The Best Period Care Products: What to Look For + My Favorite Swaps

Let’s talk about what’s really in most period products because no one ever taught us this stuff.

Pads, tampons, pain relievers, and all the products we use during our cycles are things many of us reach for every single month without giving them much thought. But when it comes to our feminine health, I think it’s worth taking a closer look at what we’re using and what options are available.

As a holistic RN, I’ve learned that your period shouldn’t feel like punishment. Your cycle can give you important information about your health, and I believe in listening to your body, supporting it, and being intentional about the products we use.

The good news? There are so many options out there, from organic cotton period products and period underwear to heating pads, cycle tracking tools, and herbal products.

I’ve rounded up my favorite period care swaps to help you figure out where to start!

Ingredients I Look Out for in Period Products

When shopping for period products, I like to pay attention to the materials, ingredients, and manufacturing practices behind them.

Here are a few things I consider.

Fragrance: Fragrance can contain a mixture of ingredients that aren't individually listed on the label. Because products used around the vulvar area can cause irritation for some people, I prefer fragrance-free options.

Dyes and colorants: Some products contain added dyes or colorants that aren't necessary for their intended use. I prefer simpler formulations when possible, especially for products that come into contact with sensitive skin.

Plastic materials: Some pads and liners contain plastic components, including polyethylene and polypropylene.

Titanium dioxide: This ingredient is used as a pigment in some products. The route of exposure matters when assessing its safety, so I prefer to look at how and where an ingredient is used rather than assuming every use carries the same risk.

Bleaching and manufacturing processes: I like brands that are transparent about their materials and manufacturing practices. If you're shopping for tampons or pads, you can look for brands that explain their cotton sourcing and bleaching processes.

And one important reminder: organic doesn't automatically mean irritation-free or that a product is completely free of every ingredient you may want to avoid. Read the label, look into the brand's practices, and choose what works best for your body.

My Favorite Period Underwear

Period underwear can be a convenient option for managing your cycle, whether you use it on its own or as backup with another menstrual product.

I like that there are different absorbencies and styles available, so you can find something that fits your flow and routine.

Here are some brands to explore.

Wild Moon
An option to explore for period underwear. Look for the style and absorbency that work best for your needs.

Lilova
Period underwear in a range of styles for different preferences and levels of coverage.

Saalt
A menstrual care brand with reusable period underwear and other period products.

Boody
A brand to explore for everyday underwear and period underwear options.

Revol Cares
An option to look into for leakproof underwear. Check the product details to find the right absorbency for your flow.

The Period Company
Another brand to explore if you're looking for reusable period underwear.

Pixie Cup
Known for menstrual cups and other period care products, including options for people interested in reusable alternatives.

When choosing period underwear, pay attention to the materials, absorbency, washing instructions, and how long the product is intended to be worn. Follow the care instructions and change out of wet or soiled underwear as needed.

My Favorite Pads, Tampons & Menstrual Cups

If you prefer disposable products or want a mix of disposable and reusable options, there are plenty of brands to compare.

Disposable Pads and Tampons

Rael
Offers organic cotton period products, including pads and tampons.

Maxim
A brand to explore for organic cotton menstrual products.

Viv
Offers period care products, including options for people looking for alternatives to conventional products.

Organyc
Known for organic cotton feminine care products, including pads and tampons.

Tampon Tribe
An option to explore for period products made with organic cotton.

Organic Initiative
Offers organic cotton period products, including pads.

Natracare
A brand with a range of period products, including pads, tampons, and liners.

Pixie
Offers a variety of menstrual care products and reusable options.

Menstrual Cups and Reusable Options

If you're interested in reducing the number of disposable products you use, menstrual cups are another option to consider.

The Honey Pot Company
Offers period care products, including menstrual cups, pads, and tampons.

Cora
A period care brand with disposable and reusable options, including menstrual cups, pads, and tampons.

Lola
Offers organic cotton tampons, pads, and reusable menstrual products.

