‘I’d never use another alternative’ after trying ‘comfortable’ organic tampons

The brand offers a range of sustainable and natural period care products

A growing number of shoppers are turning to organic menstrual care, with many saying they would never go back to conventional tampons or pads after years of using them. As awareness increases around what goes into everyday period products, more people are seeking options that put comfort, health and transparency first.

Organic cotton tampons and pads are no longer viewed as a one-off switch but as a long-term choice, with users favouring their feel and performance over time. Among the brands leading this shift is Riley.

Riley offers period care made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, free from toxins, chlorine, plastics and synthetic fragrances. Designed by women for women, the range includes pads, pantyliners, applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons.

The brand was founded in 2021 by friends Fiona and Áine, who questioned why mainstream period products still contain unnecessary chemicals and irritants. Their frustration sparked the creation of Riley, now an award-winning, B Corp-certified company.

But Riley’s mission goes beyond its products. The brand views period care as a basic need, not a luxury, and champions long-term wellbeing, sustainability and accessibility. Its packaging is either compostable or recyclable, the supply chain is transparent, and 1% of every sale is donated to menstrual health initiatives, according to the Liverpool Echo.

First up among the products available is the Reusable Applicator Bundle which is priced at £33.59 on the website and comes with a reusable applicator, a canvas storage pouch and two naked tampon boxes, with absorbency choices of mixed, regular and super. The tampons are made from pure organic cotton with no plastics, chlorine, dyes or synthetic fibres, making them gentle, breathable and suitable for sensitive skin.

Using the applicator is straightforward: load the tampon, insert as usual, release, then rinse the applicator with warm water ready for next use. Also available are the Organic Cotton Pads, priced at £6.59 for 12 regular pads and £7.39 for 12 super pads.

Crafted with a 100% GOTS certified organic cotton top sheet and core, they naturally absorb, without synthetic absorbents, plastics or fragrances. The result is reportedly a pad that feels soft, breathable and comfortable, while still being naturally leakproof.

Each pad is slim with wings for a secure fit, using a skin-safe adhesive that holds in place without harsh glues. They’re hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and gentle on sensitive skin, making them suitable for everyday wear and for all stages of a cycle.

Next up is the Organic Cotton Naked Tampons, which come in a range of sizes and prices: 12 light tampons for £4.79, 12 regular tampons for £5.09 and 12 super tampons for £5.39. These tampons are said to be made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, with no rayon, pesticides or added chemicals.

Unlike many mainstream tampons, the string is woven directly into the cotton rather than glued, reducing unnecessary additives and keeping things simple. They’re also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and made without chlorine bleach, titanium dioxide, dyes or other common irritants.

For those who prefer pantyliners, there is also the option of the Organic Cotton Pantyliners for £8.39, which gives buyers 24 light products. These wingless pantyliners are made from two layers of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, designed to absorb naturally without synthetic materials or super absorbent polymers.

They’re slim, breathable and comfortable, while still offering reliable, leak-proof protection to help those wearing them feel fresh throughout the day. Each pantyliner is fully biodegradable, including the wrapper, and uses a gentle, skin-safe adhesive that stays in place without harsh glues.

Lastly is the Flaxseed Heatpad for Cramps which is priced at £25.19 on the website. This flaxseed heatpad is designed to provide gentle, long-lasting warmth for comfort during period pain or general aches.

It can be heated as needed and moulds easily to the body for targeted relief. The pad is filled with natural flaxseed and lightly infused with lavender and camomile, giving a subtle, calming scent during use.

For some alternatives, there’s also the Mooncup Eco-Applicator Tampons – Medium (14 Pack) for £3.80 at Lookfantastic. These are said to be ‘designed to minimise feelings of sensitivity and protect against leakage’ and are also hypoallergenic.

Those who prefer a reusable product could try the ModiBodi Classic Boyshort period pants, which are now £8.40 down from £20.99. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, the period pants can absorb up to 6 tampons’ worth of menstrual blood before they need changing.

The Riley products have been rated highly, however, as one person who wrote about the tampons said as part of a longer review: “The tampons and pads are amazing. The customer service is always ready to help and is amazing too. I’ll recommend it to all my friends.”

Another said: “Great non toxic products that have women’s wellbeing at the forefront. I’ve used the tampons for over two years now and they are so comfortable. I’d never use another alternative. Also, another added bonus is that Riley are mindful of our planet with products bring compostable/recyclable. I recommend it to all my family/friends!”

On Trustpilot, a handful of others slightly disagreed as one person said: “Products were good quality. Disappointing that the Riley brand was so visible on the external packaging.”

Another satisfied customer shared: “Fantastic product and fills a massive gap in the market. Delighted to have made the switch. Only wish would be for the packaging to be more compact. Bathrooms are always tight for space and the large packages for the tampons are inconvenient. Stackable boxes would be much easier.”

The general consensus was positive, with another user adding: “Excellent service, we have a bi-annual subscription for the office. 100% recommend.”