Women today are conscious of the need to restrict their contact with synthetic materials, skin irritants and unnecessary chemicals and additives and demand comfort, high performance, peace of mind and integrity; this is why all Natracare organic and natural products are appreciated by women for their comfortable and reliable protection and care and responsibility for our environment.
Many gynaecologists have advised women with sensitive skin to use natracare in order to reduce their contact with chlorine bleached materials, and also products containing synthetics, latex and super absorbents made from petrochemicals.
Natracare products are made from certified organic and natural, plant-derived materials that are chemical and additive free, and biodegradable, containing only organic and natural ingredients sourced from sound ecologically managed producers and certified free from animal testing. We will never compromise on quality and reliability and continue to apply modern thinking to the use of natural materials to find intelligent and worthwhile solutions to keep Natracare the trusted and proven name it has become. We are committed to improving personal and environmental health and believe in a balanced ecologically driven lifestyle.
All products are totally-chlorine free and women can be reassured by the fact that Natracare does not contain any synthetic materials or any chemical additives such as surfactants, fragrances, dyes, or lubricants. Choosing only fully certified organic cotton removes the risk of direct exposure to residues from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly used on conventionally grown cotton.
Every year, billions of plastic laden pads and liners are disposed of by women. Most of these pads are made from over 90% crude oil plastic which goes on to pollute global environments forever. Generally the plastic waste ends up in landfill sites and the oceans of the world forever causing visual pollution and damaging marine life and ultimately the food chain. By choosing Natracare, you are saying no to crude oil plastics.
Many wet wipes widely available contain harsh foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), as well as preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, which is linked to dermatitis, and the parabens, recently flagged up as a concern for health. Parabens, including methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl paraben, are just one of a large group of toxic chemicals that no-one has any idea about what the long term effects are likely to be if they are used every day on the skin.
Natracare organic cotton wet wipes are of high quality, are safe and reliable and made from organic and natural plant derived ingredients which are free of harsh chemicals and toxic preservatives.
Sara
I just wanted to say thank you very much and that you are a wonderful company!
I used to be in dire agony from the standard sanitary towels, made with nylon, bleached materials and made from god knows what nasty materials. I know this as I used to dread periods, as I reacted unfavourable to the standard ones - horrible horrible things.
Couldn't believe it when I found out about you, and have done my best to get the word out about Natracare. I wish more places stocked you, ie the supermarkets and natural health stores like Holland and Barrett. Seems crazy that they don't. I always found Natracare in the independent healthstores, or smaller chains such as GNC Health stores, and the Wicker health stores up here. I even mentioned you to my pharmacy (Rowlands) when I worked there.
Just wanted to say it's great and I'm very glad I know of Natracare, as you do a fantastic job. Thank you!! :-)
Veronica
Getting your period is annoying enough, but to add skin irritation in such a sensitive area on top of it is a nightmare! I never understood why ALL the other products have plastic lining. Who puts up with this? I have never once said to myself, "Wouldn't plastic underwear be SO comfortable?"
I am glad I discovered Natracare at Pharmasave in Canada and relived to have found a product that is comfortable, breathable and most importantly doesn't irritate my skin! I just moved to the USA and am happy to see on your website that Wholefoods offers your products. I seriously brought over 8 boxes of your products with me in case I couldn't find them here and would have to order my own supply!
I often wondered about the detrimental effects these feminine hygiene products have on the environment and am proud to say I no longer contribute to the problem because of your wonderful product line. THANK YOU!!
Laura
I used to think that a lot of natural product advertising was just a gimmick, until my body started rebelling. I struggled with cramping and excessive blood loss that worsened year after year, to the point that I was anemic and could barely function through the pain for several days each month.Then I read that the chlorine and materials in tampons might create or worsen menstrual problems. I was skeptical, but figured a break from tampons was worth a try.
Within just a couple of months, my blood loss and pain levels improved tremendously. So you got my attention!
