Organic tampons vs. regular tampons — what's the difference?

You’ve probably seen these terms on packaging: “eco-friendly,” “organic,” “GOTS-certified.” But what do they actually mean, and does it matter to you? We’re doing a straightforward comparison—without the marketing hype.

What is a regular tampon made of?

A conventional tampon typically contains a blend of synthetic viscose and cotton. Viscose is produced from wood pulp that undergoes chemical processing. During this process, chlorine or chlorine compounds are used to bleach the fibers white—a method that can leave residuals in the final product.

In addition to fibers, many common tampons contain:

• Synthetic fragrances or scent ingredients for a 'fresh' sensation

• Plastic applicators (for the applicator version)

• Synthetic fibers

The vagina is the body’s most absorbent mucous membrane. Whatever it is exposed to is absorbed efficiently—which is why it’s actually important to know about the ingredients in menstrual products.

What is an organic tampon made of?

A GOTS-certified organic tampon—such as BAM’s Cotton Tampons—is made from 100% organic cotton. This means:

• No chlorine bleaching: the cotton is bleached with hydrogen peroxide or left unbleached

• No pesticides in the raw materials: The GOTS standard requires certified organic farming

• No synthetic additives: no perfumes, no lotions, no synthetic fibers

• Traceability: GOTS certification monitors the entire supply chain, from cultivation to the finished product

 

Does it make any difference in practice?

There is limited clinical research specifically on the absorption of chemicals from tampons through the vaginal mucosa. What we do know is that the mucosa is highly permeable—it is designed to absorb substances. It makes sense to choose products with fewer and cleaner ingredients, for the same reason that people read the ingredient lists on skincare products.

If you have sensitive skin, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or simply care about what you put into your body—a certified organic tampon is the better choice.

Comparison table

	Regular tampon	BAM Cotton Tampons
Fiber materials	Viscose + cotton (not organic)	100% GOTS-certified cotton
Bleaching	Chlorine- or chloramine-based	Peroxide bleaching
Perfume/Fragrance	Commonly added	No additives
Certification	No standard	GOTS-certified
Plastic content	Plastic applicator is often standard	No plastic film or applicator
Ingredient Information	Rarely specified	Transparent — we show everything

 

How much more does it cost?

BAM's tampons cost 69–75 SEK per pack. A standard tampon at the pharmacy costs 40–60 SEK. The difference is small—and with BAM's subscription (save 15%), the price difference evens out even further.

Try BAM tampons