We tested more than a dozen brands of organic tampons — Natracare came out on top. (Natracare)
If you're a tampon user, it's estimated that you'll go through about 11,000 of them in your lifetime — and many of these tampons contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates, parabens, fragrance and dyes. What's more, "the vaginal tissue is highly absorptive, so any chemicals in the tampons could be absorbed systemically," says Dr. Victoria Scott, urologist and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?. The best organic tampons are made without these potentially harmful chemicals and carry certifications that ensure social and environmental responsibility.
To be clear, there hasn't been much research on the safety of organic tampons versus conventional menstrual products. But Dr. Joan Alvarez, obstetrician-gynecologist and affiliated physician of HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, says, "Organic tampons have the potential benefits of having fewer chemicals, being eco-friendly (which make them generally biodegradable) and tend to reduce irritation as well as reduce risk of allergic reactions."
Personally, as a certified functional and holistic nutritionist, I also like to go by the precautionary principle: Even if the science hasn't been settled on something that's potentially harmful, I prefer to avoid it anyway. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average woman is already exposed to about 114 unique ingredients daily (with little to no regulation on safety), so I prefer to not add any more to my day.
Fortunately, many companies are now offering organic tampons due to an increase in demand from consumers. There are a lot of marketing claims made by these companies, so I'll help you sort through them. I researched over two dozen period care companies, digging into their manufacturing process and certifications. I narrowed things down from there, testing tampons from 14 different brands over the course of two months. I also spoke with five experts — two ob-gyns and three urologists — to get their take on organic tampons and advice for choosing the best one for you. Ultimately, I chose six of the best organic tampons that stood out in terms of performance, comfort and environmental responsibility.
Update, Apr. 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a handy specs chart below. Our No. 1 pick for the best organic tampon remains unchanged.
Absorbency options: Regular, super | Materials: Cotton, cardboard | Applicator type: Cardboard | Certifications: GOTS
Natracare tampons cover all the bases, which is why I chose them as the best overall winner. The tampons are highly absorbent (I didn't experience any leaks when wearing them) and comfortable — both to wear and insert. The string is also longer than others, so it was easier to remove them when needed.
I tried both the applicator and applicator-free versions, and I liked the applicator better (although the applicator-free was also absorbent and comfortable). The applicator is made from biodegradable cardboard, so it has less of an environmental impact than plastic applicators. The cardboard is smooth and glides easily, and it has a ridged grip, which makes it easier to insert. Natracare tampons also seemed to fray less than others, so I didn't have any unwanted fibers left behind.
Additionally, these tampons are made with 100% organic cotton — some organic tampons have rayon too. Plus, they're GOTS-certified, which ensures that the cotton is actually organic and harvested in a socially and environmentally responsible way. While these tampons are a bit pricier than the other options, I think it's worth it for the extra comfort.
Absorbency options: Light, regular, super, super plus | Materials: 100% organic cotton, paraffin | Applicator type: None | Certifications: GOTS, B Corp
Full disclaimer: I prefer tampons with an applicator, but if I ever switch, it will be to these tampons from Cora. Despite being an experienced tampon user, I still get intimidated by applicator-free versions, but Cora makes it really straightforward. Not only do these tampons come with detailed instructions on the best way to insert them, they're also designed for ease.
There's a recessed indent at the end of the tampon so you can securely position your finger for easy insertion. I had a little trouble getting the tampon in all the way at first, but after some practice it went a lot more smoothly. Once the tampon was properly inserted, it felt comfortable and I didn't have any problems with leakage. I also love that they come in four absorbencies — light, regular, super and super plus — to accommodate all types of flows. Most only come in two. The tampon did fray a bit and the string was shorter than others, so it was a little difficult to remove, but those were the only cons.
Another plus? Cora is an eco-responsible company. It's B Corp-certified, which means it has a high standard for social and environmental impact. Not only are these tampons GOTS-certified and biodegradable, Cora will provide period products to those in need when you buy something from the company.
Absorbency options: Regular, super | Materials: 100% organic cotton, cardboard | Applicator type: Cardboard | Certifications: GOTS
I had written off cardboard applicators in the past, but DeoDoc brought me back on board (no pun intended). While some cardboard applicators can be flimsy, difficult and sometimes even painful to insert, these glide easily and are fuss-free. They also have a rounded tip that makes them almost as easy to insert as plastic applicator tampons, although I wish the grip had more texture — it was a little difficult to hold on to it.
