We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 5 Best Organic Tampons, According to OB-GYNs These period products are great for both you and the environment. By Jessica Wozinsky Fleming Jessica Wozinsky Fleming Jessica Wozinsky Fleming is the Associate Editorial Director at Health. She's been at Health since 2022 and has tested and reported on health products that can improve readers' lives and wellness. She and her team spend countless hours interviewing experts—including industry-leading dermatologists, periodontists, orthopedists, OBGYNs, and more—to find the products they use and recommend to their patients. With over 15 years as a writer and editor, Jessica has written award-winning content about a variety of health topics. health's editorial guidelines Updated on May 9, 2025 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Health Billions of conventional tampons end up in landfills each year, taking centuries to break down. Considering the average person who menstruates uses thousands in their lifetime, opting for organic tampons can make a meaningful difference for the planet. But the benefits don't stop there. According to experts like board-certified OB-GYN Erica Montes, organic tampons are typically made with 100% organic cotton and skip the rayon, chlorine bleaching, and pesticides found in some conventional options, potentially offering a healthier option. Whether your motivation is environmental responsibility or a desire for potentially gentler period products, finding the right organic tampon can feel overwhelming. That's why we've done the legwork for you, interviewing OBGYNs and carefully researching and evaluating dozens of brands based on what matters most: comfort, how well they absorb, and how easy they are to use. Based on our recommendations, you can confidently make the switch to an organic option that fits your needs and helps you feel your best. What to Look for When Shopping for Organic Tampons When shopping for organic tampons, it's important to know what to look for to ensure you're getting a product that meets your needs. Here are some key factors to consider: Certifications: Look for labels such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or USDA Organic. These certifications guarantee that the cotton used is truly organic and that the tampons are made in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to ensure the tampons are made from 100% organic cotton. Avoid products with added fragrances, dyes, or synthetic materials, which can irritate or harm sensitive skin.Applicator type: Decide whether you prefer ones with an applicator or without. If you opt for a tampon with an applicator, consider options made from biodegradable materials such as cardboard or recyclable plastic. Some brands also offer applicator-free tampons for a more eco-friendly choice.Absorbency levels: Like other tampons, organic ones come in various absorbency levels, from light to super plus. Selecting the right absorbency for your flow is important to ensure comfort and safety.Price: Organic tampons can be more expensive than conventional ones, so consider your budget. Look for bulk purchasing options or subscription services that can help reduce the cost over time. Our Expertise We consulted the following experts on which products they recommend to their patients. Experts we interviewed include: Erica Montes, MD, Arizona-based, board-certified obstetrician and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsWendie Trubow, MD, MBA, IFMCP, board-certified OB-GYN at Five Journeys, and author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great, and Feel Freaking Amazing! Sherry A. Ross, MD, OB-GYN, creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vaginaAnate Brauer, MD, FACOG, reproductive endocrinologist and IVF director in Manhattan, New York at Shady Grove Fertility How We Selected the Best Organic Tampons After interviewing multiple experts, we researched which options had the least leakage, the most sustainable and least irritating ingredients, and the most comfort during insertion and use. Finally, we gave priority to tampons without fragrances or dyes and those made of the most biodegradable materials. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Organyc Organic Cotton Tampons at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Budget: Playtex Organic Cotton Tampons at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Cora Cotton Non-Applicator Tampons at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly: DeoDoc Cotton Tampons at Deodoc.com Jump to Review Best Leak-Proof: Rael Organic Tampons at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Overall Organyc Organic Cotton Tampons PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $10 at Walmart View on Vitacost Why We Like It Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons are a fan favorite for leak prevention. You won’t have to double up coverage with additional period protection methods. If you prefer environmentally friendly products, you’ll love that the applicator is 90% plant-based and the tampon itself is made from 100% certified organic cotton. The tampon features a finger ridge at the applicator's end, allowing traction during insertion. In addition, the rounded tip makes it more comfortable to insert. It's Worth Noting If you find you prefer a longer applicator, this might not be the pick for you. Product Details: Materials: 100% certified organic cottonSizes available: Regular, super, super plusApplicators: Compact applicator (they also offer applicator free)Hypoallergenic: YesFragrance-Free: Yes Best Budget Playtex Organic Cotton