I usually bought the regular brands of pads instead of the more expensive ones at the health food stores, which is where Natracare products were usually sold. Then the itch started...and the cracking...and the pain when I urinated with cracked skin in the most sensitive of places. Sex wasn’t much fun, either. I tried antibiotic creams (promoted yeast infections), cortisone creams (not good for thin vaginal skin), “feminine itch” creams (didn’t do much), antihistamines...
And then I tried Natracare pads. Itch stopped, cracks healed, bathroom and bedroom activities SO much more comfortable. I can’t imagine what I was thinking when paying just a few extra cents for a safer, less irritating product didn’t seem worth it. Chlorine and plastics are just no good for these sensitive parts of our bodies – but it took outright bodily revolt for me to catch on. Thank you for giving me a safer alternative, and a huge amount of relief.
Christy Wood
I began using your product, Natracare organic cotton tampons, about four months ago. Immediately I noticed a difference with my menstrual periods - they were not painful anymore. No severe abdominal cramps and my blood flow was so much less. For 20 years I had been using Playtex and had no idea they were the reason my periods were so intense and painful. For four months straight now, my life has continued to improve because of this product.
Lucy
I can’t tell you how glad I am that there is an option like Natracare out there. It makes me sad to think that people don’t’ realize the harmful effects of normal tampons, both on a human and environmental level, as I didn’t for a long time either!
Thank you again!
Aimee Bensley
Just wanted to let you know what marvellous products you're making! I really appreciate the fact there is somewhere where I can buy such brilliant sanitary protection. It is highly important to me to use protection that has no harmful chemicals in and feels comfortable. I have been using your products for a number of years now including wipes and tampons and would never use any brand but yours. So keep up the wonderful work!
Amanda Aug
Hello, my name is Amanda Aug. I just wanted to say that I love your line of organic cotton tampons. I stopped using pads a long time ago for the comfort of tampons, and when I started eating organic foods and living a healthier lifestyle, I looked for a replacement for my tampons. I had many a friend swear by the diva cup, but personally, its a little too gross for me. I was thrilled to find an organic tampon. I never thought I would be able to use non-applicator ones, but in an effort to save cost I tried them, and its actually very easy! I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a great product.
Raina
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Natracare. You are my new best friend. I just broke up with o.b. and the J&J group. I am so glad to know about your products! You have a new loyal fan, who is very happy about the fact you provide a product that is 100% cotton, works like a charm, is applicator free, and does not add to the plastic in our landfills. I seven kinds of appreciate that.
Lisa
I just wanted to write and say THANK YOU for all you do! Keep it up! I'm so happy to have found your products! Thank you for safe, responsibly-made products!
Laura
I want to thank you for your natural pads. I started using them instead of plastic ones in an attempt to heal a rash that has plagued me for a long time. After 4 babies, I have a week bladder and have to wear protection all the time. I wondered if wearing a plastic/bleach product over an irritated space would increase the heat of that space and worsen rashes or yeast. I think they do. Since starting to wear Natracare exclusively, I have healed 90%. A bonus was the reduction & healing of a rash on the buttocks also. I think that my wearing plastic/bleach products for incontinence was giving me the rashes. Thank you. I feel cooler, more comfortable, and safe from leaks.
Ashley
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your product. I used to use normal tampons, and recently switched to your product because I was having issues with regular ones. Yours are great - I have not had an issue since. I love them!
Jennifer
First off, let me say how much I love your products. Over the past year I have been making the switch to all natural/organic products in my household. Feminine products were something I didn't think I would be able to find until I found your products. I especially love that they are made with organic cotton.
Thank you for making products for us women that will help keep us healthier and safe from all the chemicals that are in most other products. Thank you again for offering safe alternatives for all of us women who are trying to live a safer lifestyle.
Amanda
I just wanted to say that the Feminine Wipes are fantastic!
Thank you for creating a useful product that's safe for my health and for the environment.
An R. from Brussels
I'm so happy to have discovered Natracare in our specialised organic shop! I can not recommend it enough ... so many women are allergic to regular pads (like I was) and Natracare finally offers a solution that is both natural, comfortable and safe to use. Saturday I noticed that the range is now also available in ‘regular’ drugstores here in Brussels: that's good news. Thank you!
