🩸 Clean Period Care: Because Apparently Even My Tampons Need an Ingredient Label

I’ll be honest — if it were just me, I’d still be grabbing a box of “organic” tampons, calling it a day, and congratulating myself on saving the planet one cardboard applicator at a time.

But then I had daughters.

And suddenly “good enough” stopped feeling good enough.

Because when you start teaching young girls about body literacy and realize half the products marketed to women’s health contain PFAS, silver nanoparticles, or mystery coatings — the kind of stuff you’d never let near your skincare, let alone inside your body — it changes the vibe real fast.

Cue me falling down a months-long rabbit hole of fabric testing, ingredient sleuthing, and let’s-just-say graphic fit trials. I wanted to find period products that were actually clean — not just greenwashed and fragranced like regret.

If you’re reading this with a cup of coffee in one hand and mild skepticism in the other, I get it.

Period underwear sounded like a marketing fever dream to me too.

But somewhere between “this is ridiculous” and “why am I oddly comfortable right now,” I became a convert.

Lilova: The Organic Cotton Contender

Shop Lilova Period Underwear →

Lilova’s organic cotton collection checked all the right boxes on paper — OEKO-TEX® certified, PFAS-free, silver-free, breathable, and pretty enough to feel like real underwear.

The reality? A mixed bag.

The Jade Cotton Brief looked promising but the waistband felt rough and surprisingly cheap for an otherwise clean product. Not a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you have a long torso or are sensory-sensitive, it’s noticeable.

The Kate Bikini, on the other hand, was super comfortable — soft, stretchy, and cleanly made — just not quite long enough for my hip. For most women, it hits that everyday comfort sweet spot. It fits very similarly to the PACT Organic Cotton Lace Waist Brief, so if that’s your go-to cut, the Kate will feel familiar.

✅ Clean factor: PFAS-free, silver-free, OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton.

⚠️ Fit note: Mid-rise and moderate coverage; size up if you prefer a longer rise.

And here’s the thing: I went through every single brand I could find, and only two passed the test — no polyester or synthetics touching the skin, and verified PFAS-free.

Which brings me to Modibodi.

Modibodi: The Gold-Standard Upgrade

Shop Modibodi →

After testing every “organic,” “non-toxic,” and “probably-fine” pair on the internet, Modibodi came out ahead for comfort, design, and pure common sense. They actually feel like underwear — not like a science project with seams.

The Sensual French Cut is everything the other brands promised but couldn’t deliver: high enough rise, flattering leg line, and zero digging on the hips.

The Sleep Short became my postpartum and travel hero — no wedgies, no leaks, no midnight wardrobe adjustments.

And the Teen Line deserves an award.

It’s 95 % organic cotton with a merino gusset, which somehow stays drier, softer, and more breathable than anything else I tried. It’s gentle enough for younger girls and anyone whose skin protests at the first hint of synthetics.

Sizing? True to size. I didn’t find Modibodi snug at all — just comfortably secure. If you’re between sizes or have a fuller seat, you can size up, but for most, their chart is spot-on.

Both Lilova and Modibodi are OEKO-TEX® certified and PFAS-free, but Modibodi wins on feel and function.

Even with the absurd import tariffs (seriously, why is U.S. Customs charging luxury-tax levels on underwear?), I still reach for Modibodi every single cycle.

They occasionally run 50 %-off sales, which helps offset the shipping drama and makes it easier to stock up.

✅ Clean factor: PFAS-free, silver-free, OEKO-TEX® certified, merino + cotton gusset.

✅ Comfort factor: Feels like normal underwear — just smarter.

⚠️ Shipping reality: Ships from Australia; expect duties unless they’re running a promo.

The Real Goal Isn’t Perfection — It’s Progress

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — you now know more about underwear chemistry than most textile engineers. (You also deserve a snack.)

Here’s the truth: none of this is about chasing some minimalist purity badge. It’s about reducing exposure, making informed swaps, and teaching our daughters that comfort, cleanliness, and confidence aren’t mutually exclusive.

For me, the switch wasn’t instant. I still keep a stash of organic tampons for travel or those “I can’t even” days. But now I know exactly what touches my body and why — and that’s the kind of literacy I want my girls to inherit.

So start where you are:

• Swap one product.
• Try one new fabric.
• Notice how your body feels.

And if you’re somewhere between “this feels weird” and “wow, why am I so comfortable right now,” welcome to the club. That’s the sound of your nervous system realizing your period gear isn’t fighting you anymore.

If you’ve ever struggled with menstrual cups or discs that just won’t sit right, stay tuned — I’m breaking down pelvic tilt, cervix height, and how to actually get a disc to cooperate in my next post. (Spoiler: it’s not you. It’s geometry.)

Clean, Tested, and Truly Comfortable Picks

• Lilova Kate Bikini – Organic cotton, comfy, mid-rise.
• Modibodi Cotton-Merino Range – PFAS-free, OEKO-TEX® certified, drier feel.
• Flex Plant+ Disc – PFAS-free, plant-based disposable for testing your fit before going reusable.
• Natracare Organic Tampons & Honeypot Organic Tampons – Still the cleanest grab-and-go option.

Sometimes the cleanest swap isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing better.

Even if that just means the next generation of women in your house doesn’t have to think twice about what’s in their underwear drawer.