Many people are looking for eco-friendly period products that are better for their body and the planet. Traditional pads and tampons often contain plastics, synthetic fibres and chemical fragrances that create waste and can irritate sensitive skin.
The good news is there are now more sustainable period products available than ever before, from reusable sanitary pads and period underwear to biodegradable pads, organic tampons and menstrual cups.
Switching to eco-friendly period products might feel like a small change, but the impact on your health and the planet can be huge. In this guide we’ll look at the best eco-friendly period products, how they work, and which option is right for you.
Best Eco-Friendly Period Products (Quick Comparison)
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick comparison of some of the best eco-friendly period products available.
| Product | Type | Reusable | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Lily Reusable Pads | Reusable sanitary pads | Yes | Easy switch from disposable pads | View product |
| Hemsley Period Pants | Period underwear | Yes | Leak protection and comfort | View product |
| Rael Organic Pads | Biodegradable pads | No | Eco-friendly disposable option | View product |
| Flo Organic Tampons | Organic cotton tampons | No | Tampon users wanting chemical-free options | View product |
| Lena Menstrual Cup | Menstrual cup | Yes | Most sustainable long-term option | View product |
Each of these eco-friendly period products offers a different way to reduce waste while staying comfortable during your period. Below we look at how each option works and who it may suit best.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Period Products?
Many conventional sanitary products contain plastic materials and chemical additives. In fact, some disposable pads can contain up to 90% plastic, which contributes to significant waste when thrown away.
In the UK alone, billions of disposable menstrual products are used every year, creating large amounts of landfill waste. Switching to eco-friendly period products can help:
- reduce plastic waste
- avoid unnecessary chemicals and fragrances
- save money over time
- provide reusable alternatives that last for years
Many people also find sustainable products more comfortable once they get used to them.
Chemicals in Conventional Sanitary Products
Traditional pads and tampons often contain phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and chlorine bleaching by-products, often added to improve absorbency, flexibility, or shelf life.
These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which can interfere with your body’s hormone system. A single standard pack of sanitary pads contains the equivalent of five plastic carrier bags’ worth of plastic, and tampons aren’t much better, with around 6% of their material being plastic.
Eco-friendly products avoid these additives and use organic cotton, bamboo fibers, or medical-grade silicone, making them gentler for your body and safer for long-term use.
Environmental Impact of Disposable Pads and Tampons
The average person may use 5,000–15,000 disposable pads or tampons over a lifetime. Many of these contain plastic layers, which release microplastics into rivers, seas, and oceans as they degrade.
Reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear significantly reduce waste. While they may cost more upfront, they are more cost-effective over time.
Irritating Fragrances
Fragrances in conventional menstrual products can disrupt the vaginal pH and natural bacteria, potentially causing irritation, infection, or odor.
Choosing fragrance-free, organic products helps prevent discomfort and keeps your body healthy.
The Cost of Traditional Period Products
Over a lifetime, using conventional pads or tampons can cost around £2,400.
In comparison, a menstrual cup costs around £15 and lasts up to 5 years, and reusable pads or period underwear can also last for years. Switching to eco-friendly period products can save money while reducing environmental waste — a true win-win.
Types of Eco-Friendly Period Products
There are several types of sustainable period products available today. Some are reusable alternatives to traditional products, while others are disposable but made with natural or biodegradable materials.
Let’s look at the most popular options.
1. Eco-Lily Reusable Sanitary Pads
Reusable pads might sound unusual at first, but they’re soft, discreet, and save money over time.
They are just as light and thin as your regular pads and great on even your heaviest flow days. Reusable pads are one of the easiest swaps if you want to reduce waste but keep the same routine.
The Eco Lily reusable pads are made from soft bamboo charcoal fabric, which is breathable and naturally odour-resistant.
They come in several absorbency levels, making them suitable for light or heavy days. Because they can be washed and reused for years, they are also one of the most cost-effective options available.
Cleaning is easy too! All you have to do is rinse them under water and then pop in your washing machine in a separate load, then hang to dry.
2. Hemsley Period Pants
Period underwear is becoming one of the most popular eco-friendly period products because it is comfortable, reusable and easy to wash.
Period pants are designed to look like your regular underwear. They have moved on in style and not like something from a Bridget Jones movie. Products range from standard briefs to hip-huggers, boy-shorts and even companies selling period thongs.
