Sustainable Period Products
Which period products are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Period Products Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The importance of environmentally-friendly period products
The Good Shopping Guide believes that period products are an essential, not a luxury. Menstruation is unavoidable for many people. We also recognise the inequality and seriousness of period poverty. If you are able to, buying sustainable period products can alleviate the social and environmental impacts caused by the period product sector.
Fortunately, there are many brands offering sustainable period products. Because of the recent growth of this industry, these products are more affordable than ever before. Organic tampons, organic sanitary pads, period pants, reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups are all options. If you are looking for sustainable period products, head over to our Ethical Period Products Ratings Table, which shows you the most ethical companies to choose from.
Are tampons bad for the environment?
Traditional period products are extremely damaging to the environment, because they are often single-use disposable items. According to Global Citizen, a person who menstruates uses between 5,000 to 15,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime, and will throw away roughly 400 pounds of period product packaging.
Many pads and tampons are made with plastics decompose over hundreds of years. Tampons that come with applicators create even more environmental waste, as they are typically made of non-recyclable plastic. Many pads, tampons and applicators are not recyclable, so they usually end up in landfill. This landfill pollutes our soil and water systems with plastic particles and other toxic chemicals.
Period products and modern slavery
Some companies that have received criticism for unethical practices. They have been marked down in our research under Public Record Criticisms. For instance, Kotex (which receives a low score of 37) has been penalised in our research, due to the unethical activities of its parent company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
In 2020, Brightway Holdings, a Kimberly-Clark supplier, came under fire for human rights abuses within its factories. Business and Human Rights Resource Centre reported that hundreds of migrants working for Brightway Holdings were being subjected to modern slavery, living in shipping containers in ‘cramped’ and ‘squalid’ conditions.
Our research: How sustainable period products are changing the industry
The Good Shopping Guide’s latest research reveals the significant progress made in the industry over the last decade. More companies than ever now offer sustainable period products!
Many period product brands are also tackling other problems in the industry, such as period poverty, transphobia, trans-exclusion and heteronormativity.
The best options: organic tampons, organic sanitary pads, reusable sanitary pads, period pants and menstrual cups
The wide range of sustainable period products available on the market may seem daunting, so we have summarised the various options for you. You will find several brands offering organic tampons and pads, as well as menstrual cups, in our Ethical Period Products Ratings Table.
An alternative to buying organic tampons and pads is investing in a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups can be washed and reused for many years, so they are significantly less wasteful than other period products.
A 2019 study estimated that menstrual cups have less than 1.5% of the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products! Plus, you only need to buy one, so you’d be saving yourself a lot of money! If you are interested in purchasing a menstrual cup, Ruby Cup is a great choice – the brand has been awarded Ethical Accreditation and receives a top-ranking GSG score.
Period pants or reusable sanitary pads might be a good choice for you if you have easy access to a washing machine. Again, period pants and reusable sanitary pads create less waste, and buying organic options will mean that the environmental impact of growing cotton is reduced.
Sustainable period products: organic tampons and organic sanitary pads
We were pleased to see more brands offering organic tampons and pads. Out of 23 companies assessed, 17 offer organic products. As organic tampons and pads are a great step towards sustainable period products, we have awarded these companies a top rating in our Organic category. We will discuss the benefits of organic tampons and pads later in this article.
Buying organic tampons and pads is a great choice for becoming more sustainable. Non-organic period products are typically made using harsh chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides. When disposed of, these toxic ingredients find their way into our ecosystem, polluting natural habitats and killing wildlife. As organic tampons and pads are made with far less chemicals, they are much healthier for the planet.
Moreover, organic tampons and pads are biodegradable and only take approximately 18 months to decompose, compared to centuries for a typical plastic-based period product. This ultimately reduces the amount of waste you produce during your time of the month. TOTM and Natracare, which have received our Ethical Accreditation, are examples of brands that sell organic tampons.
Other intimate care products
For other sustainable intimate care products, we can recommend The Yes Yes Company, which sells a range of organic and vegetarian-friendly items. Please note that The Yes Yes Company do not stock period products at this time, but do stock organic lubricants and moisturisers.
