Free of dyes, perfume, latex, BPA, and elemental chlorine bleaching natural rubber latex. Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. Take a look at our choices for the best tampon brands below. A note of disclosure: The author of this review, Nancy Redd, was a paid part-time consultant for Kotex from 2009 to 2012, a role she took on after authoring the book Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. The worst feeling in the world is when you're at a meeting at work and you suddenly feel a leak coming on!!! GH analysts found these to absorb less fluid, which was consistent with other non-applicator styles. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure Organic Tampons. Thinx now sells a $370 period sex blanket. Why are Kotex tampons being discontinued? Anne Hochwalt, researcher at Procter & Gamble, interview, Philip M. Tierno Jr., professor and researcher at the NYU School of Medicine, interview, Terry Balluck, spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark, interview, Deborah Kotz, spokesperson for FDA Media Relations, interview, Sharra Vostral, author of Under Wraps: A History of Menstrual Hygiene Technology, interview, Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions - Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Michael J. DeVito and Arnold Schecter, Exposure assessment to dioxins from the use of tampons and diapers, Environmental Health Perspectives, January 1, 2002, Dioxins and their effects on human health, World Health Organization, October 4, 2016, Rana A. Hajjeh, Arthur L. Reingold, Alexis Weil, Kathleen Shutt, Anne Schuchat, and Bradley A. Perkins, Toxic Shock Syndrome in the United States: Surveillance Update, 19791996, Emerging Infectious Diseases, December 11, 1999, Aaron S. DeVries, Lindsey Lesher, Patrick M. Schlievert, Tyson Rogers, Lourdes G. Villaume, Richard Danila, and Ruth Lynfield, Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome 20002006: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Molecular Characteristics, PLoS ONE, August 10, 2011, Philip M. Tierno Jr. and Bruce A. Hanna, Propensity of Tampons and Barrier Contraceptives to Amplify Staphylococcus aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-I, Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, July 21, 1994. According to the FDA, the presence of rayon in a tampon does not appear to increase the risk of TSS. . Pricey, but worth considering if you're sensitive to chemicals or simply prefer an eco-friendly option. So if youre overwhelmed by the tampon selection at the store, keep in mind that any of these should be fine for you as long as you dont push your luck in how much you expect them to absorb. Testers cited several flaws that were not dealbreakers, such as applicator-free tampon wrappers that were occasionally difficult to open or produced an extra piece of plastic waste (versus separating cleanly in two parts), or compact applicators that didnt plunge correctly. Our testers gave these tampons high scores for comfort, while our Lab tests found them absorbent too. The vagina is extremely absorbent. As such, we chose to test both organic and non-organic tampons. Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering everything from Santa hats to bath bombs. This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We found O.B. ", "The super size is convenient for me since I have quite a heavy flow. Up to 100% leak-free Xpress-DRI protection with the #1 compact tampon* U by Kotex Click tampons are chosen by women every 1.9 seconds More comfortable than the second leading compact tampon** Unscented tampons with smooth tip for easy and comfortable insertion Fits in purse or pocket, changes to full-size tampon in one easy step You do not have to worry about stains and ruining your clothes with the help of these products. Kotex tampons are soft, and follow the contours of your body so well, you forget you're using a tampon. The tampons are perfect and the option to select and mix the sizes that you need is a great idea. If used properly, you can't feel them, says womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. Many people vouch for these products and have started substituting tampons in menstrual cups with conventional sanitary pads. Among applicator tampons, we like Tampax Pearl and Tampax Pure (an organic choice) best. If you dont like using an applicator, want to produce less waste or are looking for a plastic-free tampon, o.b. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. People assume that Kotex has come to this decision due to the latest controversy they were subjected to. Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. Sport Tampons, Super (18 Count) O.B. This organic version of the Pearl tampons has the same highly rated plastic applicator and wrapper. And let me tell you. (The ingredients listed there are the same as those noted on Tampax boxes.) Free shipping for many products! The brand has formally stopped the production of these tampons. O.B. A limited number of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons, regular absorbency, are being recalled after a raw material contaminated with a bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, was found when testing the plunger portion of the applicator. We chose not to test them. for Recall. Pearl Plastic Tampons, Super Plus Absorbency (72 Count), Cora. I still have to replace the tampon every three hours on my heaviest days, but that's fine with me! Keep in mind that ultra tampons should only be used when you know you have a heavier flow and need maximum protection. Best Plastic-Free: Rael Organic Tampons. An organic tampon isn't a must, but if you want an eco-friendly option, TOP is it. Tampaxmight have been one of your first introductions to tampons. