With the rise in popularity of reusable feminine hygiene products like period panties and menstrual cups, reusable pads were bound to become a thing. Gone are the days when period-havers had the default single-use products as their only options during their time of the month, and instead these days, many of us are gravitating toward more holistic approaches to how we care for ourselves during our cycles.
Menstrual cups have been an easy level-up for those who want period care without the overreliance on single-use products. And even if you aren’t in it for the sustainability factor, menstrual cups have been a great way to eliminate the toxic substances and synthetic materials typically found in period products, like tampons and pads, from your period care routine. But what if you want to have a healthier, more eco-friendly approach to periods but you’re like me and you’re more of a “pad” girl who never really liked the idea of inserting anything in her vagina?
As someone who has always opted for pads over tampons, discovering reusable pads has been an intriguing find. Much like its name suggests, the all-natural alternative to pads (sans the harsh chemicals and potential reproductive harm) are washable cloth pads that you insert onto the crotch of your underwear. The material the reusable pad is made of and its absorbency can differ from brand to brand, but the message is clear: take care of your period but make it eco-friendly.
In the spirit of sustainability, here are 6 reusable pads to add to your period care routine.
Knix Reusable Pads
If leakage is a major concern, Knix is another period care brand that comes in clutch with leak-proof reusable pads. Their pads are thin but super absorbent, with the ability to absorb as much as 12-20 teaspoons of blood (depending on if you opt for the regular pad or the overnight pad). These four-layer pads are breathable, machine-washable, and at $32 for a pack of three pads, sounds like a deal you can’t beat.
Hannah Organic Reusable Pads
Organic Reusable Pads - 3 Small Pads
Hannah
Hannah touts the brand messaging of a “healthy you” leading to a “happy planet.” With their extensive line of reusable period care products, there’s no questioning how or why. The certified organic cotton pads provide extra grip with high-quality snaps, leak-proof protection, and have improved absorbency with every wash. With products like thong liners and pantyliners and curated sets like the “Heavy Flow Set” and “Light Flow Set,” it is clear that these feminine care must-haves are curated with every period-haver in mind.
DAME Reusable Period Pads
Reusable Period Pad
DAME
With its DAMEdry™ technology and five-layer technology, there is no wonder DAME reusable sanitary pads have 101 positive reviews and counting. Anti-microbial fabric provides odor-proof hygiene while a 4D core makes for a super absorbent pad with leak-proof protection. For tampon users, DAME also has reusable tampon applicators.
Ruby Love Double-Sided Pads
Double-Sided Pads
Ruby Love
Black-owned period company Ruby Love has an array of wearable period care products. Their plastic-free double-sided pads offer Ruby Love’s patent-pending technology, maximum absorption, and leak-free protection. What’s great about their dri-tech mesh pads is that they can be used on both sides, even before you wash them. As their website describes, “When one side gets full, flip the pad for double the use.” We stan.
Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Rael
“Reusable” is these Rael organic cotton pads’ middle name. The certified organic cotton pads are breathable, ultra-absorbent, moisture-wicking, leak-proof pads that can be washed and rewashed as much as 120 times! Plus, the fact that these pads are made with certified organic cotton and made without chemicals means that they are gentle enough for even the most sensitive intimate areas.
Aisle Reusable Cloth Pads
Aisle has been changing the feminine hygiene game for decades now. Formerly Lunapads, their ethically crafted reusable cloth pads are made out of recycled polyester and organic cotton, which means that they are sustainable while being gentle on the nether regions. The winged pads come in a variety of sizes and capacities that are designed with your flow in mind. From Mini to Maxi to Super, there is a pad for every kind of flow.
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