3 Options for an Nontoxic Feminine Care Routine

Living sustainably often includes shopping slow fashion, but what about incorporating sustainable themes into your feminine care routine? Celebrating our femininity doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. We should show our bodies and mother nature more love by switching to non-toxic feminine care products, both better for us and the environment. From monthly cycles to intimate care, here are our favorite ways to celebrate our bodies a little more sustainably.

Did you know “over 20 million sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators are dumped into North American Landfills each year”? That's 20 million bits of non-biodegradable plastic that persists in our environment, not including the chemicals and bleach used in the energy-intensive manufacturing process. Although rare, we run the risk of developing TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) from using tampons as well. Instead of single-use menstrual products that carry environmental consequences, reusable menstrual cups are a great alternative! Menstrual cups collect flow instead of absorbing it, which eliminates this risk, and also it doesn’t contribute to drying out your vaginal wall, preventing yeast infections from developing. They’re typically made of body-safe silicone and can be washed and reused throughout your cycle. In addition to eliminating tons of waste related to our monthly cycles, some evidence shows that using a menstrual cup reduces cramps. Not to mention buying one cup to use for years is better for our wallets too.

Here are some options to add to your non-toxic feminine care routine.

Featured product: Saalt Menstrual Cup (pair it with Saalt Cup Wash to keep your menstrual cup clean for years to come)

ourCommonplace Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Toxic Free, Cruelty Free, Woman Owned

Another alternative to wasteful sanitary pads and tampons is period underwear! They function similarly to pads, and function as daily undergarments as well as an absorbent layer for menstrual cycles. And like regular underwear, it’s washable and reusable. Use it as a replacement for menstrual products altogether, or wear them as a backup for your menstrual cup for heavy flow days. It’s perfect for people who are accustomed to using pads, but would like to try out something more eco-friendly and non-toxic. 

Featured product: Saalt Elemental Lace Hipster 

ourCommonplace Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Toxic Free, Cruelty Free, Woman Owned

Saalt Underwear Video

Periods aside, we can’t forget about non-toxic feminine routines that are daily. While our vaginas are self-cleaning, it is important to still take care of the surrounding area. Washing intimate areas like the vulva, the skin surrounding the opening to the vagina, is just as important as daily cruelty free skincare routines. After all, we should show our intimate areas some love too! Gentle washing with mild soap is recommended; hard scrubbing is advised against since these areas are more sensitive. Pick a gentle, toxic-free cleanser that will keep balanced pH levels down there and prevent upsets in the vagina’s natural bacterial balance, like Lady Suite Probiotic Refreshing Cleanser which also includes natural botanical extracts for a soothing effect.

Featured product: Lady Suite Probiotic Refreshing Cleanser

ourCommonplace Values: Ethical, Toxic Free, Cruelty Free, BIPOC Owned, Woman Owned

However you decide to show some self-love, doing so through purchasing non-toxic feminine products ensures some love goes to our environment too. 

Featured product: Rejuvenating Botanical Oil for Intimate Skin

ourCommonplace Values: Ethical, Toxic Free, Cruelty Free, BIPOC Owned, Woman Owned

Stop intimate skin struggles before they start. This botanical oil is rich in rejuvenating Omega Fatty Acids from plant sources, which creates a soothing blend created for your non-toxic feminine care routine. It smooths, brightens, and moisturizes vulva and labial skin (external skin surrounding the vagina) and effectively helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn post-hair removal while it helps relieve discomfort from skin dryness, itchiness and redness.

Cover image by Ava Sol via Unsplash