Give these sustainable menstrual products a try, period

Mooncheeks On The Floor Underwear, $39, Mooncheeks

Credit: Mooncheeks

1/13

Founded by Singaporean Jamie Choon, Mooncheeks is a brand that aims to take care of different period needs with its range of underwear styles and absorbencies, without any compromise on functionality or comfort. From thongs, high-cut briefs, hiphuggers to boyshorts, there are styles for different period flows and absorbencies to fit everyone's lifestyles. As a brand that advocates body diversity, Mooncheeks offers period underwear ranging from XS to XXL / UK 6 - UK 16, with plans to bring in more sizes (UK 18 and UK 20) in 2023.

Lily Cup™, $32.92, Intimina

Credit: Intimina

2/13

Thanks to its angled form that complements your anatomy, Lily Cup is the only period cup that can be rolled as thin as a tampon. It’s perfect for those who have a higher cervix or heavier flow while it offers complete comfort all period long. Its incredibly smooth design and slanted rim allow you to use this menstrual cup for up to 8 hours without worries.

Corn pads, S$6.45, Blood

Credit: Blood

3/13

These super-thin pads from local brand Blood feature a topsheet made from 100% corn, meaning it’s biodegradable. Not only is it good for the planet, it’s also good for you as it’s naturally hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Featuring an absorbent core formulated with Japanese technology, the pads are three times more dry than cotton.

These pads are available in three sizes. Liners and panty pads (a pad incorporated into a disposable panty) are available too.

Cotton pads, from $15.50, August

Credit: August

4/13

Fully biodegradable in just twelve months, August’s sustainably-sourced organic cotton pads are long-lasting and breathable. The pads employ technology that makes them more absorbent — meaning that you won’t get that gross soggy feeling after a while.

These pads don’t contain any plastic either, so they’re softer than other brands. This way, you know they’ll be comfortable to wear.

Cotton tampons, from $17, August

Credit: August

5/13

If tampons are more your thing, August also has tampons, which, like their pads, are fully biodegradable and made from 100% organic cotton. The tampons are fitted with a plastic applicator which is recyclable too.

Cloth pads, S$15.90, The Period Co.

Credit: The Period Co.

6/13

Trying to be waste-free? Cloth pads are a great alternative to regular disposable pads. With The Period Co.’s reusable cloth pads made from unbleached organic cotton, just wash after each use and you’re good to go!

Oh, and if you’re worried about leaks, the pads contain a thermoplastic polyurethane leak-proof layer and a snap button that makes sure it remains secure on your underwear.

Cloth pads, from $11, EcoFemme

Credit: EcoFemme

7/13

Another great brand that also has cloth pads is EcoFemme, a company that sells cloth pads for good. With each purchase of an EcoFemme Pad, the Pad for Pad Programme gives a teen girl from a low-income household in India the chance to attend a workshop on menstrual health and get a washable cloth pad.

Take your pick from the eye-catching selection of 100% organic cotton cloth pads, equipped with a leak-proof layer and a metal snap button.

Underwear, from S$17.65, Modibodi

Credit: Modibodi

8/13

Modibodi’s patented reusable leak-proof underwear may just be the ultimate utilitarian period product, as they not only contain your menstrual flow, but also discharge, sweat and incontinence. You’ll have a use for the underwear even when you’re not on your period, eliminating the need for disposable liners (if you use them) while you’re at it!

They’re designed to completely replace disposable pads, tampons and liners, so you won’t be generating any waste at all. Several options are available for your every need, so you can get underwear from the Super Light range for occasional discharge or the Heavy-Overnight range if you’re having a heavy flow.

Menstrual cup, S$32.80, DivaCup

Credit: DivaCup

9/13

You’ve probably heard of the DivaCup and wondered how effective it really is. It sounds too good to be true — simply fold the cup inwards, insert it and just like that, the cup has formed a leak-free seal and will collect your menstrual flow for up to 12 hours.

But it really is that simple! If you’re sceptical about the insertion and removal process, DivaCup has plenty of resources, including helpful videos. Oh, and there’s no odour either — something you may find to be an issue when you use pads or tampons.

The cups are made with medical grade silicone so one cup will last for several years, provided that you care for it properly, of course. In between each cycle, simply boil the DivaCup for a couple of minutes to keep it sanitary.

Menstrual disc, S$45, Saalt

Credit: Saalt

10/13

In lieu of a menstrual cup, consider menstrual discs from Saalt, especially if you’re concerned about forming a seal with your cup. These discs don’t rely on suction and the position of your pubic bone, making it ideal for anyone whose cups have slipped or generally have a weak pelvic floor.

How to know if you have a weak pelvic floor, you may ask? One indicator would be if you pee a little when you jump, laugh or cough. (Hey, no judgement here.) Similar to menstrual cups, these collect your flow for up to 12 hours and can be reused for up to a decade!

With every purchase from Saalt, 2% of their revenue goes towards getting period care and education to communities in need, such as providing girls in Nepal and Uganda with menstrual cups and underwear.

Underwear, from S$37, Saalt

Credit: Saalt

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In addition to menstrual cups and discs, Saalt also makes leak-proof period underwear which can be worn by itself or as a backup to your cup or disc. They’re made from an amazing silky soft fabric, providing protection from any leak — menstrual flow, discharge, sweat or incontinence.

Wood pulp pads, from S$8, Freda

Credit: Freda

12/13

Supposedly more absorbent than cotton, Freda’s ethically-made wood pulp pads are hypoallergenic and free of chemicals, fragrances and polyester. They come individually packed in biodegradable film, and even though a plastic backing is used, 50% of that is made from sustainable materials. The pads are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled too, giving you assurance that the pads are friendly to the environment.

That’s not the only good that Freda is doing either. They work with Bloody Good Period, a menstrual equity non-profit, and sell Freda’s pads to them at cost so they get more pads for the same price!

Reusable tampon applicator, S$31, DAME

Credit: DAME

13/13

Feel some mild guilt every time you toss out an applicator after you insert a tampon, but have no idea how to insert one without the applicator? We get it, and so does DAME, which is why they’ve made reusable applicators! You’d use it like any applicator, and it works with non-applicator tampons of all absorbencies.

It’s antimicrobial too, so simply rinse the convenient lipstick-sized applicator under running water to keep it clean and let it dry — no need for boiling or soaps.