Your organic tampon questions, answered (and myths de-bunked).

You've no doubt seen a heap of organic period products around the block, but what makes them different?

Are organic cotton tampons better for you? Can you still get TSS if you use organic cotton tampons?

Asking questions is important, because it's important to get the (right) facts so that we can all make informed decisions about the period care that's right for each of us. We know you've got lots of questions, Moxette - and lucky for all, we've got the answers!

Welcome to a round-up of your most common questions around organic cotton tampons, answered.

WHAT IS AN ORGANIC TAMPON?

Organic tampons are most commonly made using organic cotton that is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers. The process to grow organic cotton differs from that of conventional cotton - there are different rules and parameters for growing organic cotton to ensure that very specific and strict farming and harvesting practices are met. Different countries may also have different rules and certifications to what can be deemed 'organic' when it comes to tampons and period care products.

Moxie Organics tampons are made using only 100% organic cotton from cover to core, and even the string is organic cotton. They have been certified by Australian Certified Organic (ACO), which means that every part in their manufacturing process meets their strict standards for organic products in Australia.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORGANIC TAMPONS AND REGULAR (NON-ORGANIC) TAMPONS?

The main difference is the constituents (ingredients) - organic tampons are most commonly made using a natural fibre like organic cotton, whereas conventional, non-organic tampons are usually made from man-made, synthetic fibres like rayon.

Rayon is generally cheaper to produce than organic-cotton, is widely available, and is very commonly used for tampon products, but may not suit people with skin sensitivities as it is a synthetic fibre. Organic cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and is grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, so the user can be confident that these won't enter the body through the use of organic tampons.

That said, most countries have very strict regulations associated with the sale of tampons, and so both organic and non-organic tampons must comply with the same very strict standards in order to be sold. This is certainly the case in Australia and the USA.

ARE ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS BETTER FOR YOU?

If we're talking about an organic cotton tampon being 'better for you' from a health perspective, which is what is implied by some brands, the short answer is "no".

No tampon that we're aware of has any *proven* health-related benefits. All tampons are regulated against the same standards and carry the same risks associated with their use, irrespective of what they're made from.

If you have skin sensitivities to certain materials like rayon or polyethylene, then organic cotton might be a more suitable option for you because it's generally deemed to be hypoallergenic (Moxie Organics tampons are, anyway!).

ARE ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

When compared with conventional cotton and some synthetic products, generally speaking, we think yes. As a raw material, conventional cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed and irrigated crops, whereas organic cotton generally requires less water to grow; with many growers employing techniques that negate the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Some tampon products, although they may contain organic cotton components, can also contain synthetic covers or fibres that are not easily biodegradable. For example, where a Moxie Organic cotton tampon takes roughly 6 - 12 months to fully biodegrade, a conventional rayon tampon, or one with synthetic components, may take hundreds of years (and even then it might not fully break down).

Everything has a footprint - we just feel like organic cotton has less of one than some other fibres that are used for similar products.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC TAMPONS?

We believe that their most obvious benefits are in their environmental impact. The process to grow organic cotton is a little lighter on the planet. Moxie Organics tampons are made using cotton that's grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers in a factory powered entirely by water (how amazing is that?!).

Our Organics tamps are also fully biodegradable, as they're made with nothing but organic cotton from cover, to core, to string.

From a personal perspective, if you have sensitive skin, organic cotton may be a good option for you, as it's generally deemed to be a hypoallergenic material.

IS IT TRUE THAT YOU CAN'T GET CERVICAL CANCER OR TSS FROM ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS?

Any links to non-organic tampons and cervical cancer are unfounded as far as we're aware. These types of claims have been circling for YEARS and we're yet to see any solid evidence that is recognised by a credible governing body to back any of these types of claims *still waiting*.

This kind of claim also implies that you can get these things from non-organic tampons and again, that's not proven to be true.

All tampons, irrespective of what they're made from, carry the same risks associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You aren't any less at risk because your tampon is made with organic materials.

Our mantra? Choose a product that's right for you and your flow, and use it carefully in accordance with the instructions in pack.

HOW LONG CAN YOU LEAVE AN ORGANIC COTTON TAMPON IN FOR?

The same amount of time as a non-organic tampon - we recommend changing your tamp every 4 - 6 hrs depending on your flow, but don't leave it in any longer than 8hrs at a time.

CAN ORGANIC TAMPONS MAKE YOUR PERIOD SHORTER?

We wish! But nope, this is absolutely not a thing. We consulted with one of our trusted advisors and experts, Sydney-based Gynaeocologist Dr. Nicole Stamatopoulos and here's what she had to say:

"It doesn't really make sense that organic tampons would/could shorten your periods because the length of a period is determined by how much lining of the uterus needs to be shed", says Dr. Nicole.

We're filing this one under 'myth'.

DO ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS ABSORB MORE?

Both organic and non-organic tampons must comply with very strict standards in order to be sold, and must only absorb within a specific absorption range for their variant/size. So no, organic tampons do not absorb more than non-organic tampons.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ORGANIC TAMPONS FOR A HEAVY FLOW?

So glad you asked! We have two sizes and absorbencies in our Moxie Organics tampon range: Regular for medium flow and Super for heavy flow. If you're on the heavier side, a Super might suit you best (please only use the lowest possible tampon absorbency to suit your flow).

ARE NON-ORGANIC TAMPONS BAD FOR YOU?

For context, let's address this from a health perspective.

As we've mentioned above, some people with skin sensitivities may opt for organic cotton as it's gentle on skin, but otherwise, non-organic tampons aren't harmful to your health as such (assuming they're used correctly, in accordance with the instructions in pack) - they're just different.

All tampons sold in Australia (and most countries), irrespective of what they are made from, must comply with very strict standards set out by credible governing bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, or the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. This is a rigorous and very serious process and to be able to *legally* sell a product in that respective market, you must comply with the standards they set out.

So that said, all tampon products being sold in your country *should* all comply with the same local standard and *should* all adequately absorb period flow. What they're made from, and any other ingredients present, will differ by manufacturer or brand and so we encourage you to do your own research.

At Moxie, we're big believers in choice - organic is a choice, as is non-organic. Your flow, your body, your beliefs, your budget, your choice! All we can do is share the facts so that you can make informed decisions about what's best for you, in a way that's meaningful to you.

WHAT ARE MOXIE ORGANICS TAMPONS MADE FROM?

Our Moxie Organics tampons are 100% organic cotton from cover, to core, to string, and are wrapped in recyclable paper. They don't contain any fragrances or synthetics.

WHERE IS THE MOXIE ORGANICS RANGE MADE?

We use GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certified organic cotton in all our organic cotton period products, including our organic cotton intimate wipes. Our Moxie Organics liners and pads are consciously constructed in China, our intimate wipes in Israel and our tampons in Europe (in a factory that's entirely hydro-powered!).

Why?

Because we go wherever we can find what we deem to be the best. We've looked far and wide and searched hard to find credible, trustworthy and ethical suppliers we can trust to produce the best possible period care we can. For much of Moxie's lifetime over the past 15+ years, we're proud to say we've worked with the same trusted suppliers throughout.