The great thing about my readers being 80% women is that I can introduce you to products that I’m passionate about. I try to pay attention to what goes into my body and I’m always looking at ingredients. I never go as far as changing the products that go on the outside of my body. I had a reality check this morning when I found out that the FDA doesn’t have any regulations on our feminine products because they are considered “medical devices.” Putting harmful chemicals on the body is worse than eating them. Our skin is our body’s biggest organ and it absorbs nasty chemicals through our layers of skin. It goes into our muscles, our blood stream and fat without being filtered. When you put things on your skin, they don’t just sit there; our body absorbs them. Researchers have been doing studies on the relationship between tampons and endometriosis, breast cancer, infertility and cervical cancer. I’ve been educating myself all morning on this and it has me worried about my shampoos, my lotions, makeup and all the other items that sit in my bathroom. I wouldn’t eat my shampoo or lotion, so why would I put it on my skin? The same thing goes for the tampons that I currently use (used).
I have been using Tampax Pearl since seventh grade. Their website will tell you how to use them, it talks about period health, and assures you that you won’t leak during a sport, but I had a very hard time finding it’s ingredients or how the tampons are made. Why? Becuase they don’t have to disclose it. But it’s no secret. We all know that the popular brands are made of rayon, cleansing chemicals, vicose, wood fluff pulp, polyester, pesticides, artificial fragrance, dyes and dioxin. Why is rayon and viscose so awful compared to cotton? Well, because they are highly absorbent fibers. High absorbent fibers during a period…sounds pretty great right? Less leaks! BUT WRONG! It would be great if these larger companies switched to cotton, but that would just cost them more money and they wouldn’t want to do that. They put women’s lives at cost instead.
I think a lot of us women are afraid to talk about our personal products, but it’s important to spread the word about the dangers in these extremely large brands.
I never would have known any of this if LOLA didn’t reach out to me about their safe tampons. I’ve been reading into all of the dangers for the past couple of hours. I don’t think my boyfriend appreciated my tampon rant on the phone this morning, but he also agreed about the dangers and why it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in the tampons us ladies are using.
The LOLA tampons are 100% cotton with BPA-free plastic applicators. They are comfortable and safe. Their creators aren’t afraid to tell you every little detail about their tampons and how they’re made.
Not only are they safe and comfortable, LOLA arrives every month right when you need them. You don’t have to make that trip to the pharmacy for emergency tampons. Every time I make that trip, I end up with five bags of chocolate at the register. They allow you to choose your mix of light, regular, and supers, your number of boxes, and the frequency of your delivery. I like that it’s super customizeable becuase all of our cycles are different. You can also skip, change, or cancel your subscription at any time. I feel comfortable about using LOLA and we all should feel safe when putting something into our bodies. I also love their motto on their boxes “this too shall pass” because my mom has used that since I was a kid. The only thing I want to suggest for them is to include a bar of chocolate in each delivery. It saves me a separate trip to the pharmacy 😉
Pricing is $10 for 1 box, $18 for 2 boxes per month, but you can give LOLA a try with code: TARALYNN for 50% off your first order limited to the first 100 readers. Right now, LOLA is only available in the U.S. They do not ship to Alaska or Hawaii yet.
I am so happy that LOLA reached out to me for this post. I have learned so much and I hope my readers did too. I’d love to get your opinion or advice!
- Do you use 100% cotton tampons?
- Does it make you angry that the FDA doesn’t regulate tampons?
- I’d love to hear your advice!
Rachel says
I started worrying about things like this after my son was born. I had panic attacks thinking about having to sleep in a tampon wondering if I would get TSS & pads aren’t a welcome idea either. A friend of mine told me about the Diva Cup and it’s all I’ve used for a year and a half now. It’s easy, convienent, and safer. Just have to get through the adjustment period of how to use it. You can wear it up to 12 hrs at a time and wear it during exercise/sports/sleep. Maybe something else to look into. There are other brands too, some disposable but most are reusable.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks I will look into that!