See our Ethical Period Products Ratings Table to compare brands
The Good Shopping Guide researchers have written detailed brand analysis of every period product brand that appears on our Ethical Ratings Table. Click a brand name to read more about the ethics and sustainability practices of popular period products.
Lunette, Mooncup, Natracare, Ruby Cup, TOTM, Naty, DAME, &Sisters, Yoni, NORA, Organyc, Selenacare, FLO Organic, Kind Organic, Gift, Grace & Green, Sanature, Lil-lets, Daye, Bodyform, Always, Kotex, Tampax and Carefree.
Are period products bad for the environment?
Traditional period products are among the most environmentally harmful single-use items. Research cited by The GOOD Shopping Guide indicates that the average menstruating person disposes of thousands of products throughout their lifetime. Many pads and tampons contain non-recyclable plastics that persist in landfill for centuries. Fortunately, the period product market has expanded significantly, with sustainable alternatives now more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Are there ethical concerns about the manufacturing of period products?
Some period product companies have faced scrutiny over the practices of their parent companies or suppliers. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s research includes Public Record Criticisms as a key assessment criterion. Notable concerns include issues related to modern slavery in supply chains; for example, Kotex received a low score in our research following documented human rights abuses involving a supplier of its parent company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
Which are the best sustainable period products to choose?
The range of sustainable period products available today includes organic tampons, organic sanitary pads, reusable pads, period pants, and menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are particularly recommended for their minimal environmental footprint, with studies suggesting they represent less than 1.5% of the impact of disposable equivalents. Brands such as Natracare, TOTM, and Ruby Cup; all holders of Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide — are leading examples.
Is Natracare an ethical period products brand?
Natracare comfortably surpasses the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, earning top marks in every assessed area, including environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and political transparency. The brand holds Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, reflecting its strong commitment to ethical and sustainable business. Natracare also carries Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its forward-thinking approach to responsible period product production.
Is Ruby Cup an ethical period products brand?
Ruby Cup sits well above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all relevant assessed categories, including environmental reporting, fossil fuel policy, animal welfare, and marketing practices. As a maker of reusable menstrual cups, the brand holds Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide and also carries Ethical Innovator Status, both of which reflect its dedication to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Is TOTM an ethical period products brand?
TOTM exceeds the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, achieving top marks across all assessed criteria, including its organic product range, environmental reporting, animal welfare, and marketing conduct. The brand holds Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, which speaks to its genuine commitment to ethical and sustainable business. TOTM additionally holds Ethical Innovator Status, further underscoring its leadership within the sustainable period products sector.
Is DAME an ethical period products brand?
DAME sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across a wide range of assessed areas, including environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and marketing standards. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status. Although DAME does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to conscious consumers.
Is FLO Organic an ethical period products brand?
FLO Organic sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, earning strong marks in areas including environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and transparency around marketing and political activities. The brand holds Ethical Innovator Status. While FLO Organic does not presently hold Ethical Accreditation, pursuing this recognition could serve as a powerful signal of its dedication to responsible business conduct.
Is Lunette an ethical period products brand?
Lunette sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across the assessed criteria, including its environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare practices, and marketing conduct. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status. Although Lunette does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for this recognition could help further communicate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices to shoppers.
Is Mooncup an ethical period products brand?
Mooncup sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, achieving strong results across all assessed categories, including its environmental reporting, organic product range, animal welfare, and approach to political donations. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status. Whilst Mooncup does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, obtaining this credential could further signal its commitment to ethical and sustainable business to like-minded consumers.
Is Selenacare an ethical period products brand?
Selenacare sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing positively across its assessed criteria, including environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and marketing standards. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status. However, Selenacare does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, and applying for this accreditation could offer a valuable opportunity to further validate its ethical approach to consumers.
Is YES an ethical period products brand?
