10 Best Reusable Pads in 2022 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)
But just like disposable pads, there are dozens of brands of reusable pads, and it can be hard to figure out what will work for you. In this article, we’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started, including Highoh.'s Washable Charcoal Bamboo Cloth Menstrual Pads! And at the end, we’ll go over the different factors to look at when making your choice in our buying guide reviewed by a environmental health and safety scientist.
Quick List - Top Reusable Pads
Highoh.
Leak-Proof and Slip-Proof Pads That Stay Secure
Rael
Fully Organic Cotton for Sensitive Skin
Pixie Cup
Soft and Absorbent Pads That Stay in Place
think ECO
Organic and Breathable for Easy Rest
Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.
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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose a Reusable Pad – Buying Guide
Pick Materials Based on Where They Are in the Pad
For Inner Materials, Look for Natural Cotton, Bamboo, or Hemp
Cotton is the easiest to find and also the cheapest, but bamboo fiber and hemp are a bit more absorbent and odor-resistant.
For Middle and Outer Materials, Synthetics May Be Necessary
For those looking to avoid synthetic materials altogether, keep an eye out for pads that state they are 100% cotton. Note, however, that you might be giving up a little absorbency for a more fully natural pad, and to prevent leakage on heavy days, a little bit of plastic coating might be necessary.
Pick the Right Absorbency and Length
Just like conventional pads, reusable pads are made with different absorbencies and lengths to accommodate different periods. When it comes to absorbency, most won’t tell you exactly how much liquid they can hold (but honestly, do you know how heavy your flow is in numbers?).
However, they will tell you the absorbency based on the normal conventions of light, normal, heavy, and such. As with disposable pads, you might need to get a few different sizes to cover you through the different stages of your period.
If You’re Less Comfortable With Blood, Find a Dark-Colored Pad
Luckily for those who are uncomfortable with that thought, there are several reusable pads that come with a black or dark gray inner lining rather than white. While you’ll still probably be able to tell if it’s stained, it won’t be nearly as jarring and would be much easier to ignore than on a white pad.
Find a Pad That Comes With a Wet Pouch
Unlike disposable pads that you can just throw away basically anywhere (anywhere meaning any trash can), you're going to have to take your reusable pad back home with you if you need to change when you’re out and about.
Whether you decide to rinse it out first or just tuck it away, you’re going to need a waterproof pouch to carry it. Many reusable pads actually come with wet pouches, so if this is your first reusable pad and you don’t have a wet pouch yet, check to see if your pad comes with one.
How to Choose a Reusable Pad – Buying Guide
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Highoh. Highoh. Washable Charcoal Bamboo Cloth Menstrual Pad｜6 pack | | Leak-Proof and Slip-Proof Pads That Stay Secure | |
2 | Rael Hesta Organic Cotton Washable Pantyliners (Set of 3)｜3 pack | | Fully Organic Cotton for Sensitive Skin | |
3 | Pixie Cup Pixie Cup Soft Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5)｜5 pack | | Soft and Absorbent Pads That Stay in Place | |
4 | think ECO Thinkeco Organic Cotton Hanji Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5)｜5 pack, 2XL | | Organic and Breathable for Easy Rest | |
5 | Imse Vimse Imse Vimse Reusable Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads (Set of 3)｜3 pack | | Organic Cotton Flannel for Breathable Light Days | |
6 | ReUseLife 3 pack | | Overnight Pads With Colorful Designs | |
7 | Langsprit Langsprit Absorbent Reusable Sanitary Pads (Set of 6)｜7 pack | | Thick, Leak-Resistant, and Budget-Friendly Reusable Pads | |
8 | Wegreeco Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads (Set of 5)｜5 pack | | Absorbent Pads With an Adjustable Fit | |
9 | Jobebe Jobebe Overnight Charcoal Bamboo Reusable Pads (Set of 10)｜10 pack | | Super-Long, Super-Absorbent Overnighters | |
10 | Love My Love My Bamboo Fiber Menstrual Pads (Set of 6)｜6 pack | | Extra-Long for Light Overnights |
Highoh.Highoh. Washable Charcoal Bamboo Cloth Menstrual Pad ｜ 6 pack
Leak-Proof and Slip-Proof Pads That Stay Secure
On top of that, for each set sold, they donate pads to girls in need, and the company is also incredibly responsive to any questions and concerns! It's a win-win for everyone.
