I Tried Every Sustainable Period Product So You Don't Have To | Lucy Moon

A definitive guide to all the sustainable period products available and which ones I would recommend depending on your flow!

Timestamps:
Organic non-applicator tampons - 3:21
Organic applicator tampons - 5:10
Period pants - 8:08
Menstrual cups - 12:16

🕊 Products Mentioned:

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DISCLAIMER: Whilst all opinions are 100% my own, sometimes I use affiliate links in my description box and feature products that were kindly gifted to me. I will always disclose when I work with a brand on any paid campaign.

[ItsPhilH]

As a man with a girlfriend, this was truly fascinating. Thank you for sharing, I learned so much <3

[duck]

If anyone doesn't feel like the period pants (because I think they feel kinda weird), reusable cotton pads exist too! You can get them in multiple sizes and for different flows as well! You can also buy a wash bag to use in the washing machine which will reduce the amount of microplastics released (as any material with a synthetic element has this issue. clothes as well). I would recommend a company called Precious Stars Pads but there are plenty of other ethical companies out there that stock them. I'm surprised they weren't mentioned in this video since they're really popular and one of the most environmentally friendly period products but I get that adding extra products to the list would take another month.


Edit: I think it's also worth mentioning that making the switch to reusable products isn't just for the environment it's also for your health. Disposable pads and tampons are speculated to be really bad for your health due to the chemicals they use to bleach them white. Cloth pads are also way more comfy and will save you so much money long term.

[fridaherbst]

I've used my mooncup for about two years now (wow okay didn't think it would be this long) and I love it. I think handling a menstrual cup kind of " forces" you to get to know your vaginal area and I know it sounds dump but during my periods in the last years I really got a deeper understanding for how my vagina is built and is working. Using a cup also can feel a lot cleaner than pads or tampons because even though you have to empty it every now and then you don't have this disgusting blood-soaked piece of cottonplastic combination.
But I have to admit that it took a long time for me to use it correctly and I leaked sometimes. I just wanted for it to work so bad that I just used some thinner pads until I worked out how to create the pressure that prevents leakage.
Just try to overcome your fear it's a strange and kind of fun experience. :)
(Yeeah english isn't my first language)

[margaritatowl]

I'm being very pedantic here but you said something like 'we have to pay for periods which isn't something men do' and I know most of the time women have periods but it's important to think about people who aren't the majority. It could be helpful to say 'people who don't menstruate' as this is more inclusive.
Great video! :) 💕

[SinaLiza]

One thing I like about Germany is that these plastic applicator-thingies for tampons don't exist here. I have no idea how to use these :D At least a tiny little bit less plastic.

[itzsimplymae_]

I started using a cup when I was 12, I’m now 15 and I still love it. It’s a little scary at first but once you get used to putting it in and wearing it it’s so worth it. On my regular days I can wear it up to 8-10 hours which is really convenient when I have to go to school or have a busy day. Also it rarely leaks. The only cons are they’re a pain to change in public, and if you put it in wrong it hurts.

[thatguy-rfdc]

Okay, so I know reusable pads weren't really covered in this video, so I want to share my experience with them (been using them for almost a year now);

- It can be a bit weird to wear at first, for me it kinda felt like I was wearing some form of "diaper" because it was cloth. However, it's something you can get used to, I find them to be much more comfy than disposable pads.
- It can shift around quite a bit, just like a normal pad, but you just need to figure out how to adjust it properly when you first put it on. The ones I purchased have one set of snaps on them so I used to have issues with them shifting throughout the day as I walked, exercised, etc. but again, over time you find better ways to adjust and position them to what's comfortable for you.
- I've noticed they're also very comfortable to sleep in, and I get minimal leakage onto clothes/sheets.
- There's also not really a "pad smell" if that makes any sense. Like when you've worn a pad for x amount of time and it gets a chemically smell? Yeah there's none of that.
- At maximum I've worn reusable pads for eight hours (while sleeping), I wouldn't risk exceeding that because of bacteria, much like with disposables. Depending on flow, I would say you can wear them for three (heaviest) to six (lightest) hours with no issues.
- In my experience with the ones I've purchased, they can be either machine or hand washed. With using a washer, make sure the detergents you're using are unscented or "free & clear" as you don't wanna risk any residual funk on your pads. I've thrown mine in the dryer on low heat and they've been fine, but air drying also works.