Brittany says
These are a really great option Taralynn, thank you for sharing! I’m a part of a supportive online group and the women in the group bring up this topic from time to time. It’s great for us to have these discussions. Of course the menstrual cups are becoming more popular, but I’ve been thinking seriously about trying Thinx, have you heard about them? Here’s a link in case you haven’t – http://www.shethinx.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Brittany!
Carolyn says
I have seen ads for these before and wasn’t sure what they were all about! I never realized the other brands weren’t already using cotton! I’ll have to check these out 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I thought all tampons were cotton too!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Wow…thanks for sharing this! Its so scary to think of all of the things we have to look out for. Between all of the things they add to our beauty products and to our food…its so nerve wracking!
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely!
Caitlyn says
…or you could just use a diva cup and forgo all of the waste filling up landfills, and increase your hygiene
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll look into that!
Jayme says
Hi Tara!
I have been looking into these lately, and I also always have used Tampax Pearl.
Have you used the Lola tampons yet? How do they compare?
Taralynn McNitt says
I have used them and I like them better! They remind me of each other, but LOLA is just safer!
Hilary says
I honestly had no idea! I am definitely going to look into this, but thank you so much for informing all of us ladies!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome!
Anonymous says
Taralynn – thank you so much for this post! I’ve recently started learning more about these topics – how the government truly doesn’t seem to prioritize our health over sales of products. Putting chemicals in, on and around our bodies all day cannot be a good thing, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s linked to cancer or other diseases in the future. (on another note but different topic – government food regulations – check out the documentary Fed Up on Netflix to see how much sugar we consume without even realizing it)
Taralynn McNitt says
Love that documentary! I’ll never trust the government of FDA regulated anything!
Jess says
Tampons are terrifying! I hope all mothers read this before they give their teens tampons! Teenagers don’t understand how dangerous they can be. I caught my cousin keeping them in for over 12 hours!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so scary!!!
Katrina says
Thanks for the post! I also feel passionately about this topic. For me I chose to go the route of a menstrual cup (DivaCup), because it only needs to be purchased once (or maybe twice after vaginal child birth), and thus is more environmentally friendly. ^^ Even though I love my DivaCup, it’s still sometimes more convention to use a tampon now and then. I’d love to try Lola!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome!
Everyone has been mentioning DIVA CUPS and I must be living under a rock becuase I’ve never heard of these. I’ll have to look into it.
Holly says
Thank you for informing me of this, for some reason I have never thought of this before! But it makes perfect sense! And it’s not like women really have a choice on whether or not to use them. I bought some right away after reading this blog, and I told my mom about it and she bought some to! Thanks again for sharing this!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome Holly! I hadn’t thought of it either!
Courtney says
Dude, forget plastic applicators, cotton waste, etc. The only way to go is the Diva Cup. It got some getting used to, but know I feel safe knowing not only is my body safe, but so is the environment. And the money you save is crazy!
I worked at a grocery store in college, and always found it so crazy that you can’t buy feminine products with food Stamps/WIC. You’d think if the government is helping people buy basics ( even though a lot of recipients would use their stamps to buy crab legs and lobster), they’d consider feminine products as a basic staple/necessity. Granted, if men got their periods, you know they’d make it so they never had to pay a dollar for products.
Taralynn McNitt says
Never heard of Diva Cups! That is absolutely crazy!
Michalea says
LOVE LOLA!
Taralynn McNitt says
great!
Ariel says
Hey! This is really great! I’ve been using organic tampons for a few years now, since i learned other (big) brands use bleached cotton and nasty additives and perfume.. So nice that you’ve witten a piece about taking care of yourself inside as well.
As far as shampoo etc. i have switched to using Lush products! It’s a very nice company that use natural products, and they smell delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Ariel! i love LUSH products and just have switched over to organic shampoo/conditioner as well!
Megan says
I live in Alaska and wish I could get these 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
Hopefully soon!
