Natracare – All Natural, Toxin Free Feminine Hygiene Products

Disclosure: I was sent product in exchange for a review.

I’m what you might call “kinda crunchy”.  I watch what my family eats, trying to avoid most processed foods, and things that masquerade as food.  My babies wear cloth diapers.  My kids use all natural shampoo and body wash.  Etc.  Etc.

Why, then, has it been so hard for me to get the toxins out of my bathroom?

Hold the phone!   Toxins?  What are you talking about toxins?!

Yes, sir.  Unfortunately, many–and I mean many–toxic chemicals (that have been banned in other countries, mind you) are still regularly included in our personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, makeup, you name it.

There are several reasons I still have toxin laden personal care products in my bathroom.  The #1 reason is that they were given to me by someone else.  I’m not really one to throw things out so I use it up before buying new, all-natural products.  The #2 reason is simply knowledge, not knowing what is in the products you are using and not knowing what your alternatives are.

This is especially true in the case of feminine hygiene products.   I grew up using the mainstream, popular brands of tampons, pads, and panty liners.  When I wanted to switch, with the exception of a couple choices I’m not quite brave enough to try, I didn’t know about any other options.

Last month, I was contacted by a company called Natracare®.  It was then I learned that there are healthier and comparable alternatives to the products I was already using.

Why is it important to seek healthier feminine hygiene products?

The following are some Q&A’s provided me by Natracare that will help explain the importance of using toxin free feminine hygiene products.

1.      How do I know what my tampon or pad is made of?

You don’t because there are no regulations that require companies to list ingredients on sanitary products.  Tampon manufacturers list some ingredients, but don’t have to reveal all because proprietary ingredients and formulas are legally protected.  Most tampons are chlorine-bleached, made from 100% rayon or a mixture of conventionally grown cotton and rayon.  Colored withdrawal cords have probably been dyed with azo that use heavy metals in production, potentially leaving residuals in the string.

2.      What does “cotton-like” mean on the packaging of tampons, pads, liners and wipes?
“Cotton-like” refers to materials that are not made from pure cotton and don’t contain any cotton fibres.  Using “cotton-like” on packaging is just a ploy to make you think that something is made from cotton when it’s actually made of synthetic fibers like rayon and viscose.

3.      What’s the difference between regularly grown cotton and certified organic cotton?
Conventionally grown cotton is the most pesticide sprayed crop in the world, damaging the health of farmers and their families as well as contaminating the soil and water on their farmland.  Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.  The cost of using organic cotton is a little more; however, its benefits for women, the environment and helping third world country workers live a better life is  priceless.

4.      Why do feminine hygiene manufacturers use plastic and super absorbents in their sanitary napkins?
Most conventional pads are made using synthetic materials like polypropylene and plastic, and use a super absorbent material that is made from petroleum to prevent leakage and absorb moisture.  Natracare’s are high quality products that perform using only natural and organic materials that are biodegradable and compostable.

5.      Why is latex used in sanitary products?
Some companies use latex to make the wings on pads more flexible, or in the surface cover that is used in pads and liners.  Without enforced labeling it makes it impossible for women who have latex allergies to find out if there is latex in feminine hygiene products and women with latex allergies could experience rashes and irritation.  Natracare never uses latex.

6.      Why do gynecologists recommend Natracare sanitary products?
Many gynecologists advise women with sensitive skin to use Natracare in order to reduce their contact with chlorine bleached materials, and also products containing synthetics, latex, plastic and super absorbents made from petrochemicals.

After learning about the Natracare all natural feminine hygiene products I noticed them one day as I was  cruising down the personal care aisle at the Commissary (military grocery store)! I was shocked and excited that they are available at my local store.  Not only that, but they were super inexpensive–perhaps just a matter of cents more than the big name non-organic/natural brands.

In addition to the products already mentioned, Natracare makes maternity and nursing pads, baby wipes, and incontinence pads.  Product prices range from $3.62-$8.24.

Natracare products are available at a large variety of grocery stores throughout the United States as well as online.  If you live outside the United States check this page to find where you can purchase Natracare products.

You can learn more about Natracare at their website, or on their Facebook page.