Élan Wanderlust

I want to have an upfront discussion on feminine hygiene products and their impact on our bodies. I’m sure you’ve come across adverts for the ‘best’ sanitary pad or tampon 🩸 – but which type is best for our health and is it also good for the environment? I’m going to review a British-founded brand that I personally use. It’s called Natracare and they have been making sanitary pads and tampons since 1989! 😮

Their eco-friendly and chemical-free products don’t get as much screen time as they should so I am going to share my honest thoughts before you invest in your next monthly care purchase.

It would be great to hear about your experiences with Natracare or similar brands in the comments section below.

Let’s discuss menstrual hygiene with the sensitivity and grace that it deserves. 💗

How did I come across Natracare?

Back in 2019, whilst shopping at the Dutch eco-friendly supermarket chain Ekoplaza, I made a conscious effort to to switch my toiletries from bargain buys to toxin-free products.

Enter Natracare‘s cute pink packaging.

The visual barometer aid for flow type was very appealing. I grabbed a handful of their products, ranging from heavy to low flow suitability, and placed them in my shopping basket to purchase at the till.

First impressions

The sanitary towels come in dinky cubed packages, some with a silken plastic-y feel and others in smooth cardboard. I haven’t yet deciphered the significance of the different colors, as the larger packages are pink, whereas the smaller green rectangular box, designed for lighter flows, contains thinner towels.

I’m sure much thought has been put into the color scheme of each package, which is simple and aesthetically pleasing.

For very heavy flow on days 1-3, I would recommend Natracare’s Night Time Natural Maxi Pads. These are suitable even during the daytime and are incredibly comfortable.

Élan Wanderlust

The Ultra Extra Super Period Pads work well for medium flow, and the winged style is helpful.

At the end of the cycle, Curved Panty Liners are sufficient.

Natracare vs. ‘Mainstream’ sanitary towels

✅ The major difference between Natracare and mainstream tampons/panty liners is the delicate feel of Natracare on the skin – there is no chafing against your skin.

This is an important factor to consider when choosing these products, as they make contact with our most intimate area for prolonged periods of time (pun intended).

✅ Natracare is made with 100% organic cotton whereas mainstream brands like Kotex¹ use Polyethylene 🤢 to enhance softness.

🚫 Let’s unpack why Polyethylene is even worse than it sounds:

1. Polyethylene takes years to decompose so it’s very bad for our environment.
2. Polyethylene is a waterproof material, which means it can trap moisture and sweat against the skin. This can lead to irritation, redness, and even bacterial or fungal growth in some cases.

🤔 Although Natracare may seem pricier (a pack of 10 Natracare Night pads cost £3.35² vs. 10-pack Kotex Night pads which are £1.99³), it is well worth investing in your reproductive health for both short-term comfort and long-term benefits.

How can I be more prepared for my menstrual cycle 🩸?

It’s always advisable to keep a few sanitary towels or tampons in your personal or work bag.

Consider purchasing a discreet fabric wallet or metal tin for privacy. Since public bathrooms may not always provide comfortable or high-quality sanitary products, it’s wise to be prepared when nature calls!

I have linked some portable and discreet sanitary towel holders available in the UK:

Pink cosmetic bag with strap – £5

KALIONE Sanitary Napkin Storage Bag – £4.49

Where can I buy Natracare products?

As of September 2024, you can purchase Natracare products in the UK via BigGreenSmile, an eco-friendly e-commerce site. I like this site for their reliable delivery and wide product range.

The grocery delivery platform Ocado also sells a variety of Natracare products.

For the Netherlands 🇳🇱 – Ekoplaza still sells this brand in their physical stores across the country as well as their webshop.

Supporting other women on their periods

I am truly grateful to be able to discuss this topic without stigma and without financial barriers to accessing good-quality sanitary products. However, I encourage you to consider supporting local or global initiatives that focus on menstrual health awareness. Many women still struggle to access safe and high-quality hygiene products.

I have linked an organization below that is making significant strides in this area. Please feel free to support them in any way possible, so that women worldwide can access better feminine hygiene care.

Pinkishe Foundation*– based in New Delhi, India.

*I am not affiliated with this charity in any way, but I can attest to their efforts through following their social media profile for some time.

**The Featured Image for this article is from Pexels by Sora Shimazaki

1. https://www.global.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/brands/ingredients/ingredient-library/u-by-kotex-clean-secure-maxi-pads-regular-absorbency ↩︎
2. https://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/natracare/natracare-organic-cotton-maxi-pads—night-time—pack-of-10/?utm_source=natracaresite&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=NatracareSite&utm_id=Natracare ↩︎
3. https://www.superdrug.com/toiletries/menstrual-care/sanitary-pads/kotex-maxi-night-10-pack/p/837809?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0sT3oseNiQMVWpVQBh05YRxzEAQYAyABEgKIbfD_BwE ↩︎