Orsi says
OH MY GOD! This is fantastic! I have been looking for something like this for a long time. I read an article couple months ago about the harm that tampons can actually do to your health and since then I have been trying to find better options in stores but there are none basically…so sad! Women should be more aware of this! It is scary how many years go by and we unknowingly put ourselves in danger. Love your post, thank you for sharing, I am ordering!!!!! Have a fantastic day Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re right they should! & thank you for the kind words! I hope you have a great day!
Kimberly || The Caterpillar Boutique says
This is something I really worry about too. It freaked me out when I started learning about all of the chemicals in something that we put into a very sensitive part of our bodies. Until probably about a year and a half ago- it had honestly never even crossed my mind though!! Thanks for this post! I think it is SO important to cover the some what taboo topics and spread the word to others that have maybe never given it any thought either!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome! It is definitely something us ladies should think about!
Mel says
I went to the school with the creators of LOLA!
Taralynn McNitt says
Very cool!
Charlotte says
1. I don’t use tampons at ALL anymore – I switched to the Divacup and it’s AH-MAZING. It saves so much money and once you get used to, ahh, getting it in, it’s so easy to not even think about! If I ever go back though, I’ll try LOLA 🙂
2. Believe it or not, the FDA does actually regulate tampons as “medical devices” (I work in healthcare law and had a client who got TSS one time – scary stuff.) Check out 21 C.F.R. 801 if you want to read the same long, dull stuff I had to go through for that case!
3. This post totally reminded me of a creepy story that I saw on Reddit where every tampon in the nation was recalled because they were all infected with alien substances – SO GROSS!!!!!! Gave me cringes for DAYS.
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve never heard of Diva Cup but I’ll have to look into it! I don’t trust the FDA at all, so corrupt! LOL ONLY ON REDDIT!!
Amanda says
You know, I had never even given this a thought before… but you make a lot of good points. I might give these a try.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Amanda! I never thought of it either until LOLA sent me their products!
Mechela says
Thank you so much for this! The FDA makes me mad on so many levels. I have been good about the stuff that I eat and what I put on my body. I use 100% herbal Natures Gate shampoo/conditioner (check it out. Most groccers have it) and just coconut oil as my body moisturizer (4 years and will NEVER go back to regular lotion). BUT…I have never thought so much about feminine products because the natural stuff is usually just pads from what I have found. So thank you so much for this!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome! I just switched over to an organic all natural shampoo/conditioner and my hair hasn’t looked/felt better!
shanna says
1. yes, I recently switched to honest brand tampons. I have been concerned about tampons for awhile now. I used to use tampax naturals, but they don’t make them anymore. I’ve been worried since. that was years ago. I’ve even looked into one of those cup things. since switching to 100% cotton my periods have been different. they are more predictable, last a shorter amount of time and my pms symptoms even seem less intense. I didn’t notice these right away but after using them for a couple months I started realizing changes.
2. the fda angers me for a lot of reasons. I have a 3 year old so I’ve become more aware of what I put on her and myself. it started over the summer when I read a scary article on sunscreen. that’s how I came to start using Honest products. I’m slowly changing over the products in our house to healthier alternatives.
3. i don’t really have any advice since you’ve already discovered a healthy alternative. I am curious to know what you discover though. please keep us updated down the road.
Taralynn McNitt says
Love the Honest company! I’ve been SLOWLY changing the products as well! 🙂 xo
Jessica says
I am SO glad you wrote this post! I recently also started thinking about my feminine hygiene products and started using the Honest Company’s pads and tampons because they are also made out of 100% organic cotton and I can have them delivered right to me. (Because we all know, that time of the month is a very dangerous time to make a trip to the store with all the temptations of chocolate and other craving satisfiers. Oh you’re feeling blue? How about five magazines and a new purse? ;)) I have almost completely revamped the rest of the products I use on my body to include natural products containing no animal byproducts, fillers, parabens, formaldehyde, etc. and in my home but I also had overlooked one of the most obvious things that probably is in contact with our body the longest and actually goes IN my body. Thank you, thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome! I love the Honest Company!!
Erin says
Yes! I just recently switched to organic cotton tampons but I haven’t heard of LOLA until now. It makes me very angry the FDA doesn’t regulate many of the products we are sold! The food and beauty industry sickens me with some of the ingredients they use… But anyway! Just yesterday me and my boyfriend got some more natural condoms from whole foods haha, I refuse to take hormonal birth control!