Wearing the tampon was just as comfortable as insertion, and I had no issues with leakage, even using the regular absorbency on what ended up being a heavier flow day.
Another win for DeoDoc: The company is very stringent about ingredients and tampon safety. In addition to GOTS certification, all tampons are third-party tested for the presence of heavy metals. With news that even organic tampons can contain heavy metals, this added layer of testing offers extra peace of mind. The cardboard applicator and the paper wrapper are also 100% biodegradable, so that's a win for the environment too.
Absorbency options: Regular, super | Materials: Organic cotton, BPA-free plastic | Applicator type: Plastic | Certifications: OCS
Rael tampons earned this spot because of their unique design. I tested the value pack that includes both regular and super tampons, and both absorbencies have an ultraslim applicator that makes insertion a breeze, even for beginners. To fit into this applicator, the cotton core is a bit thinner than comparable absorbencies from other brands, so these may not be the best for those with very heavy flows, but they worked well for me.
The grip on the applicator also stood out from the rest. It has a contoured, textured finish that was easy to hold on to so I could depress the plunger without slipping. The tampons themselves were highly absorbent too, and while the string was on the thinner side, I had no problems with leakage or removal.
To address the elephant in the room: Yes, these do have a plastic applicator, but the plastic is BPA-free and recyclable. If you prefer a plastic applicator over cardboard or no applicator at all, this is a better alternative for you and the environment. Additionally, the cotton core is Organic Cotton Standard (OCS)-certified, which means it's been audited by a third party from growth to manufacturing to ensure that it's organic.
Absorbency options: Regular, super, super plus | Materials: Cotton, cardboard | Applicator type: Cardboard | Certifications: GOTS, ICEA
Most of the organic tampons I recommend have some level of eco-friendliness, but Tampon Tribe comes out on top in this category. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the cotton is sourced from small-growth farmers. The cotton carries both GOTS and ICEA certifications, which ensures compliance with organic growth and manufacturing practices. Additionally, all products are third-party tested to ensure they don't have any chemicals, additives or heavy metals — an important next step for product safety.
Another nod to their eco-friendliness is a biodegradable cardboard applicator. During testing, this applicator glided easily but was a little hard to grip. Because of this, it often took two hands to get them properly inserted. They performed well, though — there was no shedding and they were comfortable.
One thing worth noting is that I did have to change these tampons out more often than some of the others. I could get away with about three to four hours on heavier days, otherwise I experienced leakage. Because of this, you may go through them a bit faster, especially if you have a heavy flow. And since they're a little pricier, this can add up. You can buy them in a multipack that includes regular, super and super plus, which is a nice touch.
Absorbency options: Regular, super, super plus | Materials: 100% organic cotton | Applicator type: Reusable plastic (sold separately) | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Carbon Neutral Plus, B Corp
As I mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of applicator-free tampons, but I also don't love the thought of contributing to excess waste. Dame offers a middle ground and a really innovative approach: a reusable tampon applicator. You buy a box of applicator-free tampons, with the option to purchase a reusable applicator separately (currently priced at $12). To use, you load the tampon into the applicator, and then insert it as you normally would.
While there was a slight learning curve, it was an easy process with detailed instructions and I got the hang of it quickly. The applicator wasn't as slim as disposable ones I've used in the past; however, it's made to accommodate all three sizes, from regular to super plus. That said, it felt comfortable enough for me, although I wouldn't recommend it for beginners.
The tampon itself, which is made of 100% certified organic cotton, was comfortable, highly absorbent and leak-free and I didn't experience any problems when wearing it. The applicator is also easy to clean. It just needs a quick rinse and it's ready for next time; the medical-grade material used is bacteria- and virus-resistant. If you're buying the applicator, I would recommend upgrading to the set that includes the storage tin and pouch so it's easier to store safely between cycles.
It's important to note that the Dame website defaults to prices in pounds. To change the currency to dollars, simply scroll to the bottom of the site and use the drop down menu to update the country to the United States. This will automatically change the currency to dollars.
Certifications: Because the term "organic" isn't heavily regulated, you want to dig deeper than the claims on the box. "While generally only food has USDA organic certification, the cotton in organic tampons can be certified to have been grown without pesticides and free of fragrance and bleach," says Dr. Karyn Eilber, professor of urology and associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?.
