the world of menstrual products.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Comfort Level: 4.6/5 Absorbency Level: 4/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Odor Control: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Leak Protection: 4.8/5
Made From | Certified organic cotton, plant-based bioplastic |
Features | No synthetics, chlorine bleach, dyes, or fragrance |
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Are organic cotton pads better than conventional pads?
Yes! Made with organic cotton— and typically without artificial dyes, added fragrances, chlorine bleach, and other irritation-causing chemicals, too— natural pads are widely recognized as healthier for your body and better for the planet.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups to be medical devices, meaning brands aren't required to disclose ingredients on the packaging. A study by the non-profit organization Women's Voices for the Earth found that traditional pads may contain known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, carcinogens, and allergens. Furthermore, the absence of ingredient safety regulations only worsens the lack of transparency surrounding these products.
Most period products use conventional cotton that's been sprayed with harmful pesticides, chlorine-bleached to achieve a pristine white color, and wrapped in petroleum-based plastics. As a result, conventional pads may contain dioxins, furans, pesticide residues, and adhesive chemicals that may cause skin irritation and harm your reproductive health. Switching to organic cotton pads and tampons minimizes your exposure to these hazardous ingredients.
Despite being used by 70-85% of women in the United States, menstrual pads and tampons remain almost entirely unregulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) too. Choosing to use certified organic cotton pads shows you're serious about fighting climate change and improving the lives of the farmers and factory workers worldwide who produce these widely-used products.
How We Picked
Our team has gone to great lengths to curate the finest selection of organic cotton pads available. We've spent countless hours researching and examining customer reviews from various retail platforms, as well as considering valuable insights shared by home chefs. Our priority has been to focus on factors such as the materials used, absorbency, odor control, and comfort level to guarantee that we're only recommending the absolute best products to our readers.