Dale
After trying nearly every product on the market, I have finally found one that agrees with my body. I no longer have rashes, itchiness or leaking problems. I feel healthier and more confident.
Amy Miller
I finally found feminine hygiene products I can trust and be confident that they are safe for me to use against my body – thank you!
Gayla P
Just wanted to say I love having the choice of a natural, 100% organic cotton tampons. I was diagnosed with non-hormonal related breast cancer 5 years ago when I was 34. I don't have a family history. I can't help but feel it was a lifetime exposure to environmental toxins. With Natracare products, I can a least eliminate that area of toxin exposure and I will have my 6 year old daughter use these products too when the time comes.
Monique
I was looking for a product that has no chemicals, perfumes or plastics and found Natracare. I no longer suffer with ‘normal' itchiness. When mum wins, the whole family wins!
Rachael Irwin
Hello, just wanted to say how much I like the ultra-thin panty liners. They are so compact and I love how they will have a smaller landfill impact. Thank you.
Megan
I recently changed to using your products and am so happy to have found them. I have always had harsh symptoms when it came to that time of the month but since using your products they have mostly vanished. My doctor mentioned that with my allergies and chemical sensitivities that the chemical free tampons and pads probably had a lot to do with it.
A. Mueller
It has taken me far too long to send this email - YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!
I have been using your products in Canada since 1995 and will never use any other product again! I remember reading about dioxins and immediately made the connection between them and the female reproductive cancer rates - a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned!
I was already using your products when I became pregnant with my son and was absolutely amazed when I found them being used at the hospital I delivered at. Sadly, when I went to the same hospital two years later to deliver my daughter, your products were nowhere to be seen. I am absolutely thrilled at the expansion of your product line - your commitment to the environment and our health with organic cotton is above and beyond and a model for all other businesses and human beings! The pads with side tabs, tanga liners, and even the covers - no compromises, quality products. I feel very well protected - finally!
I have an 11 year old daughter who will be starting her period soon and I am beyond happy that I don't have to poison her with garbage. We are a hugely committed family when it comes to the planet and love to spread the word, and your products are on our list to share. I truly believe that one day all businesses will perform as ethically and consciously as yours does. We the consumers have the power to make those changes and there are more businesses than ever available to support - be the change!
Here's to taking back our health and our planet - CHEERS!!! Keep pushing that bar higher!
Wendy Rossi
I just wanted to say Thank You for making such great products and for your wonderful customer service. A few weeks ago, I emailed and I asked for a few samples of your natural pads. I received them in the mail and on my most recent cycle I used them to compare with what I use now.
After using your product, I LOVED them! Keep up the good work and thanks again for sending me the samples, I am going to start only using your products from now on. Not only is it better for the environment, but they worked better for me too.
Thanks again for making such fine products and for the awesome customer service. It’s rare these days to find.
Tracey
Just a note to say I was reading the magazine VIVA tonight and saw the small article on Natracare products. It reminded me that I’ve never voiced thanks for the product. I once got a terrible chemical burn from using Always pads and my doctor said it was from the bleach in the pads. She recommended that I use washable cotton pads or unbleached pads. Thanks for thinking further than the problem to a resolution.
Shelley
Compared to other brands I have used, Natracare feels the safest and the cleanest, and I no longer have to put up with the irritation, soreness and aches that I thought were part of a normal period. I have been using Natracare products for 22 months now, and I have no-pain periods since using your products – and I really noticed it when I ran out 2 months ago, and had to go back to my old brand for a month!!
Baker
After repeated attacks of thrush, generally just after my period, I changed to Natracare. In that time (one year) I have only had thrush once, whereas during the previous 18 months I had at least nine attacks.
C. S.
4 years ago I was diagnosed with Vulvodynia
(The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) defines Vulvodynia as chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia) nva, as well as Lichen Sclerosis/ Planus.
(Lichen sclerosis is a poorly recognized chronic inflammatory skin disorder which mainly affects the vulvar and perianal area - lichensclerosis.org) As expected it is very painful. I had to struggle so much with doctors, the health care system and day to day pain.
