I tried environmentally-friendly period products from 3 companies — here’s what I found
By Talia Bina
Uterus owners begin their periods as early as the age of eight years old. From then on, we continue to have that annoying, symptom-bearing time of menstruation monthly until menopause, or briefly during pregnancy. With our cycles come the unavoidable hundreds of dollars spent on period products and billions of discarded pads and tampons. In fact, in the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and seven billion tampons are discarded each year.
These disposable menstrual products often are sourced of large amounts of plastic: pads can contain up to 90% plastic, which then end up in landfills. While in a landfill, disposable pads are estimated to take 500 to 800 years to break down, and materials such as plastic never truly biodegrade.
But aside from the harm for the environment, there is often harm to menstruating individuals’ bodies. Because of the delicate nature of our nether regions, vaginal and vulvar tissues are capable of absorbing fluids at a higher rate than skin, which can lead to rapid chemical exposure. This is why the toxic chemicals often found in period products, such as PFAS and other carcinogens, are especially harmful. They can lead to cancer, hormone disruption and endometriosis.
For these reasons, disposable period products have become desirable and largely used. With so many options out there, it can be hard to find products that are comfortable, easy to use and healthy for our bodies and the environment. To make the process easier, I reviewed products from three well-known companies in the industry.
Photo via itsaugust.co
You may recognize Nadya Okamoto, who is well-known on social media for reducing period stigma and posting videos and photos wearing August products. August is a brand co-founded by CEO Nadya Okamoto and COO Nick Jain, two individuals of color who wanted to source sustainable materials to reduce the period-product footprint and provide 100% cotton products. The brand uses a supplier that sources the cotton from farms that grows “pesticide-free, harmful chemical-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and ethically sourced cotton” and does not use forced labor or other harmful farming methods. The products are sustainable and the packaging actually dissolves in water!
The purchases made with August also impacts period poverty, as the brand takes a stand against the tax on period products. In states where tax on these products are unavoidable, the company will reimburse for the cost paid for that tax. The company is also inclusive of all individuals who menstruate.
Now onto the products. August offers a subscription or a one-time purchase by building your own box, allowing you to curate a combination of pads, liners or tampons. August offers light, regular and super tampons as well as day, night and long night pads. It also offers liners. I purchased all three of the pad options, as well as the liners, to try and review.
The first thing I noticed was the super cute packaging. Each item has a slightly different packaging design and size based on the number of items you choose. The products have an incredible adhesive layer that is unique to other pads and liners I have tried — they do not budge. Additionally, I loved that the night pads and long night pads had two sets of wings as well as what I call a “butt pad,” or a rounded end that spans the horizontal length of the underwear to prevent any leaking. The products are extremely comfortable, do not move or shift and are super absorbent. They are also super affordable when purchased online (on the August website or Amazon) but a little more pricey when purchasing at Target where they are now available. I prefer to purchase through the website to be able to build my own box and get the best price possible. Since my first order, I have not gone back. I have remained loyal to August pads and recommend them to everyone I know.
Photo via ae.com
I purchased my first pair of period underwear online from Aerie on sale for under $10. They are made out of “breathable cotton fabric” and have a leak-proof layer — they are supposed to hold up to two tampons of fluid. I felt that the sizing runs true to size despite some of the reviews saying they run big. The material is comfortable around the waist but gets thicker and changes to a more felt-like material to ensure absorbency. The website says that the material is “50% Cotton, 30% Acrylic, 16% Polyester, 4% Elastane,” which I wasn’t completely thrilled about. I purchased the boybrief pair, though I think I would have preferred the high-waisted boybrief, as I appreciate a higher waist pair to hold the bloat I experience during menstruation, as well as having a larger area to put an adhesive period cramps to help with cramps.
Photo via The Period Company
This company aimed to create products that are “kind to the user and to the Planet.” They also pride themselves on providing affordable products. The company sells high-waisted underwear and bikini underwear in a variety of materials including “sporty stretch,” microfiber and cotton, with flows ranging from light, medium and heavy. They also sell period boxers, adaptive period underwear (with a side fastener to promote ease of getting in and out), sleeper period shorts, thongs, boyshorts and reusable pads. The company also sells period swim bottoms, which are unique in that it “doesn’t absorb the outside fluid of the surrounding water — lake, ocean, pool — but keeps absorbing your period on the inside.” They also have their “junior period” line, which is for people who are “new to the world of periods” and are adaptable to different flows and have even more coverage than some of the other pairs. Additionally, the company provides a 20% discount for hospital employees, medical providers, military, nurses, first responders, students and teachers with verification. The products can be found on their website as well as at Walmart, Urban Outfitters and Amazon.
I purchased the high-waisted underwear in organic cotton for heavy flows in the color black as well as the reusable pads to try. When they first arrived, I was taken off guard by how large the underwear looked. However, once I slipped them on, I realized how perfect they were. They run true to size, though I sized up and felt comfortable with the little extra room that adjusted to my bloated belly.
The underwear felt different compared to the Aerie pair but in a good way. While the Aerie underwear had clear differing materials, The Period Company underwear held cotton throughout. Instead, it seems like there are more absorbent, alternative materials underneath the initial cotton layer. The website says there is a “four-layer padded towel absorbency,” including an absorbent layer and leak-proof layer, both made out of polyester. However, the thin cotton layer throughout was a game changer. The underwear was extremely comfortable and the cotton prevented sweating and excess heat that sometimes occurred with the Aerie pair. This pair was definitely thicker than the Aerie pair, but considering that I purchased the heavy flow pair, it made sense. I am looking forward to purchasing the light and medium pairs as well.
I also purchased the reusable pads, which are one size and come in a five-piece bundle aimed for heavy flows. The pads have a button in the middle that wraps around your underwear to stay put.
The pads are made out of that same soft cotton material as the underwear. They seemed pretty standard in size and comparable to “normal” flow pads, which were interesting, as when I think about heavy flows I think of longer pads. They were super easy to put on and use.
Unfortunately, these pads have been taking space in the back of my drawer and have been used more as a “backup” plan or liner. While the material is comfortable, the coverage isn’t ideal, especially for heavier flows. Additionally, since there is only a single button in the center of the pad, the pad often moves around — it is difficult for it to stay put without that adhesive material that disposable pads have.
After trying these four different products, I have remained loyal to August’s pads and The Period Company’s reusable underwear. Since it’s pretty difficult to change underwear throughout the day and on the go, I use the August pads more regularly when I am out and about. On the other hand, when I am at home or out for a brief period of time, the reusable underwear is definitely my first choice. I still use the Aerie underwear from time to time, as the size is more ideal for wearing under pants, but the material can get hot during the summer months.