Hemsley period pants have been designed with eco-friendly materials and have four breathable layers that easily absorbs, but reassuringly doesn’t allow blood to seep through to your clothes.
They don’t feel bulky to wear either, and most pants can hold 2-3 tampons worth of blood. They are easily washable and can last for years if looked after properly.
3. Rael Organic Sanitary Pads
For those who prefer disposable options but want something gentler on the body and the planet, Rael Organic Sanitary Pads are an excellent choice. Made from organic cotton and plant-based materials, they are plastic-free and biodegradable, so they break down faster than conventional pads and reduce landfill waste.
If you’ve struggled with irritation or fragrance sensitivity, these organic options are a game-changer. They are free from chlorine, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harsh additives, making them a healthier option for sensitive skin.
Rael pads come in multiple absorbency levels, from light to heavy, so you can find the right fit for your flow. On top of that, the pads are packaged in recyclable materials, making them a responsible choice for anyone looking to reduce environmental impact without switching to reusable products.
Key benefits at a glance:
- Plastic-free and biodegradable
- Gentle, breathable organic cotton
- Free from chemicals and fragrances
- Multiple absorbency options
- Recyclable packaging
With Rael pads, you get the familiarity and convenience of traditional disposable pads but with the added comfort of being eco-conscious and chemical-free.
4. Flo Eco-friendly Tampons
If you still prefer tampons for convenience or comfort, switching to an eco‑friendly tampon is a simple way to reduce waste and avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Flo Organic Tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton, meaning they’re free from:
- plastic fibres
- chlorine bleaching
- synthetic fragrances
- dyes and perfumes
That’s good news for people with sensitive skin or vaginal irritation, because these tampons avoid many of the additives and fragrances that can disrupt the natural pH balance.
Key benefits of Flo Organic Tampons:
Chemical‑free & gentle: Because they’re made from organic cotton, they sit comfortably and naturally against your body without unwanted additives.
Plastic‑free applicators: Some sizes come with plant‑based applicators, which reduce plastic waste compared to standard tampons that use hard plastic.
Reliable absorbency: Available in multiple absorbency levels, they provide the same protection as conventional tampons without compromising comfort.
Ideal for travel: Easy to carry discreetly and dispose of responsibly when you’re on the go.
This makes them a great middle ground for anyone who doesn’t yet want to switch to reusable products but still wants a healthier, eco‑friendly option.
5. Lena Menstrual Cup
I know it can feel daunting to try a menstrual cup for the first time, but once you get the hang of it, most people never go back.
Menstrual cups are a no-brainer when it comes to a totally sustainable sanitary products. Cups can be reused for 5-10 years (depending on manufacturer) before needing replacing.
They are durable, soft and flexible, and don’t have that uncomfortable wet feeling you get with pads or leaking tampons. When you need to change them, all you have to do is empty the cup, rinse it off and reinsert.
Menstrual cups are made from medical grade silicon, and are latex, BPA, dioxin and phlalate free.
Another bonus of cups is they can last up to 12 hours before needing changing. Plus, you don’t have the awkward issue of disposal like you do with other products when you’re in an unknown home or on a trip. They are slightly more awkward to remove and insert, but with practice it becomes second nature.
Which Eco-Friendly Period Product Is Best?
The best eco-friendly period product often depends on your personal preferences.
If you want the easiest switch from traditional pads
→ biodegradable pads are the closest alternative.
If you prefer reusable products
→ reusable sanitary pads or period underwear work well.
If you want the most environmentally friendly option long-term
→ menstrual cups create the least waste.
Many people use a combination of products depending on their flow and daily activities.
FAQ: Eco-Friendly Period Products
Yes. Most eco-friendly tampons are made from organic cotton and avoid chlorine bleaching, plastics and synthetic fragrances.
Menstrual cups made from medical-grade silicone are safe when cleaned properly and can last several years.
Biodegradable pads made from natural fibres break down much faster than traditional plastic-based pads.
Choosing the Best Sustainable Period Products
Switching to eco-friendly period products can reduce waste, avoid unnecessary chemicals and even save money over time.
With options such as reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, period underwear and organic tampons, it’s easier than ever to find a sustainable alternative that suits your lifestyle.
