Our period products are poisoning us...or are they?

Tampons have lead, period undies have PFAS, are any of our period care items safe? Let's dive into it today! We will find out which menstrual products are non-toxic (or, low toxic) and also safe for the environment. Can you have a zero waste period that's safe for your body, too? We shall find out together!

Videos mentioned/recommended:

Timestamps:
00:00 - Toxins everywhere!!
00:50 - PFAS in period underwear
2:44 - Lead in tampons
5:24 - What's in pads?
6:33 - Are reusable pads safe?
7:13 - Menstrual discs and menstrual cups
8:21 - Tips to avoid toxins AND waste
9:27 - More resources
10:25 - Bloopers

SHOP MY FAVES!

SHOP MY GEAR

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[lawra]

I've been using a Saalt menstrual cup for a little over a year and their underwear for back-up and lighter days. I'll never go back to tampons, I find that my cramping is way less. Saalt also has many sales and promo codes, amazing customer service and a YouTube channel that are helpful with questions. Their packaging is all recyclable.

[Eurazba]

For accessibility reasons I lean towards period underwear, It's much easier for me to just put on a pair of underwear than to try and bend and fit something inside of me comfortably. I tried reusable pads for a couple of years and they're nice, but they usually only have a snap button to have it hold on, and it just doesn't stay in place when you're moving and running around like a good pair of period underwear does.
I've tried a few brands, but I'm still looking for a period underwear brand that really hit all the notes I'm looking for to be perfect for me. I'm looking forward to watching your period underwear review video!

[isabellagarciacasarin]

honestly, it is really hard to be eco-friendly in countries that arent in northen america or in europe. in latin america the use of tampons isnt really normalized (at least in the country that i am from, bc everyone think that only girls who have lost their virginity can wear them lol) and menstrual cups even less :(

[-kathryn]

I use, Wegreeco-Reusable Sanitary Pads. You've gotten me curious more about the materials used though. Solid video thanks.

[itsjustlenneke]

It's the dose that makes the poison, so the fact that these are found in period products doesn't mean they're automatically bad for us. I read an article where toxicologists explained the findings, and they mentioned that 1. The doses are so low that you're exposed to more metals while walking around in a city and 2. The studies don't show whether these metals are actually absorbed by our bodies. Of course, these substances still aren't supposed to be in our period products, but that doesn't make them unsafe to use (or put there on purpose). Also, the EWG is not considered trustworthy by most scientists, because they cherrypick studies to fearmonger about ingredients. So I wouldn't really use them as a source for anything. This is not criticism of your channel or you as a person btw, it's hard for anyone to know what's true in this age of disinformation. I just wish there was less of it in spaces because I believe the earth needs climate action based in science!

[Meganesmith]

I have been using a menstrual cup for 5 years now. I absolutely love it and have not bought a single other period product since then. It has saved so much money and waste!

[ironically_iconic]

I’ve been using a menstrual disk for about 2 years now. It has honestly changed my life! I’m thinking of creating my own reusable pads for the very rare leaks I experience. I recommend the Hello Disk. It’s super comfy and easy to use. I’ve had much better experience with disks instead of cups. I do recommend cups though to those who have a very low or tilted cervix. You can learn how to measure your cervix height and learn more about reusable period options on the Period Nirvana channel (not sponsored 💀)

[carly]

When I first bought period underwear, I bought Knix (before we knew about the PFAS). I felt that they weren’t super absorbent and the liquid would just wick off the top (in a plastic-y sort of way). I now use modibodi and LOVE them—that doesn’t happen at all. Entirely anecdotal but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was PFAS in the part touching my body.

[annawhitneysparks]

I have an IUD, so I rarely get a period, but when I do, I use Oi tampons. They are GOTS certified and they have applicator free options. I use the ones with an applicator, which is made of cardboard, and honestly designed just like the plastic ones, it's rounded on top and everything. I just rinse the applicator off and compost them. If anyone is looking for another option, those are really great.

[Huggible]

I use a diva cup and have for years now! My last one lasted me 4-5 years I believe and it was time to replace when I was having more leakage because it wasn't suctioning as tight. I used to be a tampon girly and I'm so happy I switched not only for myself, but for the planet.

[firiel]

I couldn't get a period cup to work but then I tried a period /disc/ and that's been working great! I back it up with a pair of period underwear on my heavy days. Love not having to worry about running out of tampons. Hoping if I take good care of my period products they'll last me a long time.

[SustainablyBex]

WTF???? I use a mooncup and have done for coming up to 3 years. So grateful I haven't needed to go back to tampons or pads.

[bumblebeez]

I love my saalt cup.
I got it new off of eBay it was a limited edition colour I believe, I’ve been using it for years now

[That.Lady.withtheYarn]

Cotton wash cloth, fold into fourths or third long ways, sew up the sides. Wonder if I could crochet, with cotton yarn, like a case to put the wash clothes in? My bc either is really light flow or none at all, so I don’t know how that would work for a heavy flow?

[sarge]

So does the same apply to leaky bladder control

Geesh!!!!

[Heyharris]

Anyone tried kayaness period undies? I will be using my thinx until the shred, glad to know that are only maybe a little poisonous 🙄 I love them and have a ton and spent so much money! But in the future, I will be on the look out for this and maybe switch when I need more

[shellym]

My tap water is loaded with pfas so i figure it's probably getting on the period underwear when i wash but i literally have no other options.

[shaunaburton]

Anything in a tampon could be absorbed by the body. I don’t know about reusable pads and period underwear. I’ve used the reusable pads for years. They have held up for years but I have no idea if they have dangerous chemicals in them.

[mmmmmm...k]

I actually have a Dame reusable applicator in the cupboard, but I've never used it because I got scared that it would have PFAS! 😢🙈 Purely rinse 'special technology' is giving secretly gunna slowly kill me 😢but I want to use it. On the fence lol

[FuriosaTerraToma]

I have a Mirena IUD so I haven't had a period in 9 years. I used to use a silicone Mooncup before then which I will use again during menopause.