YES sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed areas, including its organic credentials, environmental reporting, and marketing practices, though its animal welfare performance is rated as middling. The brand holds Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, demonstrating a clear commitment to ethical and sustainable business, and also carries Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Naty an ethical period products brand?
Naty sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in key areas such as environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and marketing practices, though it receives a middling rating for its genetic modification policy. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status. If Naty were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Kind Organic an ethical period products brand?
Kind Organic sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, earning positive marks across all assessed categories, including its organic product offering, environmental reporting, animal welfare standards, and marketing practices. Although the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, pursuing this certification could further affirm its commitment to ethical and sustainable business to environmentally conscious shoppers.
Is Grace & Green an ethical period products brand?
Grace & Green sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly in areas including environmental reporting, organic credentials, animal welfare, and political transparency. However, the brand falls short in vegetarian and vegan product verification. Grace & Green holds Ethical Innovator Status and, if it were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further validate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Yoni an ethical period products brand?
Yoni sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across multiple assessed areas, including its organic credentials, environmental reporting, animal welfare, and marketing practices. However, the brand falls short when it comes to vegetarian and vegan product verification. Should Yoni apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its dedication to ethical and sustainable business to conscious consumers.
Is Organyc an ethical period products brand?
Organyc falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its organic credentials, genetic modification policy, and marketing practices, but falls short in animal welfare and receives a middling rating for its environmental reporting. Shoppers seeking brands that meet the ethical benchmark can explore higher-rated alternatives on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Daye an ethical period products brand?
Daye falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, organic credentials, and marketing practices, and holds Ethical Innovator Status. However, it falls short in animal welfare and vegan product verification. Consumers seeking period product brands that meet the ethical benchmark will find higher-rated options on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Gift an ethical period products brand?
Gift falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in animal welfare, fossil fuel policy, and marketing practices, and holds Ethical Innovator Status, though it falls short in organic credentials and vegan product verification. Those seeking period product brands that meet the ethical benchmark can find higher-rated alternatives on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Sanature an ethical period products brand?
Sanature falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows positive performance in environmental reporting, animal welfare, and marketing practices, but falls short in organic credentials and vegan product verification, and receives a middling rating for its genetic modification policy. Shoppers looking for brands that reach the ethical benchmark can explore higher-ranked options on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Lil-lets an ethical period products brand?
Lil-lets falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs adequately in areas including animal welfare and marketing practices, though it falls short in environmental reporting, genetic modification policy, and vegan product verification. Consumers who wish to support period product brands that meet the ethical benchmark can find more highly rated alternatives on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Bodyform an ethical period products brand?
Bodyform falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand shows acceptable performance in areas such as environmental reporting and marketing practices, it falls short across several key criteria, including genetic modification policy, organic credentials, animal welfare, and vegan product verification, and has attracted public record criticisms. For more ethical alternatives, consumers can consult the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Kotex an ethical period products brand?
Kotex falls well below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing poorly across multiple criteria, including organic credentials, animal welfare, vegan product verification, and political donations. The brand has also attracted significant public record criticisms, connected in part to the practices of its parent company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation. More ethical alternatives can be found on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Always an ethical period products brand?
Always falls significantly below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. Though the brand earns positive marks in environmental reporting and organic credentials, it falls short in fossil fuel policy, animal welfare, vegan product verification, marketing practices, and political donations, and has attracted multiple public record criticisms. More ethical period product brands can be found on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Carefree an ethical period products brand?
Carefree falls well below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows positive performance in environmental reporting and fossil fuel policy, but falls short in organic credentials, animal welfare, vegan product verification, marketing practices, and political donations, and has attracted multiple public record criticisms. Better-rated period product alternatives are available on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Tampax an ethical period products brand?
Tampax falls significantly below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Period Products Ethical Ratings Table. Whilst the brand shows positive performance in environmental reporting and organic credentials, it falls short in multiple areas, including fossil fuel policy, animal welfare, vegan product verification, marketing practices, and political donations, and has accumulated several public record criticisms. Shoppers can find more ethical period product alternatives on the Period Products Ethical Ratings Table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.