Instead of taking marketing terms at face value, look for credible third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe. This ensures that the company is using organic materials and following responsible manufacturing practices.
Materials: "While the cotton in organic tampons is natural, other materials, like those used to make their applicator, can still be synthetic," says Eilber. Read the ingredients closely to ensure you know what you're getting.
If you're trying to avoid synthetic materials completely, it's best to opt for applicator-free tampons that are made only with 100% organic cotton.
Applicator type: Relatedly, applicator type should factor into your decision. Some organic tampons come with a plastic applicator, while others are made with biodegradable cardboard. Others have no applicator at all.
"Those looking for a natural and eco-friendly option might prefer organic cotton tampons with a cardboard applicator or no applicator. For others, the ease of use with a plastic applicator might be the deciding factor," says Alvarez, adding that if you do choose plastic, opt for BPA-free.
Dr. Jennifer Anger, urologist, professor of urology and vice chair of research at the University of California, San Diego Department of Urology and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?, adds that applicator-free organic tampons can be more difficult to place than the classic plastic applicator. If you wish to use applicator-free organic tampons yet have difficulty inserting them, placing lubricant on the tip of the tampon can help a great deal, she says.
Features: Tampons aren't necessarily feature-rich, but there are some things you might want to look for. If you want a tampon with an applicator, make sure they have textured grips to give you a secure hold. Otherwise, insertion can be really difficult. You may also want to consider the length of the string for easier removal, and whether or not the string is braided to help prevent leakage.
Absorbency: You'll also want to consider your personal needs for absorbency. While this can take some trial and error, Dr. Erica Montes, obstetrician-gynecologist and pH-D Feminine Health adviser, recommends opting for the lightest tampon that works for you without leaking. "A good rule of thumb for absorbency level is if your tampon is not saturated in four to six hours of use, then that is a good level for you. If you need to change your tampon more frequently than every four hours or if you are experiencing leaks, you may want to try a higher absorbency," she says.
Most brands we tested offer a range, from light to super, so you can try them out and/or have options for different flow days. Some also have variety packs that include different absorbencies for varying days of your cycle.
Ethical and sustainable practices: While the jury is still out on whether organic tampons are better for you healthwise, they do tend to be better for the environment — as long as you're choosing a company with ethical and sustainable practices. Look for companies that source organic cotton from responsible and/or local farmers. You may also want to choose a company that gives back to the community or those in need.
You can look for related certifications here too. Some companies may hold B Corp certifications, which means they meet strict guidelines for social and environmental responsibility.
Price and accessibility: Of course, price (and your personal budget) is always a consideration. Organic tampons are a bit more expensive than conventional options. For reference, you can get a conventional tampon for about $0.25 per item, while the organic tampons on this list range from $0.50 to $0.63. Some companies offer the option to buy in bulk, so you can bring the cost per tampon down that way.
I took a three-step approach to choose the best organic tampons. First, I spoke with two ob-gyns and three urologists to get their take on organic tampons and how you can choose the right option for you. From there, I researched more than two dozen organic tampon brands. I immediately eliminated any brands that didn't have established organic certifications — with limited regulations in place, you unfortunately can't take a company's marketing claims at face value.
After narrowing down the list, I ended up with 14 options that I personally tested over the course of two menstrual cycles. During this time, I used the organic tampons exclusively, taking extensive notes about my experience. During the testing process, I also continued to do research and discovered that two of the brands that initially made the cut are in active lawsuits over allegedly false claims. While nothing has been decided yet, I excluded them until we know more.
Additionally, I have certifications in functional nutrition and holistic nutrition, and I take health (and health claims) seriously. Part of my studies involved learning about personal care products and how they affect our health, and I'm well versed in safety and care in this area.
As of right now, there's not a lot of research that says organic tampons are safer than conventional tampons. That said, studies do show that using conventional tampons can expose you to significant amounts of phthalates, bisphenols, parabens and triclocarban, which can have detrimental effects on your health. The bottom line? "Organic tampons can be a healthy choice, especially for those concerned about chemical exposure and environmental impact," says Alvarez.
However, he also notes that they may not necessarily be better in terms of performance or protection against conditions like TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Because of this, you want to make sure you're only wearing them for four to eight hours maximum.