Rael
Another option to explore if you're looking for organic cotton period products alongside other feminine care essentials.

My Favorite Cycle Tracking & Pain Management Tools

Your cycle can give you helpful information about patterns in your body, including when your period starts, how long it lasts, and whether you notice recurring symptoms.

Tracking your cycle can help you recognize patterns and give you more useful information to discuss with your healthcare provider if something changes.

Here are some of the products and tools featured in my guide.

Natural Cycles
A cycle-tracking app to explore if you're interested in tracking your menstrual cycle and fertility signs. Be sure to understand the app's intended use and limitations, especially if you're using cycle tracking to avoid pregnancy.

LumeBox
A red-light therapy device featured in my wellness favorites.

Rael Heating Patch
A convenient option to explore when you want portable warmth during your period.

Glow Heating Pad
A heating pad option for those days when you want to get comfortable at home.

Jovi Pain Patch
A wearable option to look into for localized comfort.

Mett Naturals CBD
A CBD product line featured in my guide.

Heat can be helpful for menstrual cramps, and tracking your symptoms can help you notice whether certain approaches seem to work for you. If your pain is severe, worsening, or interfering with everyday activities, don't feel like you have to just push through it. Talk with your healthcare provider.

My Favorite Herbs & Homeopathics for Period Support

There are also herbal products and homeopathic options that people explore as part of their period care routines.

Here are the brands and products featured in my period care guide.

Wild Wholistic
A wellness brand to explore for cycle-related support products.

BioRay Before the Flow
A product featured for the days leading up to your period.

BioRay After the Flow
Another option from BioRay to explore as part of a cycle-focused wellness routine.

WishGarden Herbs Cramp Release
An herbal product marketed for menstrual discomfort.

Herb Pharm Cramp Care
An herbal option to research if you're looking into products intended for menstrual cramps.

Earthley Ease the Ache
A product featured in my guide for period-related discomfort.

Just Ingredients PMS Support
An option to explore if you're looking for a product formulated for PMS support.

Boiron Cyclease Cramps
A homeopathic product marketed for menstrual cramp discomfort.

Boiron Cyclease PMS Relief
Another homeopathic option marketed for PMS symptoms.

Dr. GreenLife Nature ProFen
A product to explore as part of your research into period support options.

What About Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers?

I know many of us automatically reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever when cramps hit.

Some medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can help relieve menstrual cramps for many people. They aren't right for everyone, though, and they can have side effects and interact with certain medications or health conditions.

If you're trying to find a routine that works for you, you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

I also like to have other comfort measures available, such as a heating pad, comfortable clothing, rest, hydration, and cycle tracking so I can recognize patterns.

You don't have to choose between supporting your body and getting relief. The goal is to find an approach that's safe and works for you.

How I Approach a More Intentional Period Care Routine

You don't need to replace every product in your bathroom overnight.

Start with the products you use most often and make changes as it makes sense for you.

Here are a few things I like to keep in mind:

• Read the labels. Pay attention to materials, fragrances, and other ingredients.
• Explore different menstrual products. Pads, tampons, period underwear, and menstrual cups all have different benefits and considerations.
• Track your cycle. Keeping a record of your period dates, symptoms, and pain levels can help you recognize patterns.
• Find what helps you feel comfortable. Heat, rest, and other comfort measures may help you manage ordinary menstrual discomfort.
• Don't ignore persistent symptoms. Severe pain, unusually heavy bleeding, or significant changes in your cycle deserve attention.
• Research supplements before using them. Natural doesn't automatically mean safe for every person or situation.

And remember, your period doesn't need to look exactly like someone else's. Your flow, symptoms, and cycle length can vary, and changes are worth paying attention to.

Shop My Period Care Favorites

Want to see all the products and brands in one place?

I've rounded up my favorite period care swaps, from pads and tampons to period underwear, cycle tracking tools, and products for menstrual comfort.

SHOP MY CURRENT FEMININE + FERTILITY FAVORITES

 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.