Non-Toxic Living: Safe Feminine Care & Grooming Products for Women
"Taking care of yourself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation."
—Audrey Lorde
The average American woman uses 12 personal care products that contain 168 different chemicals each day. The toxins in these products are lurking in everything from your favorite body lotion to your daily deodorant.
While the convenience of these products is undeniable, the long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals can be unsettling. Skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, and even an increased risk of serious health issues are just some of the potential consequences
This guide dives deep into the world of non-toxic personal care products, specifically focusing on feminine hygiene and grooming essentials. I’ll explore healthier alternatives for pads, tampons, washes, deodorants, and more. If you’re looking specifically for products related to the bath and shower then check out these non-toxic options.
Note: When you remove harmful ingredients and marketing gimmicks you get personal care products that are stripped down to the essentials. Many of these products are formulated to cater to the fundamental needs of the human body, regardless of gender. As a result, you'll find overlapping items in both men's and women's grooming sections, reflecting the shared principles of safe and effective products and practices for all individuals.
Non-Toxic Grooming Products For Women
Pads & Liners
Choose pads and liners made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Avoid conventional pads that often contain synthetic materials, can be irritating, and may harbor harmful chemicals due to bleaching and fragrances.
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Tampons
When Environmental Health News and Mamavation conducted a series of lab analyses what they found was disturbing: PFAS were found in 22% of tampons, 48% of sanitary pads, incontinence pads, and panty liners, and 65% of period underwear.
Look for tampons made from 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for some brands. Avoid added chemicals, chlorine bleaching, and synthetic fibers in the applicator, which can increase the risk of dryness and irritation in conventional tampons.
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Menstrual Cups
Look for medical-grade silicone free of BPA, latex, and dyes. Consider the capacity and design that best suits your needs. Avoid low-quality menstrual cups that may leak or be uncomfortable. Opt for well-known brands that prioritize medical-grade materials and safety.
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Period Panties
Look for period panties with absorbent layers made from organic cotton or other breathable materials like bamboo. Leak-proof construction and comfortable fit are essential. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and irritate the skin. Choose period panties designed for absorbency and breathability.
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Feminine Wipes
A 2021 survey, Volatile organic compounds in feminine hygiene products sold in the US market: A survey of products and health risks, examined 79 commercially available feminine hygiene products, including washes, sprays, powders, tampons, pads, wipes, and moisturizers, to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and assess potential health risks. Results showed high VOC concentrations in washes, sprays, and powders, with benzene detected in 83% and 1,4-dioxane in 50% of products. While most products had low calculated risks, menstrual pads had hazard ratios up to 11 and some sprays and powders had excess cancer risks. They also found that:
“Wipes had the highest percentages of esters and ketones, while washes, tampons, menstrual pads, sprays and powders were dominated by terpenes and alkanes. In moisturizers, aldehydes was the principal VOC group.”
Look for wipes made from organic cotton or bamboo that are free of alcohol, parabens, and harsh chemicals. Opt for fragrance-free wipes to minimize irritation. GOTS certification ensures organic cotton content. Avoid conventional wipes that often contain alcohol, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt the vulvar pH balance and cause irritation.
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Washes
Look for gentle cleansers formulated for the specific pH of the vulva. Opt for sulfate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free washes to minimize irritation. Certifications like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 indicate the absence of harmful chemicals. Avoid harsh soaps and washes that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vulva, increasing the risk of irritation and infections. Look for products specifically designed for feminine hygiene.
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Learn More
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get a paperback or hardcopy on Amazon.
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