Let’s be honest — if tampons had ingredient labels, half of us would’ve gone back to bed years ago.
I used to think “organic” automatically meant safe. I assumed “fragrance-free” meant gentle. Then I learned how often “green” marketing leaves out the part that matters: materials, coatings, and what’s actually been tested.
This post is the sequel to my clean period underwear deep dive — but this time, we’re going inside the body. Because when something sits against highly absorbent tissue for hours, “mostly clean” doesn’t cut it.
Here’s what’s worth your money (and what I’d skip), plus a practical reality check about anatomy, fit, and why some discs feel like they require a minor in geometry.
Why Clean Matters (Again)
If the underwear post was about what’s touching your skin, this one’s about what’s inside your body.
- Vaginal tissue is absorbent. It’s not designed to “filter” questionable materials.
- Coatings and plastics matter. Applicators, leak guards, and “soft-touch” finishes can introduce ingredients you never signed up for.
- Microbiome disruption is real. Irritation isn’t always “your body being dramatic.” Sometimes the product is the problem.
The Problem With Conventional Period Products
Even mainstream “better-for-you” options can include things I’m not interested in putting inside my body:
- PFAS indicators (often associated with water-/leak-resistant coatings and certain plastics)
- Fragrance, dyes, and plasticizers that can irritate tissue and disrupt the vaginal microbiome
- Synthetic fibers (often rayon blends) that raise questions for sensitive bodies
Note: When I reference PFAS concerns below, I’m speaking from the perspective of “choose the most transparent + best-tested options available.” If a brand publishes testing, I recommend linking it directly. When testing is incomplete, I say so.
My Gold Standard Criteria
To make my “yes” list, a tampon/liner/cup/disc had to check these boxes:
- Clear material transparency (what it’s made of, no vague language)
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, chlorine-free (or clearly stated processing)
- No petroleum-based “extras” (coatings, additives, unnecessary chemical finishes)
- Microbiome-respectful design (no antimicrobial coatings as a selling point)
- Real-world comfort (clean shouldn’t mean painful or fiddly)
Clean Tampons & Liners That Passed (and Almost Passed)
Let’s be real: tampons were my comfort zone for years. Then I learned enough to ruin my own peace — and now here we are.
Natracare
- Why I like them: consistent, simple materials; no “cute” marketing ingredients; widely trusted in the clean space.
- Best for: everyday reliability.
- Heads up: if you’re used to ultra-super mainstream absorbency, these can feel lighter (that’s often the point).
Rael (Organic line)
- Why I like them: mainstream-accessible, modern feel, generally solid transparency.
- Best for: convenience without “conventional” ingredients.
- Heads up: check specialty lines for added ingredients (some brands add botanical extras in certain products).
The Honey Pot (bridge brand)
- My take: accessible and better-than-conventional, but I prefer brands with clearer, consistent testing/transparency.
- Best for: a “step up” option when you can’t get the others.
Menstrual Cups & Discs: The Good, the Bad, and the Tilted
Cups and discs sound simple until you’re in the bathroom whispering, “Is this… sideways?”
If you’ve struggled with leaks, folding, or a product that vanishes into the north pole of your anatomy: you’re not failing. Fit is anatomy + rim firmness + cervix height.
Quick Fit Guide (before you buy anything)
- Posterior tilt / straighter canal: often does better with a firmer rim that holds shape and seals.
- Anterior tilt / more forward angle: often prefers a softer design that molds comfortably.
- High cervix: prioritize reach + removal features (tabs/notches can matter).
- Low cervix: shorter + softer options often feel better.
My Picks by Category
Saalt Cup & Saalt Disc
Medical-grade silicone. Comfortable for the right anatomy.
- Best for: average-to-low cervix, anterior tilt, or those who prefer gentle flexibility.
- Skip if: you need a firm rim to maintain a seal.
(This is me. I own both sizes — super comfortable, but they don’t seal well with my posterior tilt, so I reach for a firmer rim.)
**I do recommend getting the two pack with both sizes. These are soft enough that if you’re at all unsure of size, you will save money by getting both… and you may need a different size for different stages of your cycle.
Shop Saalt Menstrual Disc 2 Pack
Flex Plant+ Disposable Disc
Great “test run” option if you’re disc-curious and want to learn your fit before committing.
- Best for: travel, trial runs, postpartum transitions, learning your anatomy.
- Skip if: you’re avoiding all disposables, period.
Shop Flex Plant+ Disposable Disc
Flex Reusable Disc
Firmer rim than many soft discs — often a better seal for posterior tilt or higher cervix.
- Best for: posterior tilt, high cervix, heavier flow, people who need a disc that “stays put.”
- Skip if: you’re sensitive to pressure and prefer very soft designs.
Shop Flex Reusable Silicone Disc
Hello Disc / Hello Cup (firm + structured options)
If you’ve had the “it folds and leaks mid-life” experience, firmer designs are often the answer.
- Best for: posterior tilt, high cervix, need for reliable seal, people who want removal features that reduce the fishing expedition.
The Body Knows the Difference
Clean period care isn’t about perfection. It’s about respecting biology.
Your body can tell the difference between breathable vs. irritating, balanced vs. inflamed, and “this is fine” vs. “please remove that immediately.”
Use fewer, better products. Ones you trust. Ones that don’t require you to ignore your own signals.
Internal Links
- Clean Period Care (PFAS-Free Underwear Review)
- Menstrual Discs, Pelvic Tilt & Finding Your Fit
- Clean Clothing & Swaps: Everyday Textiles Edition (coming soon)
Want my clean swaps + protocols in one place? You can browse my practitioner dispensary here:
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This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.