It was so reassuring to rely on Natracare products, knowing they were not making my skin and pain problems worse. The amount of chemicals put in other pads and tampons really scares me, and I think they are the cause to many vulvar problems today, as my doctor would say "they are just eating women's vulva's away!" lol. Thank you for making a safe and effective product for women. I have passed the name of your product on to many friends, as well as a nearby chronic pain center where I attend a Vulvar Pain Program with many other women.
Sharon Mawson (Sister)
The women who participated in the trial reported a definite improvement when they used the tampons. The women were either candida sufferers or had experienced vulval itchiness or soreness, and all expressed some improvement with the tampons and will continue to buy and use them.
Jo
Used to get thrush constantly when I lived in the tropics. Since moving to England in 1991, only getting thrush with antibiotics and occasionally at other times, although I haven’t picked a trigger. My main reason to switch to Natracare is I get severe itching with chlorine bleached tampons – even if only the string is chlorine bleached. In my book, Natracare is A1, even though it is damned hard to locate..
Mrs C. P.
Please make these available in supermarkets as they are far superior to other brands I have used and I have had no thrush-like symptoms since using them!
Mrs J.K
When using other brands of tampons, I always got an infection after only half an hour of use when in full flow. This resulted in a very bad smell for days after the period had finished. This has never happened to me with Natracare tampons
Jane
For some reason period time increased to 8 days plus. I started suffering from headaches. I changed to Natracare and found that the time frame went back to 5 days, not as heavy or painful, nor was I plagued with these headaches
Sharon
According to my knowledge, I had never suffered with any complications from using normal sanitary products. After being educated about Natracare, I chose to use them for the good of my body and the environment. Since then I have noticed a change! I used always to have a sore throat and headache with my period and these are now gone. I have also noticed the length of my period has shortened. The product is now cheaper (because I don’t use as much) and I enjoy the difference.
Rachel
I can’t believe the difference – I use to suffer a burning sensation when using any type of sanitary products. In fact I was hospitalised after the birth of my first daughter when using supplied hospital pads. Since finding natracare, I no longer “burn”. I am concerned about pollutants from manufacturing industries. Natracare is proud to use wood pulp from managed forests, a chlorine free manufacturing process and biodegradable components. I am proud to support them.
Janine
I have never used anything else except pads. Knowing that Natracare don’t chlorine bleach their product and they add no perfumes, gives me the assurance that I am doing the best for my body. The product is comfortable too
Toni
By the end of my period, my stomach would be bloated and sore. After using Natracare for a couple of months I noticed that this didn’t happen!
Korie
I have just recently discovered your products, and I am a convert. I applaud both your products and your company's "corporate citizenship." I intend to make sure my local schools are aware of your School Program, I think it and your monthly matrix are fabulous, I wish they had been around when I was a teenager. I think it is also a wonderful stepping stone to getting young women more involved and more knowledgeable about their health and their environment. Bravo to you!
intimate irritation
Initial studies* revealed that up to a third of women with symptoms of vaginal itching, soreness and/or discharge may be experiencing the symptoms of Vulval Dermatitis or Intimate Irritation, further research has shown that 75% of UK gynaecologists believe that conventional sanitary protection could be the cause of intimate irritation.
The study was carried out amongst 40 British gynaecologists with further research conducted amongst their Canadian colleagues.
The data revealed that 26 per cent of the gynaecologists who took part in the study noticed a significant increase in the symptoms of their patients suffering with intimate irritation around the time of their period, clearly implicating sanitary protection as a causative factor of their symptoms.
In addition, nearly 4 out of 5 questioned felt that their patients, suffering with intimate irritation, were experiencing sensitivity to synthetic fabrics, sanitary protection and toiletries, and 50% then recommend the use of natural, chemical-free sanitary protection to help alleviate the symptoms.
The story is very much the same in North America, with 67% of gynaecologists recommending that their patients switch to natural sanitary protection to alleviate their symptoms.
