Detox Your Period: Our new blog series that divides the different types of natural alternatives available to you, giving you a run down of how they work, and which product may work best for your body. Here’s the thing: there’s no one perfect product out there. Every body is different, and what works for you may not work for us. That’s totally okay! That’s why we carry all types of products in our store. During this series, we’re going to be giving you an inside look at the features and facets of each of the products, and you can use this information as a guide to making your own detox decision.
With tons of healthy options, comes tons of questions. How do you know if you want a natural cotton tampon, a menstrual cup, or a natural pad? So many products, so little time. And while you may not have the opportunity to try them all out – we’ve got your back. BPP’s very own Kelci DeFrancesco has done the work for you and has reviewed each of the different options. So keep reading, follow along, and decide for yourself which option is best for you!
{Check Out Part 1 – Natural Pads, Part 3 – Menstrual Cups or Part 4 – Cramp Tea}
Product Review #2: Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons (non-applicator)
We’ve talked about all the ways that plastic and the unknown chemicals in our feminine products can be affecting our bodies. That’s why this time around, I was anxious to try something that seemed familiar, yet even more stripped down than usual. After using tampons for over ten years, I was curious to see what differences, if any, there were when I tried a product that removed the applicator from the equation.
Enter: Natracare Organic Tampons!
The first thing I noticed was how tiny these seemed when the box arrived. I loved the simple and discrete packaging, and how it could easily fit in a small bag or even your pocket, if you needed it to. The plastic packaging ensured that the tampon remained clean and sanitary until I was ready to use it. Then, when the time came, I simply used the purple strip to unwrap the tampon, and pulled the string from below.
I still couldn’t believe just how tiny it looked! When you’re used to having a long applicator, this visual change can feel a bit unnerving – like is-this-really-gonna-work-unnerving. There was only one thing to do to find out – give it a try!
To keep each product review consistent, I’ll be reviewing them according to the following criteria, on a scale of 1 to 5, five being the highest:
-Performance and ease of use
-The Earth-friendly factor
-Comfort
-The discrete factor
-Added benefits
Performance
I have to admit – I was a bit nervous to try inserting a tampon without an applicator. At first, I felt a little bit like the middle-school-me – fumbling around in my bathroom, trying to figure out the right angle to stand, how to position my hand, etc. etc. (I so wish BPP had been around in those days!) But once I just relaxed and realized the process was pretty much the exact same – sans plastic – everything went smoothly. There was virtually no difference in inserting this tampon vs. a conventional one. The one thing to note is that when using an applicator, you kind of have a natural “stopping point” that you hit when the applicator reaches its end. Without an applicator, you kind of have to feel for that point yourself. It’s a good lesson in learning your body, but it does take a tiny bit of your attention. Not a con – just something to note! Despite their seemingly small size, these super absorbency tampons held up just as I’ve come to expect from conventional tampons.
Score: 5, for being simple to insert and reliable.
Earth-Friendly Factor
I liked knowing that no plastic came anywhere near my lady parts during the course of my period. It was such a foreign concept – only natural materials! It made me so glad to know that I was doing something good for my body, and for the earth. Plus, these tampons are made from 100% organic cotton – unlike the synthetics used in conventional products.
Score: 4, While they are not reusable, these tampons eliminate much of the waste and harmful chemicals found in their conventional counterparts.
Comfort:
It took me a couple of times to get totally comfortable with the insertion process. Until I got used it – I will say that these tampons felt a little more noticeable than I was used to. But, I have to admit that was mostly user error! Once I got the hang of it – these tampons were virtually indistinguishable from traditional tampons.
Score: 5, once you get the hang of it – you won’t notice the difference!
The Discrete Factor:
As I’ve mentioned, these tampons were slim and easy to toss in your purse, or even fit comfortably in a pocket. Obviously, once these are inserted, you’ll be free to go about your day in discrete organic cotton bliss 😉
Score: 5, perfectly simple to transport and use with discretion
Added Benefits:
No specific added benefits to mention, other than those covered above!
Score: N/A
The Final Rundown:
I never thought I’d say this – but I loved these tampons. Light, easy to use, green, clean…I could keep going! If my quest were to end here, I would be happy. The only thing lacking is the reusability factor – which obviously won’t be found in a tampon. But if you’re okay with continuing to purchase monthly products, but wanting to make the switch to a natural option – this is your tampon! Give it a shot – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Join us next month as Kelci tries her next product – menstrual cups!
Here’s to a better period,
KD and the BPP Team