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? We found that this wasnt a distinguishing point among brands, as nearly every tester reported general satisfaction in this regard with all the tampons they tried. Over time, people who do have whats called a toxigenic strain of staph or strep will develop antibodies to protect themselves from unchecked infections. We will consider the moderately priced and social media fave The Honey Pot tampons for a future update to this guide. Originals), which shed more and our testers liked much less but are just as widely available. Since the early 1980s, the FDA has required tampon manufacturers to put warnings about TSS on their boxes, reminding people not to leave tampons in for an extended period of time (eight hours tends to be the maximum). Tampon ingredients that tend to give people pause include rayon and dioxins. I'm not sure but I love all of the Honey Pot products. They are surprisingly affordable; like, they were the cheapest tampons on the shelf. You know how to take it easy or treat yourself better during that time of the month. 800-335-6839. Cost per tampon (regular absorbency)O.B. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Save your moneybuy the regular version. Retention testing: Following the absorbency test, we evaluate retention (i.e. That's why, to evaluate proper construction, we test for shedding by removing the applicator from the tampon above a dark surface to see how many fibers shed from the tampon. According to this statistic, 18.33 million women in the U.S. used Tampax in 2020. Who is eligible to be part of the iCloud settlement? Specially designed to go in easyand stay putthis beginner tampon has a curved plastic applicator for your comfort. If you do not like any brand, it is suggested that you buy this in bulk by the time they are available in the market. Some testers had trouble finding them in certain reatilers. Unscented tampon expands and moves with you for full coverage, helping prevent leaks. Pro Comfort: 16, pack of 40O.B. (Theres even some evidence suggesting the opposite.) Is Snap being discontinued in 2023? Heavy-flow testers praised the ultra-absorbency Pearl tampons for being able to contain what one tester referred to as their volcano flow. In our fiber-shedding test, these tampons showed minimal shedding. What is the most popular color countertop? What the reviews say: "I have tried every tampon in the market, and these are the best. Conneaut, OH. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}These Bidets Will Keep Your Butt Happier Than Ever, This Is The World We Live In, We Live With MS, These Healthy Habits of the Royals Are Worth Steal, Find Your Purpose In Life In 3 Easy Steps, How One Woman Takes Control Of Her Life With MS, Say Goodbye To Those Ingrown Hairs On Your Vulva, 'I Tried This Stress-Relief Device For 30 Days', Sweaty Sleepers Need These Mattress Toppers, 3 Bladder Health Myths You Need to Stop Believing, Here's Everything Jenna Bush Hager Eats In A Day, How To Talk To Your Doc About Your Bathroom Habits. And nothing we read raised health concerns about the materials in the applicators. We then narrowed the list, favoring lines that were well reviewed, less expensive on a per-tampon basis, and widely available at a variety of US retailers. Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst who has been at Good Housekeeping for over three years. There are a lot of good brands of tampons that are available in the market. For example, jails typically provide the beige-colored, regular-sized Tampax and Kotex products. Those tampon sizeslight, regular, super, super plus, and ultraare all defined by specific absorbency according to FDA rules. Its hard to find anybody who works on tampons or tampon-related research who isnt firmly in one of two very opposite camps. Are you looking for best super plus tampons, we've consulted top experts who has in-and-out knowledge about the super plus tampons. Doesn't matter how heavy your flow is. With such a large variety of tampons available in your pharmacy aisle, it's easy to get overwhelmed with too many choices. One study we found says that organic-cotton tampons decrease the risk of TSS dramatically, but another study found the opposite to be true. Pro Comfort, O.B. They are extremely comfortable and REALLY easy to use. We also read a lot of documents from environmental groupsand threw most of them out because they lacked scientific merit. Organic tampons received high scores for holding onto fluid to prevent leaks. That percentage goes up over the years: At 20, they have a 75 percent chance of being protected; at 30, they have a 90 percent chance of having those safety antibodies. When you really spell it out like that, it's kind