Period products deserve transparency, but scary claims need context too
What we use during our periods is a completely reasonable thing to care about. Tampons, pads, period pants and menstrual cups all come into close contact with the body, and people should be able to make informed choices about comfort, materials, cost and environmental impact.
But the conversation can quickly become alarmist. Claims that mainstream tampons are inherently “toxic”, that organic products are automatically safer, or that switching products will protect your hormones are stronger than the evidence supports.
What are tampons actually made from?
UK industry guidance says tampons can be made from viscose/rayon, cotton, or a blend of the two. Organic and non-organic cotton products are both available.
In Great Britain, period products fall under the General Product Safety Regulations, which require consumer products to be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. The UK tampon Code of Practice also covers areas such as absorbency classification, instructions for use and communication of toxic shock syndrome risk.
There is ongoing debate about whether period-product regulation and ingredient transparency should go further. In 2026, the UK Government said it was reviewing existing standards and consulting on whether additional measures are needed. That is a more accurate picture than saying period products are effectively unregulated.
What about chemicals and metals?
Research has identified trace metals in tampon samples, including products bought in the US, EU and UK. Importantly, the study did not establish whether those metals leach out during use or are absorbed into the body, and it found no category, including organic tampons, that consistently had lower levels of all or most metals.
So it is reasonable to want more research and clearer ingredient information. It is not reasonable to jump from “a substance was detected” to “tampons cause poisoning, hormone disruption or cancer”. Exposure and dose matter.
What are the alternatives?
Organic tampons and pads
These use organic cotton and may appeal if material sourcing matters to you. Choose them because they fit your preferences, not because “organic” automatically means medically safer. If organic pads are your preference, you can explore the DAME organic cotton pads we stock at femme.
Reusable cloth pads
Washable pads can reduce reliance on single-use products and may save money over time. Follow the maker’s washing and care instructions.
Period pants
Reusable absorbent underwear can be worn alone or as backup protection depending on the product and your flow. Check absorbency, washing instructions and how often the product needs changing.
Menstrual cups
Reusable cups collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it. They can reduce single-use waste, but they need correct insertion, removal and cleaning.
A safety point that applies to tampons and menstrual cups
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but potentially life-threatening. The NHS says it can occur with tampon or menstrual-cup use. Wash your hands, follow the product instructions and do not leave a tampon or cup in longer than recommended.
If you are using one and develop symptoms such as a high temperature, vomiting or diarrhoea, severe muscle pain, dizziness, confusion or a sandpaper-like rash, remove the product and seek urgent medical help.
Which period product is “best”?
There is no single winner. The right choice depends on your flow, comfort, lifestyle, budget, access needs and environmental priorities. Some people use several options across the same period.
- For convenience: disposable pads or tampons may suit you.
- For lower single-use waste: period pants, reusable pads or cups may appeal.
- For sensitive skin: fragrance-free products and changing products regularly may be worth considering.
- For heavy bleeding: the bigger health question is whether the bleeding itself needs medical assessment.
The bottom line
Your period products should not feel like a mystery, and better transparency is a fair thing to ask for. At the same time, you do not need to be frightened into replacing a product that works for you because of unsupported “toxin” claims.
Choose based on fit, comfort, correct use, sustainability and your own preferences, and seek medical advice if bleeding or pain is affecting your life.
Sources
GOV.UK: General Product Safety Regulations
NHS: Toxic shock syndrome
UK Code of Practice for Tampons