Tampons PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $13 at Walmart Why We Like It Playtex Clean Comfort Organic Cotton Tampons have an eco-friendly cardboard applicator stem that boasts 40% less plastic waste than traditional tampons. The tampon is made of 100% organic cotton without fragrances or dyes. And while it does include a plastic tip, this feature makes insertion more comfortable. If you’re switching from a fully plastic applicator, the cardboard stem might be a bit harder to use at first. But, with a little practice, using this eco-friendly applicator will eventually become second nature. Plus, the plastic applicator tip also offers multiple ridges for an easy grasp. It's Worth Noting These tampons are great for light to medium flows or for teens, as the "super" absorbency is not as effective as other brands for heavier flows. Product Details: Materials: 100% organic cottonSizes available: Regular and superApplicators: Plastic comfort tipHypoallergenic: No Fragrance-Free: Yes Best for Sensitive Skin Cora Cotton Non-Applicator Tampons PHOTO: Amazon $15 $14 at Amazon Why We Like It These Cora 100% Organic Cotton Non-Applicator Tampons get right to the point without an applicator getting in the way, which also reduces the amount of waste they produce. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll appreciate this design since the applicator does not irritate the body during insertion. At first glance, it might look like the tampons don’t have a removal string, but they do. The string is curled against the tampon during packaging and must be pulled down before use. These tampons expand well once they are inside your body, making them absorbent and mostly leak-free. They also offer multiple absorbencies in a single pack, so you can meet the needs of your flow throughout your entire cycle without having to buy separate products. We also love that the company has a substantial outreach program, donating 10 million pads to date. It's Worth Noting Some might find insertion more difficult as they don't offer an applicator. Product Details: Materials: 100% certified organic cottonSizes available: Regular, super, super plus, lightApplicators: Applicator-freeHypoallergenic: YesFragrance-Free: Yes Best Eco-Friendly DeoDoc Cotton Tampons PHOTO: DeoDoc View on Deodoc.com View on Beautybay.com Why We Like It DeoDoc Cotton Tampons promotes vegan ingredients, cruelty-free testing, a biodegradable applicator, and a super comfortable insertion process. The GOTS-certified organic cotton tampon is wrapped in paper, and the applicator and outer carton are recyclable. And the clean ingredients mean less irritation than other brands. It's Worth Noting Although we appreciate the eco-friendliness of these tampons, they may not be easily accessible. These tampons are popular in the UK, so shipments may be delayed and their environmental impact is noteworthy. Consider stocking up if you prefer them. Product Details: Materials: 100% organic cottonSizes available: Regular, superApplicators: Biodegradable cardboard applicatorHypoallergenic: YesFragrance-Free: Not specified Best Leak-Proof Rael Organic Tampons PHOTO: Amazon $20 $19 at Amazon $9 at CVS View on Getrael.com Why We Like It Rael's Organic Tampons offer “leak locking” technology by boasting a quicker and wider expansion process once the tampon is inserted. This feature makes these tampons trustworthy and less prone to leaks than other brands. The tampon features a rounded tip for easier insertion, as well as a small ridge on the applicator and a flower design that doubles as a gripper so it doesn’t slip. We also love that they're slim and offer a slightly longer applicator than other brands, which could be helpful if you struggle with shorter applicators. It's Worth Noting Because they're highly absorbent, those with a very heavy flow might need to change the tampon more frequently. Product Details: Materials: Organic cottonSizes available: Regular, superApplicators: BPA-free plastic applicator; rounded tipHypoallergenic: YesFragrance-Free: Yes What to Know About Organic Tampons Benefits of Organic Tampons Many people opt for organic tampons because they reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Organic tampons do not contain chemicals like chlorine, dioxins, rayon, and synthetics. They are usually fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and made of 100% organic cotton. If you have a sensitive vagina or need a hypoallergenic option, organic tampons are worth considering, according to Dr. Montes. Others choose organic tampons because they are typically biodegradable and may come with recyclable or compostable packaging, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. Organic Tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome Risk It is important to note that organic tampons, despite their natural ingredients, do not eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). According to Dr. Montes, TSS risk is unrelated to the ingredients themselves. Instead, it is influenced by two key factors: the absorbency level and the tampon usage duration. Dr. Montes suggests changing your tampon every four hours at the most and only using tampons when you are on your period. She also recommends choosing the lowest absorbency level and avoiding scented tampons. Read more: What to Buy Personal Care & Medical Devices Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 2 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Rodriguez L. Which period products are best for the environment? Global Citizen. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Menstrual care products and toxic chemicals.