RaelHesta Organic Cotton Washable Pantyliners (Set of 3) ｜ 3 pack
Fully Organic Cotton for Sensitive Skin
Despite the waterproof layer, they feel light and breathable. On top of that, they are made to last years of use–they are well-made, wash easily, and keep their shape when drying.
Pixie CupPixie Cup Soft Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5) ｜ 5 pack
Soft and Absorbent Pads That Stay in Place
Unlike many PUL-backed pads, these don’t slide around very much. Although if you find that they do, they also come with a pack of small double-sided tape pieces to help them adhere to your underwear.
think ECOThinkeco Organic Cotton Hanji Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5) ｜ 5 pack, 2XL
Organic and Breathable for Easy Rest
As it’s quite thin and doesn’t have a fleece layer, this pad is best for medium flow days rather than heavy, but rest assured that the length should be more than adequate. These also come in seven different sizes, so if you're not keen on these ones, check out their others.
Imse VimseImse Vimse Reusable Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads (Set of 3) ｜ 3 pack
Organic Cotton Flannel for Breathable Light Days
As they are made from mostly organic cotton, there might be some shrinkage with your first wash, so take that into consideration when considering what size to get. And if you want something a bit more absorbent, Imse Vimse also offers overnight options!
Overnight Pads With Colorful Designs
With cute designs like the ones these overnight pads have, you might even start looking forward to your period! (Just forget we said that, actually.) These absorbent pads with a layer of charcoal bamboo will keep you comfortable throughout the night, and reviewers attest to the fact that they are pretty sizable.
These pads also come in three other designs and come with a wet bag for convenience. You can also grab pantyliners by the same brand!
LangspritLangsprit Absorbent Reusable Sanitary Pads (Set of 6) ｜ 7 pack
Thick, Leak-Resistant, and Budget-Friendly Reusable Pads
Some reviewers note that the thick, fleece-like fabric of the inner cloth is a bit thick and might cause you to sweat, and it can sometimes feel thicker than a conventional pad.
WegreecoWegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads (Set of 5) ｜ 5 pack
Absorbent Pads With an Adjustable Fit
However, some reviewers note that the waterproof PUL outer layer can cause the pad to slip a bit in your underwear, so these might need to be worn together with spandex shorts for a more secure fit.
JobebeJobebe Overnight Charcoal Bamboo Reusable Pads (Set of 10) ｜ 10 pack
Super-Long, Super-Absorbent Overnighters
However, some reviewers note that the PUL outer layer can make the pad slip in your underwear. They are also rather thick, so they might not make the best day pads (or at least you might want to save them for when you’re at home).
Love MyLove My Bamboo Fiber Menstrual Pads (Set of 6) ｜ 6 pack
Extra-Long for Light Overnights
However, some reviewers note that these may shift around in your underwear during daytime use. Others also note that they can feel warm and stifling during the hot summer months.
How to Keep Your Reusable Pads Clean and Stain-Free
If you have enough pads to get you through the next batch of laundry, just put it into the hamper and wash it in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. To wash by hand, just soak it overnight in a bucket with a touch of detergent, rinse, and hang it in the sun to dry the next day. Sunlight kills bacteria!
Stay in Control of Your Flow With These Products
You can get through this cycle! Just stock up on these supplies and you'll be back to normal in no time.
Top 5 Reusable Pads
No. 1: Highoh.｜Highoh. Washable Charcoal Bamboo Cloth Menstrual Pad｜6 pack
No. 2: Rael｜Hesta Organic Cotton Washable Pantyliners (Set of 3)｜3 pack
No. 3: Pixie Cup｜Pixie Cup Soft Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5)｜5 pack
No. 4: think ECO｜Thinkeco Organic Cotton Hanji Reusable Menstrual Pads (Set of 5)｜5 pack, 2XL
No. 5: Imse Vimse｜Imse Vimse Reusable Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads (Set of 3)｜3 pack
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