Here's the kind that I purchased:

They're bamboo material, but honestly cotton would probably be better for your health down there. I haven't noticed any issues personally, but in terms of "breathability" it might be better to go with cotton pads. I didn't because they were more expensive and also white.


Hope this helps!

[georgie]

I have been using Modibodi period pants for just over a year. I was so dubious and essentially bought a pair as an experiment I expected to fail. But honestly, GAME CHANGER. I have enough pairs to cover my entire period and I LOVE THEM. I even have some ~sexier~ pairs that have lace or mesh bits so I don't feel completely Bridget Jones.
So comfy, just put them on and I am ready to go, no problemo, can mostly forget about it (other than them good old cramps). I always hated the faff of changing products, particularly in public toilets, and ya know, I am a lazy soul, and these are so simple, no loud wrappers or messing around with packets or applicators in tiny cubicles whilst there is a massive queue. Just pull up your pants and be on your merry way. A lazy person's DREAM.
Around £25 a pair, but I literally don't need to use anything else, so worth it, and I have a plastic free period which I love.
Easy to wash - just bung them all in a colder wash, and don't put them in the tumble-dryer! No issues with odour or discomfort, which was my main fear, just so easy and comfy. Life changing tbh.

[MadiThorne]

That bit where you forgot to cut when you were talking about moon cups was so funny 😊

[IzumiCurtiss]

I look cute today!" You are adorable.

[penny]

I wish you had tried or at least mentioned reusable pads!!

[ladyhorsthelmchen]

This video was amazing! Thank you so much for making it. Fun fact: in Germany we don't use applicators with our tampons at all and when I first moved to the UK in 2011 I didn't know how to handle them and would literally remove the tampon from the applicator so I could insert it the way I was used to. Habits are a strong force!

[ellie]

if anyone needs more guidance with menstrual cups, i'd really recommend 'put a cup in it'. they have a youtube channel, socials and a website, and they also offer a quiz to help you choose the best cup for you ❤️

[misfitmia]

I’ve had my Thinx since January 2017, three of them and using them every month and still going strong! I used them as backups with Natracare tampons at first and, since October 2019, as backups/night pads with an Organicup menstrual cup (mini size) and I am loving it!

[PicturePerfectBeauty]

Awesome video! There are also reusable pads available which I have heard a lot of good things about!
I personally love my menstrual cup (mine is from lunette), which I have been using it for about 6 years now and I can't recommend it more! I can't feel it at all and just have to empty it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. It is so convenient that I just forget that I am even on my period.

[MsMec]

I just love your way of talking, it’s relaxing and it constantly stimulates my attention at the same time! 😱Also, thank you for doing such an experiment for all of us, it’s really really useful! Thumbs up to videos like this😻🙏🏻

[irismeeow]

TOTM don't use any plastic btw. The tampons come in a cute paper wrapping now, they remind me of sweets :)

[lydiam]

If you live in the US (and possibly other places), the OB applicatorless tampons are great and cheaper than plastic applicator tampons

[flop]

I bought a menstrual cup when I was in college (age 17ish) as I loved the idea of it - from my research there was not really a downside - but when I used it, it caused me to have a slight prolapse when I removed it which was very very scary at the time! My doctor told me that she had come across this with other patients (so I’m not a one off, even though I’ve NEVER heard anyone talk about this online) there was no permanent damage, she just advised me not to not use it for a few months. :) I felt I should just put that out there, but I don’t want to discourage anyone because it seems to work so so well for loads of people. It’s been a couple of years now and I want to try and start using mine again:)

[karissataylor]

Modibodi pants for Aus/NZ people ❤️ they are great. 10/10. I have six pairs, built up over time, and substitute with Tsuno brand biodegradable bamboo pads! Excellent solution for people who struggle to insert things including cups. ☺️ great video Lucy! x