ofeye-opening. original tampons are the top tested no-applicator style. Several testers also reported a fear of labia snagging and other discomfort with cardboard applicators. All the websites and stores selling these temples have leftover stocks. This 36-count value pack includes two levels of absorbency: 18 regular and 18 super unscented tampons to fit your period needs. What the reviews say: "U by Kotex Super Plus compact tampons are the ones you need on heavy flow days, international flights, pool days, intense workouts or you simply need maximum protection. A handful of bills have also proposed that the US Congress require tampon manufacturers to disclose the chemicals and processes they use in manufacturing sanitary products. Plus, dioxins are all around in low levels: Meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish all contain dioxins. These are the tampons we bought: Kotex Security. Some of the tampons tested positive for things like . 32 Super plus Tampons; individually wrapped; packaging may vary from image shown; U By Kotex feminine products are now FSA-eligible in the U.S. These regular absorbency tampons expand to naturally fit your body helping to prevent leaks - absorbing 9-12 grams of fluid. - 40 Count? Here are the 10 best tampon brands right now. A lawsuit of 6 million dollars was filed against this brand. An IRS rule change means your employer may allow you to adjust your FSA contributions midyear. At Target, find tampons that are alcohol-free, chlorine-free, dye-free, BPA-free, hypoallergenic and more. It follows that they are also easier to store, take up less room in a pocket or bag, and produce less waste. Several people have suggested a menstrual cup, which I might try, but I also would love to have a larger tampon to use. There are options for all types of flows. Ingredients Absorbent Materials Comprised of Cotton and Rayon, Polypropylene Cover, Rayon, Polyester or Cotton String Rodriguez-Ayala and McClellan say higher absorbency tampons have been linked to an increased risk of toxic shock syndromea bacterial infection that can be deadly. Violence and abuse against Aboriginal women are disproportionately common in Australia. If not, then move up to a higher absorbency, like super or ultra. The Honey Pot Company's founder Bea Dixon started her company when she was having trouble remedying her bacterial vaginosis.The brand's feminine-care products are natural, plant-based, biodegradable, cruelty-free, clinically tested, and gynecologist-approved.In addition to tampons, The Honey Pot Company also has feminine washes and wipes, menstrual cups, and pads in its lineup. You'll never buy another tampon again. Your tampon should be, too Upon even deeper investigation, the CDC found that people who used a tampon were far more likely to come down with TSS than people who didnt. Our top picks: 1 Best Overall Tampons Tampax Pure Organic Tampons $16 at Amazon 2. But theres a reason why youre thinking about joining Squad Tampon in the first place, and it probably has a lot to do with convenience. Overall, the evidence to support organic over non-organic tampons isnt conclusive. Original Non-Applicator Tampons, Ultra Absorbancy (40 Count). So all those hoping this discontinuation is temporary must not have false hopes. There are a lot more nontoxic choices. These organic tampons were top performers and are made by Seventh Generation, which is a B Corp company with an ethical ethos. They praised the standard-size applicators, the relatively long and thick braided strings, and the uniquely sturdy, easy-to-open wrappers that made disposal of used tampons a breeze. The news was revealed to the public with the help of the official website of the cortex. If youre interested in tampon alternatives, we also have guides to menstrual cups and period underwear. I personally like applicators, and these were just as good as regular Kotex/Tampax. We had some of the testers who tried digital tampons test reusable tampon applicators from Dame (25, or about $32) and Thinx ($60). Digital or applicator-free tampons are designed to be inserted with your fingers. It's still a go-to for me. The Pure ingredients listed there are: polyethylene (applicator), organic cotton (absorbent core), organic cotton (thin fabric veil around absorbent core), polypropylene (LeakGuard braid), cotton (string), polyester (thread), polyethylene (wrapper). When GH analysts removed the tampon from the applicator, we did notice some shedding. Ready to give tampons a go? The Tampax Pearl ingredient list says that Pearl tampons may include rayon, while Tampax Pure and both of our O.B. Despite being so popular, the brand has discontinued this particular product. The Pure version also performed well on our fiber-shedding test. Doctors share what to look for in a beginner tampon, and why it matters. Copyright 2022. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 3 x U by Kotex Security Tampons SUPER Unscented 16 Count (48 Total) Free Shipping Damaged Boxes Brand new and sealed with damage to boxes. They also have a unique design that expands width-wise tofit your body, so you don't have to worry about leaks. Playtex Sport Compact and Playtex Stella seemed to have the same tampon as Playtex Sport within slightly different plastic applicators, so we did not include these in the testing pool. When it came to tampons to wear when exercising or swimming, our panel highly recommended Playtex Sport tampons. Are Kotex tampons available in the market? is the brand you want. Sign In. In addition to Womens Health, her work has appeared in SELF, on Fox News Health, and on Life by DailyBurn. In response, the brand has said they are incredibly apologetic for the discontinuation. They also carry a version for sports and one for security (which means theyre extra absorbent). (Fun fact: Only Germans and Austrians have a higher tampon-use rate than Americans; people in much of the rest of the world rely even more exclusively on pads.) Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. I truly can feel a difference and feel so much better about my period. During our research, we read a lot of papers on the risk of toxic shock syndrome, as well as on the various materials found in tampons. And you don't have to just settle for what your mom handed you the first time you saw a red spot on your underwear. Kotex recently revealed to the public that they would discontinue their tampon range. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It has an army of women who regularly buy products from this brand. However, in our tests its uniquely tiny light digital version was beloved by people who had this level of flow. The number of conventional tampon brands has remained about the same since we first published this guide in 2016, with most boxes on the shelves offered by Kotex, O.B., Playtex, and Tampax. tampons are mostly organic). Tampax. The Honest Companys tampons come in only super and super plus absorbencies and are more expensive than our picks. While Dr. Shepherd says you can try out different kinds of applicators to see what feels the most comfortable for you, plastic applicators are known for being a little easier to use. $59.95. They are easy to insert, are compact, and they rarely leak like other tampons. The brand will no longer sell its famous security tampons to the public. U by Kotex Sleek Super Tampons (18 Count) $9 Shop Now 6 best, easy-to-use tampons for beginners. Original Non-Applicator Tampons, Ultra Absorbancy (40 Count) The Honest Company. More than 200 separate lots, as identified by. Amanda Woerner is the executive digital editor at Women's Health and a certified personal trainer. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia? If youre eco-friendly, o.b. I have always had good luck with these. I measured one of the last ones I had and they were about 20mm in diameter whereas the Playtex ones I had to buy instead were ~15mm in diameter. Is Hot Topic going out of business in 2023 How they doing financially? But if you really need an applicator, they also have a plant-based version. Symptoms of TSS include a sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, a sunburn-like rash, headaches, and seizures. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. "I love o.b. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. They feature a pocket at the base to keep your fingers protected when inserting. The FSA deadline is back after two years of pandemic-related extensions, and weve got you covered with these FSA-eligible Wirecutter picks. The brand was famous for providing tampons and had a loyal fan base. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time. For this guide, we talked to two representatives from tampon manufacturers: Anne Hochwalt, a researcher at Procter & Gamble; and Terry Balluck, a spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark. Besides this, you will also get the opportunity to buy one hundred percent cotton tampons that are softer and more friendly to your skin. In every test we conducted, sport tampons were the same as their non-sport counterparts, with a slightly different applicator. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience on product quality assessment. Tampax organic tampons got high scores for absorbing fluid, producing minimal shedding and being comfortable inserting and removing, according to our testers. This brand sells mostly applicator-free tampons, which are helpful if you want to reduce waste. Continue with Recommended Cookies. These are products that are more expensive, but I don't mind since I only use them monthly. These tampons typically cost about twice as much as the conventional version. Tampax Pure tampons are less widely accessible compared to Tampax Pearl, according to our testers. Contact your health care provider if you have pain, fever or other unusual symptoms. Systemic obstacles prohibit individuals from obtaining justice and Their regular size is perfect for beginners thanks to its easy-grip applicator design. Organic Cotton Tampons, Super Plus (36 Count) Playtex. What the reviews say: "I've used pads by this brand in the past. Likewise, Rael debuted an organic applicator tampon after we finalized our testing pool, and Seventh Generation recently downsized and revamped its tampon offerings. Future US LLC, 1100 13th St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Each product is hand-selected by our editors because we think you'll Similarly, you will find many other brands that lock up everything and prevent any