Organic tampons don't contain the same endocrine-disrupting chemicals that conventional tampons do. While there's not a lot of research that connects these to ill health effects, you may want to avoid them just to be safe. Because the vagina is highly absorptive, using conventional tampons can expose you to higher levels of these chemicals than intended. Montes notes that organic tampons are also hypoallergenic, biodegradable and break down more quickly compared to regular nonorganic menstrual products.
Additionally, many companies that manufacture organic tampons are more socially and environmentally responsible than other brands. They may forgo plastic applicators, produce less waste and/or donate period care products to women in need. If that's important to you, that's a benefit too.
Skip the marketing claims and look for credible third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe. If you want a 100% organic tampon, you may also want to choose one without an applicator, or one with a reusable applicator, since plastic and cardboard applicators often aren't organic.
It depends on which tampon you choose. The organic cotton core is biodegradable, but the applicator may not be. Some brands use nonbiodegradable plastic applicators. If you want a truly biodegradable tampon, opt for an applicator-free one or make sure it has a cardboard applicator.
Yes, organic tampons are typically more expensive than their conventional counterparts. You can expect to pay around $0.25 for a regular tampon, while the organic tampons on this list range from $0.50 to $0.63 per tampon, depending on which brand you get.
In my experience, the organic tampons I tried worked as well as regular tampons. Alvarez does note that some can be less absorbent than conventional options, which are typically made from a combination of cotton and rayon. Just like you might have to experiment with different absorbencies, you may need to try different brands to find one that works well for you.
Viv Organic Cotton Tampons: I really liked the performance of these tampons and they were comfortable too. Ultimately, they didn't make the list because of the plastic applicator — I only chose one plastic option. While it's BPA-free, it's not as eco-friendly as cardboard or no applicator.
The Honey Pot Co. Organic Duo-Pack Tampons: These tampons were easy to insert and comfortable enough. I also love that they come in a pack that includes both regular and super absorbencies. However, I experienced leakage when wearing them. They may be a good option for light days or those with lighter flows.
L. Tampons: While these tampons performed well during testing, I recently found out that the company is involved in a class action lawsuit claiming it uses an undisclosed ingredient. While the jury is still out, I can't confidently recommend them until we know more.
Lola Organic Cotton Tampons: Lola is another company that's up against claims that the tampons shed and unravel, causing discomfort and irritation. While these weren't as comfortable as others, I didn't personally experience shedding when testing. That claim, however, seems to be a fairly common issue among reviewers.
Playtex Clean Comfort: These tampons worked well, but the plastic isn't BPA-free. While they are less expensive than other options, this diminishes the appeal, in my opinion.
Tampax Pure Cotton: These tampons are absorbent and the only option I tried that had a braided string, which really helped combat leakage. That said, they aren't as comfortable as some of the others, and they have a plastic applicator, so they're not as eco-friendly.
Maxim: These tampons leaked more than others and didn't feel as comfortable. They also shed for me, so they didn't make the cut.
O.B. Organic Tampons: While comfortable and highly absorbent, these tampons are more expensive than all the others I tested. It looks like the brand may be phasing them out, which could explain the elevated price. In my opinion, you can get similar options for cheaper.
Absorbency options | Materials | Applicator type | Certifications | |
Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons with Cardboard Applicator | Regular, super | Cotton, cardboard | Cardboard | GOTS |
Cora The Comfort Fit Tampon | Light, regular, super, super plus | 100% organic cotton, paraffin | None | GOTS, B corp |
DeoDoc Cotton Tampons | Regular, super | 100% organic cotton, cardboard | Cardboard | GOTS |
Rael Organic Cotton Tampons | Regular, super | Organic cotton, BPA-free plastic | Plastic | OCS |
Tampon Tribe Organic Tampons | Regular, super, super plus | Cotton, cardboard | Cardboard | GOTS, ICEA |
Dame Organic Cotton Tampons | Regular, super, super plus | 100% organic cotton | Reusable plastic (sold separately) | Oeko-Tex, Standard 100, Carbon Neutral Plus, B Corp |
Dr. Joan Alvarez, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and affiliated physician of HCA Florida Aventura Hospital
Dr. Karyn Eilber, MD, professor of urology and associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?
Dr. Jennifer Anger, MD, urologist, professor of urology and vice chair of research at the University of California, San Diego Department of Urology and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?
Dr. Victoria Scott, MD, urologist and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?
Dr. Erica Montes, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and pH-D Feminine Health adviser
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