Taralynn McNitt says
No shame in that! 🙂 Lola is great!
Anonymous says
I’ve had advertisements for these things popping up for months now. I’d love to try them, but I’m even more interested in the Diva cup. Environmentally friendly! I’m not sure about the materials they use to manufacture them, though?
Also, if you’re concerned about your beauty products, you should check out LUSH. Some of their things are so fresh that they require refrigeration 😉 Not to mention they smell heavenly.
Taralynn McNitt says
I love LUSH! I friend from college got me hooked on LUSH products years ago!
Chelsea says
Diva cup is made from healthcare-grade silicone 🙂
Kimberly says
Hi Taralynn, thanks for creating this post- I’ve seen LOLA’s ads for a while now, and have considered trying them. I wanted to let you know that for some reason, your coupon code isn’t working on their site right now, it keeps telling me that the offer has expired :(…any idea what might be happening?
Thank you for your awesome blog, I’ve always been a frequent visitor and love your content and your ability to deal with internet trolls so gracefully (although it’s crazy you even have to flex those skills in the first place!). Keep doing what you’re doing! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kimberly!
I’ll get ahold of them and let them know the issue! & thank you for the kind words!! xo xo
Heather says
I love LOLA. My aunt got me hooked on them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awesome!
Lyndsey says
Love this!
Megan says
Thank you so much for this post! I watched a documentary back in September (the human experiment) and after that day I switched out ALL of my shampoo, deodorant, makeup, detergent, dish soap, and shaving cream for my legs! I stopped wearing tampons and resorted to pads because I didn’t want the chemicals from Playtex or Tampax in my system. I switched to all organic products and I LOVE them. I highly recommend the “Think Dirty” app, you can scan products and they rate them based on the carcinogenity and toxicity levels. I am definitely going to look into these tampons! Thanks again Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Megan! I’ll look into that.
brooke says
I have used 100% organic cotton for a few years. If you are also interested in the toxicity of your beauty products I highly recommend visiting http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Ali says
I’ve been using divacups without incident for more than 10 years. I hear your concern about your body and encourage you to extend that feeling towards the massive amounts of waste women’s hygiene products create each month. Check out divacups, mooncups, any other form of hygienic, cost-effective, reusable, and environmentally friendly feminine products.
Taralynn McNitt says
Awesome! Thank you!
Amanda says
I’ve been using LOLA for the past five months and they are life changing.
Taralynn McNitt says
So good to hear!
Brooklyn says
Sorry to overshare, but I haven’t had my period in two and a half years, and have always had such bad stomach cramps.
None of the doctors have seemed to care much due to my being 24.
I’ve never thought that any of my problems could possibly be due to the products I used to use.
It is scary thinking about how certain products that seem totally safe can harm our body.
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow! That is very scary and I’m so sorry to hear that!
Leslie says
Just ordered some of these! Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome!
Mary says
Love this brand!
Taralynn McNitt says
So glad to hear that!
Cate says
If you’re looking into menstrual cups check out http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com Its super helpful! There’s lots of different brands out there, and since every woman’s body is different, different cups work better for different people. I love my cup, but it’s a Lunette (European Brand) not a Diva.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Lee says
I use the Meluna Menstrual cup. It is one of the smaller ones on the market. Menstrual cups are great!
Chelsea says
I’ve never been a big tampon user. I have a pretty heavy period, so I found them too time consuming! I purchased a Diva Cup last year and OH MY GOODNESS it is the best things I’ve ever done for myself. It’s so comfortable that I literally forget that I’m even on my period. I have to set an alarm on my phone so I remember to empty it! It has a bit of a learning curve and you definitely get to know yourself a bit better, but I will never go back to using pads or tampons. I work 12-hour shifts for work and I love being able to pop it in before I go to work and empty it when I get home. As an added bonus – there is no risk of TSS with the cup. I swear I don’t work for them 😛 Just a very happy user!