The period care aisle has changed a lot. "Natural", "eco", "green" - these words appear everywhere.
But what do they actually mean?
And more importantly, how do you know whether a product lives up to its claims?
This guide will walk you through the key things to look for — and the red flags to watch out for — so you can make a genuinely informed choice for your body and the planet.
1. Look for certified organic cotton
The most important thing to check is whether the cotton used is genuinely certified organic. The gold standard here is GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard), which covers everything from the farming of the cotton to the processing and manufacturing stages.
Without it, the word "organic" on a label means very little. Riley's entire range — including our Organic Cotton Tampons (both applicator and naked), Pads, and Pantyliners — is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
No greenwashing, just the real thing.
2. Check what's not in the product
Conventional period products can contain chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, pesticide residues, and plastic fibres. Your vaginal tissue is highly absorbent, meaning what's in your products can affect your body.
Look for products that are free from chlorine bleach, pesticides, artificial fragrance, and glues or synthetic adhesives. Riley products contain none of these — what you see is exactly what you get.
3. Consider the packaging and end-of-life
Sustainability doesn't stop at the product itself. Biodegradable packaging, plastic-free wrappers, and responsible disposal all matter. Riley's products are biodegradable, and our packaging has been designed with environmental impact in mind.
4. Look for brand-level accountability
Certifications matter at a brand level too. Riley is B Corp certified, which means we've met rigorous standards across social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
That kind of third-party verification holds us to a higher bar — beyond just what's printed on the box.
5. Think about convenience vs. commitment
Sustainable swaps only work if you actually stick with them. Riley's subscription model was designed to make clean period care the easy, default choice.
Build your own bundle, choose delivery every 3 or 6 months, and save up to 20% — with the freedom to pause or cancel anytime. No more last-minute pharmacy runs for products you're not sure about.
Making the switch to organic period care doesn't have to be complicated. Once you know what to look for, the right choice becomes a lot clearer — and a lot easier to make every month.
Ready to make the switch? Build your Riley bundle here.
