Organic Pads vs Regular Pads: Which Is Better?

You've heard it all before. Organic vs. non-organic. The debate is never-ending and back and forth despite both sides of the argument having solid reasoning.

Organic pads, if you're not aware, are sanitary pads that are made with 100% natural products like hemp, wood pulp, bamboo pulp, or cotton, unlike regular pads that constitute plastic, other polymers, and toxic chemical additives.

Organic pads are better than regular pads. They're extremely comfortable and better for your health and the environment. Organic pads are entirely biodegradable and contain no chemicals like dioxins, which are a byproduct of bleaching.

However, organic pads could appear more expensive and women may doubt its fluid holding capacity — which is why we'll be breaking down everything to know more on Organic Pads vs Regular Pads here today. Keep on reading to know what fits you the best!

What are normal sanitary pads made of?

When you think of periods — you probably picture a normal tampon or pad. But the materials used to make them and the methods of disposal are not safe for menstruators and the environment.

The most commonly used sanitary pads consist of rayon, cotton, and up to 90% plastic.

When you will cut down a normal sanitary pad — you’ll find layers of polymers to make the core absorbent.

Moreover, pads are often bleached with chemicals that may cause irritation and allergies to some people.

How does a regular pad affect your skin?

It has been found that the usage of regular sanitary pads on a regular basis is responsible for the below:

1. Irritation: Regular pads can lead to irritation, especially if using them for a long period and contain an excess of moisture. The result of these factors is the development of rashes in the vaginal area.

2. Allergy: Women who are prone to allergies may suffer from itching, swelling, and even pain in the genital area after using synthetic sanitary pads. This is because these synthetic pads contain chemical substances like chlorine that trigger an allergic reaction in some women.

What are organic sanitary pads made of?

While conventional pads are made of multiple varieties of plastics — organic pads could be made from recycled paper pulp, organic cotton, organic bamboo, banana tree shoots, or, organic rayon from eucalyptus trees. These pads reduce their impact on the environment as well as reduce health hazards for menstruators because they don't contain harmful chemicals.

Do doctors and researchers support organic pads?

But do organic pads and tampons beat out the regular kind? Experts say yes!

Dr. Suruchi Desai, consulting obstetrician and gynecologist at Nanavatianavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.

She advised “Regular sanitary pads have a lot of plastic content and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Organic pads are made up of an absorbent organic cellulose core that prevents moisture from escaping while a soft organic cotton cover lets your skin breathe.”

Dr. Shraddha D Upasani, a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician at Upasani Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai had similar views as well. She said “The organic pads are made of 100% organic cotton (cellulose) whereas the rest are a mix of plastic, cotton, and a few other elements. As a result, organic ones are more hygienic and more comfortable to use. They facilitate the skin to breathe.”

Besides being healthier, organic hygiene products also help you tread lightly on the planet. They're easier to dispose of than commercially available pads, which take hundreds of years to decompose. According to Down to Earth, around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins—amounting to 113,000 tonnes of waste—reach India's landfills every year.

How organic pads are different on your skin?

Organic pads are a great way to avoid rashes and infections in the private area. Many women have sensitive skin and are susceptible to getting rashes when exposed to chemicals that are in many store-bought regular pads. This is why organic pads are so popular, as they are made with natural ingredients and provide all-around comfort for the user.

They are made from plant cellulose, which is a natural material that has many benefits for the environment and for the body. These pads can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid without making you feel wet or uncomfortable. This makes it easier for women to go about their day without worrying about leaks. Organic disposable pads can help women save money in the long run.

Organic pads can be worn without worry about potential skin irritations. These pads feel soft and comfortable against the skin. Cotton pads are by far the most comfortable of all the choices.

Why women can trust Avni organic Pads over regular pads?

Avni is a woman-founded company. The founder was all too familiar with the irritation and discomfort of using conventional sanitary pads. She wondered if the pads she used were contributing to the dramatic rashes and itching.

During her undergraduate years — she discovered that the pads she was using were made of plastic and infused with toxic cancer-causing chemicals.
She considered switching to cloth for some time after being unsatisfied with the alternative options available. The experience of using cloth pads was much more comforting. And that’s when her idea of developing a proper product out of the material that neither hurts women nor nature was born.

Cut short to today, women can find two types of organic sanitary pad options at Avni:

• Washable anti-microbial reusable cloth pads
• Natural cotton organic disposable pads

 Avni went one step ahead and made its sanitary pads certified by The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to reassure customers and to prove its commitment to environmental sustainability. Hence, becoming the first Indian brand with certified organic pads.
A Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) certification ensures that a product having the “organic” label on a box of tampons means that the cotton is grown, manufactured, and treated in a very specific way — including using non-GMO seeds and not using pesticides.

Organic Pads vs Regular Pads: What should you choose?

There's no denying that organic pads are a great green alternative to plastic-laden, store-bought pads. So should you ditch your store-bought pads for organic ones? Well, really, it depends. Both options will get the job done—the question is whether you're willing to switch to a better option.

Organic pads are comfortable, absorbent, and help to eliminate chemical exposure that comes with any regular menstrual product. If you're concerned about the health problems associated with conventional pads, or if you're interested in reducing plastic waste — organic pads are definitely worth your consideration.