leakage. I've tried every single brand out there and these are the only tampons that stay in place throughout the entire day! The new U by Kotex line includes tampons, pads and liners available in brightly colored and eye-catching designs, and serves as the Kotex brands first step in redefining the category by encouraging women to change the conversation surrounding feminine care from one of shame and embarrassment to one of open, honest . Lines within brands often include the same tampon in slightly different applicators. We sent each tester three samples of each tampon of the type they usually used, between 45 and 66 in all per tester. Thinxs reusable applicator, in particular, had a soft silicone holder that didnt always stay in place during insertion. Subscription boxes make it easy to always have the products you need once your period arrives never be caught off guard without your favorite tampon. In Lab testing, this style did show more leaks than other tampons tested. GH analysts found that they had a lower absorbency than other styles. Searching for U by Kotex Security Pads, Maxi, Overnight, Jumbo Pak! Leak-free protection, non-chlorine bleached cotton, 100 percent organic cotton, and a biodegradable applicatorthats what youre signing up for if you buy Rael tampons. These were the only style of tampons tested to feature resealable wrappers for discreet disposal, which was a favorite feature among our testers! Archived post. 2239. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. These super plus absorbency tampons can hold 12-15 grams of fluid. Tampons with applicators typically rely on plastic or cardboard and come in a variety of designs, all of which are intended to make insertion of the cotton wad easier and more comfortable. Learn more. We considered the naturalbut not organicJust (by Tampax), as well as Brandless cardboard applicator tampons, but chose not to panel-test either. 2. Construction testing: Ideally, tampons shouldn't shed you don't want fibers left behind after insertion and removal. Please take a look at the pictures and message me with any questions. Following the 2019 reclassification of menstrual productssuch as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwearas qualified medical expenses, you can now use health care flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds to buy them. If youre springing for organic-cotton tampons because youre worried about exposure to harmful ingredients, that isnt necessary. Cora, an organic brand, is the only company that sells non-applicator light tampons, but it wasnt a standout in any other way. Thank you Tampax Pearl for your super absorbency! Like O.B. In one paper that examined the level of dioxins in both tampons and diapers, the authors conclude that exposures to dioxins from tampons are approximately 13,000240,000 times less than dietary exposures. In other words, dont worry about it. Why Trust Us? Generally, our tester panel preferred tampons with plastic applicators than cardboard or no applicator styles. We also tested organic tampons from Oi, Rael, and Organyc and found that none were standouts worth paying more for compared with O.B. Looks like we're having trouble connecting to our server. Lola subscription boxes let you choose a variety of tampons and pads to be included in each shipment. You Can Now Change Your FSA Contributions Midyear. But over time, many new products have been launched for this course. Satisfaction guaranteed! Over 150 consumer testers at home tried tampons that match their preferences, giving feedback on comfort, fit, absorbency and more. tampons we like best cost on average 25 percent less than other leading applicator-free tampons. It also features interlocking fibers to help trap and prevent leaks. *At the time of publishing, the price was $7. Period underwear designed to handle your flow and menstrual cups that come in a variety of sizes and shapes provide more options for managing your flow. These are nice. They come in light, regular, super, or super+ absorbencies. U by Kotex. This tampon has a contoured applicator to help you get a comfortable, precise placement. The conventional, non-applicator O.B. We ultimately ordered (and bled on) hundreds of tampons from 18 different brands representing all five FDA-specified absorbencies. Tampax Pearl is also the only line we tested that comes in all five FDA-recognized absorbencies (light to ultra). Although, people who use no-applicator tampons highly recommended them; they found them easier to use while leaving less waste. Tampon manufacturers are not required to disclose exactly what is in their tampons or in what quantities. Theyre also compact enough to slip into your purse and carry around all day. Designed by two moms, these tampons are made from 100-percent biodegradable organic cotton and are free of toxins, chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, and dyes. It sells them under the brand names of Whisper, Lines, Orkid, Evax, and Ausonia. No other U by Kotex products are affected by this recall. O.B. Some testers wish the packaging was more discreet. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our testers found these 100% organic cotton tampons comfy to remove, ideal when changing your tampon frequently.