We all know the importance of self-care and self-love. But have you been spending enough time caring for your most intimate bits? If not, don’t fret. This International Women’s Day, we thought we’d share 5 eco-friendly feminine health products to help you on your way!
Is it that time of the month again?
If you were thinking that line was only directed to the ladies, well… kinda. But we’re also referring to that time of this month, 8 March, which happens to be International Women’s Day!
While we are by all means for #genderequality, #genderneutrality, and all things gender-balanced, we thought there would be no better time to touch on an intimate topic for women. As we celebrate womanhood, let’s also try to normalise talking about such issues in safe spaces.
With society evolving to be more eco-friendly, there have also been rising green innovations to help women conquer their moody aunt flo and her crazy cramps, or embarrassing stains. This International Women’s Day, we gathered 5 sustainable and eco-friendly feminine products for you to eco-nsider, because you deserve some TLC.
Just a note that this article is by no means a review of the different feminine products available in the market. It is only intended as an introductory care guide to the eco-friendly feminine intimate products that we hope help!
menstrual cups (or freedom cups).
Bursting into popularity a few years back, menstrual cups were the cups if you were a lady and passionate about living green. As its name suggests, these flexible silicone funnel-shaped cups are folded and inserted into the vajayjay to collect period blood.
Coming in various sizes ranging from S to XL, menstrual cups can hold more fluid compared to other female sanitary products. Also, they can contain up to 12 hours of period flow (subject to individual), and can be used for up to ten years before being replaced. That makes them eco, and also super cost-friendly!
pros:
Eco-friendly
Reusable
Affordable
Comfortable when inserted properly
Longer time duration between changes (up to 12 hours)
Wide range of sizes for the best fit
cons:
Can be challenging to find the right size
First-time users may experience difficulty in insertion
May get messy when emptying and cleaning cups in public toilets
where to buy it:
The Period Co. (from $29.90)
Freedom Cups (from $33)
Bamboo Straw Girl OrganiCup (from $39.90)
Hatchery Cribs (from $49.80)
The Green Collective SG (from $49.80)
Eco-friendly meter: 5 / 5
Pocket-friendly meter: $ (in long run) / $$$ (upfront costs)
menstrual discs.
Serving the same function as a menstrual cup but just in the shape of a disc, menstrual discs similarly last up to 12 hours without leaks. They come with softer and thinner cups that can contain as much fluid as three tampons. There’s also no need to change them as regularly as pads or tampons.
The best part? Menstrual discs users have been claimed to reduce those paralysing period cramps because of their position in the vaginal fornix (back of the vaginal canal, just beneath the cervix).
pros:
Eco-friendly
Personal fit of discs fit to individual unique vaginal anatomy to prevent leaks and prioritise comfort
Does not disturb pH balance or flora of vagina
Fewer cramps
Longer time duration between changes (up to 12 hours before each emptying)
Flexibility of having intercourse while on period
cons:
Inconvenient to remove/change in public areas
Costly
where to buy it:
Flex (from $35)
SHE Period (from $49.90)
Eco-friendly meter: 5 / 5
Pocket-friendly meter: $$$ (upfront and long run)
period panties.
Period panties allow you to bleed with ease without worrying about potential embarrassing stains or leaks. They are made with in-built padding with a range of absorbency levels to match your flow and cycle, and the absorbent material keeps the underwear dry and bacteria-free.
pros:
Eco-friendly
Reusable
Affordable
No need for tampons or pads with the panties
No more having to bring pads around in cutesy-discreet pouches
cons:
Washing out period flow/stains when it dries up
Inconvenient to change in public areas
Expensive upfront costs, but cheaper in the long run
where to buy it:
6IXTY8IGHT (from $19.90)
The Period Co. (from $25.90)
Modi Bodi (from $35)
Thinx (from $45)
Eco-friendly meter: 5 / 5
Pocket-friendly meter: $ (in long run) / $$ (upfront costs)
reusable cloth pads and pantyliners.
If you’ve been #teampad since young, you’ll likely be most comfortable with using sanitary pads. But how about making the switch to reusable cloth pads and pantyliners instead? This sustainable alternative is made with a breathable and cotton material for optimum comfort, are leak-free, and environmentally friendly at the same time.
pros:
Eco-friendly
Reusable
Affordable
Comfortable
Comes in various lengths and sizes
cons:
Need to wash and dry
More bulky than commercial ‘thin’ disposable sanitary pads
Cloth pads may cause potential staining/leaks with heavy flow
May shift around more as they do not come with a sticky adhesive bottom layer
where to buy it:
HannahPad (from $11.95)
The Sustainability Project (from $12)
The Period Co. (from $13.90)
The Green Collective SG (from $13.90)
Eco-friendly meter: 5 / 5
Pocket-friendly meter: $ – $$
reusable tampon applicators.
If you are not a fan of sloppy, bulky cloth pads and prefer your sleek tampons, you would be glad to learn that there are green applicators for your tampons. Reusable tampon applicators allow for repeated usage after each insertion, instead of your throw-per-use.
Simply give them a quick rinse after using, dry, and they’re good to go for your next use!
pros:
Eco-friendly
Reusable
Convenient
cons:
Not easily available in Singapore
Expensive
where to buy it:
DAME (from $47)
Thinx (from $85)
Eco-friendly meter: 5 / 5
Pocket-friendly meter: $$$
no pain, no gain.
Though our monthly bleeds are an inevitable natural course of life and a real pain in the a**, we hope that this simple guide can help us to stay woke when it comes to caring for yourself in a sustainable way. Happy International Women’s Day!
Thinking of more environmentally friendly ways to pamper yourself? Check out our Beyond Skin Deep series to glam up with cruelty-free beauty!
