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Clean Cycle Swaps

THAT NON-TOXIC LIFE

8/22/20253 min read

Clean Cycle Swaps that'll make your V-part happy!

Why Ditch Chemical Products?

Conventional tampons and pads? They’re like glitter at a trauma spa: they stick around in all the wrong ways. Studies have found they may carry pesticide residues, dioxins from chlorine bleaching, plasticizers (think BPA and phthalates), and fragrances that mess with your pH and hormones.

1. Organic Tampons: Lola vs. Daye (and the rest)

  • Lola Tampons: 100% cotton, no added heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, cadmium), consistently cleared by third-party testing from SGS. Made without synthetic fibers, dyes, bleach, or fragrances. Lola walks the talk.

  • Daye Tampons: Certified organic cotton, pesticide- and metal-free. They even prevent fiber shedding with a protective sleeve. You’re getting peace of mind wrapped around a tampon.

Real‑world catch: A Berkeley study found arsenic and lead present in both organic and non-organic tampons—organic had lower lead, non-organic had higher; but arsenic showed up more in some organics. No one’s clean 100% of the time, but knowledge is power.

But here's the tea: Experts argue there's no concrete medical evidence that organic tampons are safer than regular ones—FDA-regulated tampons (Class II medical devices) are already held to high safety standards.That said, avoiding fragrances is pretty much always a smart move.

2. Inertia Pads vs. Ordinary Pads

  • Inertia Pads shine. Organic Labocell™ core (no microplastics or SAP), certified USDA BioPreferred and biodegradable—breaks down almost 40% in a month. No chlorine, fragrances, or plasticizers.

  • Standard pads? Often loaded with super-absorbent polymers, bleach by-products, fragrances, and plastic components that leave junk against your most absorbent body part.

Bottom line: Inertia is a safer bet, softer, and way more eco-savvy.

3. Menstrual Cups: Saalt (Reusable for Up to 10 Years)

Save cash and the planet. Saalt cups are made from durable, medical-grade silicone and last up to a decade—bye-bye landfill guilt.

4. Period Underwear: Saalt vs. “Just Some Underwear”

Saalt’s leakproof period underwear offers serious backup coverage—great for nights or heavy days. Pair with your cup for next-level comfort.

5. Cramps & Helpers Without the WTF Ingredients

  • Lilas Menstrual Relief Patches: targeted heat therapy to kill cramps like the savage they are.

  • LUXE Bidet NEO 185 with Feminine Wash: Keeps things fresh and clean without douching into an acid war zone.

  • Herbal Ally: Traditional Medicinals Tea, Organic Healthy Cycle (spearmint) to soothe cramps and moods like a herbal hug.

Bonus Crunch: Foods to Avoid + Natural Remedies That Don't Suck

Skip this stuff: Processed sugar, salty snacks (they bloat and crank cramps), caffeine overload (makes muscles tense), and alcohol (mood swings, inflammation, ugh).

Try this instead:

  • Magnesium-rich goodies: leafy greens, almonds, and bananas—magnesium helps muscles chill.

  • Omega-3’s: Fish or flax seeds reduce inflammation.

  • Ginger or chamomile tea: natural anti‑inflammatories that also double as hot-huggers for your soul.

  • Gentle movement: Walk it out or stretch—your uterus isn’t a houseplant, but gentle movement still helps with the cramps.

The Show‑Don’t‑Tell Product Line-Up

TL;DR: Shop Smart, Bleed Cleaner, Feel Queen

  • Organic tampons? Might help reduce exposure to some chemicals—but not a magic cure.

  • Inertia pads? Do yourself a favor—no plastic, no bleach, and biodegradable.

  • Saalt cup/underwear? Eco-friendly, comfy, and dirt-cheap in the long run.

  • Menstrual relief extras (patches, bidet, tea)? They do more than look pretty in your bathroom—they actually help.

  • Eat smart, skip the bloaters. Your body will thank you—inwardly and outwardly.

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