The toxic period care crisis: 10 innovators making a difference

Lead, arsenic and cadmium. All harmful heavy metals commonly found in wastewater — and tampons?  Unfortunately, yes. 

Earlier this year, researchers from the University of California conducted a first-of-its kind study examining tampons — both organic and non-organic  — sold in the United States and Europe.

Organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic. Non-organic tampons had elevated lead concentrations. There is no known safe level of lead exposure. 

Heightening concern about the presence of heavy metals in tampons is uncertainty about whether these contaminants are leaching into women’s bodies.

Surprisingly, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates tampons for their safety, manufacturers are not required to test products for contaminants. 

While this study was shocking, there is growing evidence that many period care products may be contaminated.

For example, less well-known research conducted by the New York Times in 2023, found that nearly half of the 44 tampons, period underwear, menstrual cups, disposable and reusable menstrual pads it tested had some level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as “forever chemicals.” 

PFAS are associated with a range of health risks, including delayed puberty, lower bone mineral density and even type 2 diabetes in women. 

The period care industry is also the source of another problem: environmental pollution.

Every month, around 1.8 billion people globally menstruate. Single-use period products create more than 200,000 metric tons of waste annually.

On an individual level, the average woman will dispose of more than 400 pounds of period product packaging during her lifetime.

Many are made of plastics, which contribute to the growing environmental problem of microplastics in ocean water. 

How Have Consumers Reacted? 

Concerns about heavy metals and the environmental impact of period care products may accelerate a growing shift in consumer preferences for more sustainable, healthy options.

In 2023, the Week reported that sales of tampons in the United Kingdom fell by 12 per cent over the previous five years.

Immediately after the publication of the toxic tampon study, sales of menstrual cups, which offer several advantages, including being reusable and environmentally friendly, surged. 

Some retailers in the United States, such as Target, ran out of supply. 

10 Innovators Working to Solve the Period Care Crisis

Some innovators have been working to address the health and environmental impacts of period care for decades.

One trailblazer is Susie Hewson, MBE who founded the period care company Natracare in 1989.

Natracare’s tampons and other period care products are regularly tested for contaminants, including heavy metals, PFAS and plastics. 

Over the last decade, a range of other period care companies have emerged, many of them founded by women.

Below are nine other innovative, well-known, and rising companies focused on delivering innovative, environmentally friendly, and safe period care products to women from around the world.

• The Flex Co:  An innovator in the menstrual cup industry, with a broad product portfolio of solutions, sold at over 25,000 retailers in the United States. Recently, Flex Co. ramped up production of its menstrual cups because of increased demand following the publication of the toxic tampons study. Location: United States | W: https://flexfits.com
• Vyld: This company is producing sustainable, marine biodegradable and healthy period products manufactured from seaweed. Location: Germany | W: https://www.vyldness.de
• Lemme Be: Launched in response to the growing need for health, safety, and comfort in period care, the company delivers sustainable menstrual cups, reusable period panties and other products. Location: India | W: https://lemmebe.com
• Inertia: A new South Korea-based period care company. They sell organic, sustainable micro-plastic-free sanitary pads using plant-based technology. Location: South Korea | W: https://inertiabio.com
• Lola: Lola sells sustainable products for period care, sexual wellness and vaginal health. The company is focused on delivering clean, non-toxic products with clear labels made without synthetic fibers, fragrance, chlorine or other additives. Location: United States | W: https://mylola.com
• Sunny: Sunny has developed a sustainable menstrual cup product that inserts like a tampon. Location: United States | W: https://sunnyperiod.com
• Rael: Menstrual care and feminine wellness company that provides pads, tampons, pantyliners and period underwear made of natural and organic ingredients.
  Location: United States | W: https://www.getrael.com
• Aisle: Aisle is an award-winning social impact business that specializes in sustainable alternatives to disposable menstrual products through their line of period underwear, washable cloth menstrual pads and menstrual cups.
  Location: Canada | W: https://periodaisle.com
• Trace: Offers a first-of-its kind sanitary pad with non-toxic, pesticide-free hemp fiber, grown by hand-selected farming partners. Location: United States | W: https://traceyourtampon.com 

About the Author:

Fard Johnmar is a health futurist, strategist, and co-founder of the FemAging Project, a global initiative focused on driving women’s health innovation — especially for those aged 40+.

Data and insights in this article were sourced from Femalytics, an intelligence and membership platform for women’s health change-makers.

At Femalytics’ core is a growing database of thousands of market insights and more than 30,000 organizations across numerous categories relevant to women’s health.

Femalytics also features Femmaya, a unique AI assistant powered by the rich and robust Femalytics database.

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