Mr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham City Hospital, said:
"Irritancy is a very common issue amongst women in the UK, and is still frequently mistaken for thrush. This study has shown that expert gynaecologists across the globe have recognised that sanitary protection may be a causative agent in triggering vulval irritancy and so switching to natural, chemical free protection may help alleviate troublesome symptoms for many women.”
Most proprietary brands of sanitary pads, liners and tampons contain many synthetic materials that many women are unaware of. For instance, in sanitary pads you might expect to find cotton but what is used to manufacture them is often a combination of plastic based materials such as polythene, polypropylene and polyacrylate super absorbent gel, surfactants, and chlorine-bleached wood pulp as well as the occasional fragrance preserved with parabens.
Tampons are commonly made from chlorine bleached, highly absorbent rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton and rayon. Some brands also dye the withdrawal cord pink or blue, a process involving heavy metal dyes, creating an additional problem for women with metal allergies such as the increasing allergy to nickel. Further concerns about the chlorine bleaching process used produces an unwanted by-product called dioxin - a substance linked to cancer, endometriosis, low sperm counts and immune system suppression.
*studies sponsored by Natracare
Endometriosis
According to the Endometriosis Association,
“Endometriosis is a hormonal and immune disease in which tissue like that found in the lining of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus in other parts of the body. Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and can lead to infertility, hysterectomy, and increased risk of developing certain cancers. Dioxin is directly correlated with an increased incidence of endometriosis, according to a 1992 study [1] on rhesus monkeys exposed to TCDD for four years. The monkeys also showed immune abnormalities similar to those observed in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis affects girls and women from preteen to post-menopause."
It is important to get a diagnosis of Endometriosis early to prevent damage to the reproductive system.
In 1999, Osamu Tsutsumi, Professor of Gynaecology at Tokyo University Hospital, Japan, carried out tests on the effects of dioxin on the human reproductive system, which showed that women tested who were suffering from endometriosis had high levels of dioxin in the body.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but fatal disease caused by a particular type of bacteria that can produce toxins in the body. The symptoms of TSS come on fast and are often severe. Menstrual TSS has been linked to the use of super-absorbent and synthetics in tampons. [1]
Results of a study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, suggest that the use of 100% cotton tampons may reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome compared with tampons that contain rayon. The paper states that, “The incidence of reported cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome has declined since the removal of high absorbency fibres from tampons, such as polyacrylate rayon, polyester and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC). However, the disease continues to occur in young menstruating women using the newer less absorbent tampons made of viscose rayon with and without cotton.”
The study was carried out on 20 tampon varieties, including Natracare 100% cotton tampons and concluded that all-cotton tampons did not produce the dangerous TSS toxin from the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, while other tampons did.
The summary to the paper stated, “All-cotton tampons did not product TSST-1. This is likely because cotton provides fewer factors to favour TSST-1 production compared with fibres previously removed from tampons (CMC, polyester, polyacrylate rayon)….“In sum, women who are without protective levels of antibody to TSST-1 and use non all-cotton tampons are at the greater risk of TSS.”
In order to advance a well-balanced view of all the pieces to the puzzle concerning menstrual health, we pride ourselves on embracing independent research so that women are afforded the opportunity to make informed choices about sanitary protection. Natracare believes that women should still continue to be vigilant and become familiar with the symptoms of TSS. Read carefully the tampon instruction leaflets found in the packs before starting to use tampons.
The symptoms of TSS can occur suddenly, and at any time during menstruation. Be aware of these symptoms, which need not be present all at the same time.
- sudden high fever (102°F, 39°C or more)
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- headache
- sore throat
- dizziness
- fainting or near fainting
- rashes that look like sun-burn (skin peeling may occur days later)
- muscular pain.
If you get any of these symptoms, you must remove your tampon and do not use any more.
Get immediate medical attention and be sure to inform your doctor that you are menstruating and using tampons and that you are concerned about TSS.
References:
[1] Propensity of Tampons and Barrier Contraceptives to Amplify Staphylococcus Aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin by Tierno Jnr, Philip M and Hanna, B A, The Journal of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2:140-145, 1994.