It may take some trial and error to find the perfect tampon. There are what seems like an infinite number of options available, and the majority of them come in a variety of sizes, degrees of absorbency, applicator types, and other features. We only examined tampons that had successfully undergone FDA inspections to verify their safety and accurate labeling. The top 12 tampons are listed in this article. Please continue reading and choose your favorite.
What Are Tampons?
In order to absorb and soak up menstrual blood during a person’s monthly cycle, women use tampons, which are cotton plugs inserted into the vagina. The cotton plug can be put in more easily with the help of an applicator found on some tampons. To make removal simpler, tampons also have a string attached to the end.
How To Choose The Proper Tampon For You
Tampons are available in so many different varieties, from the applicator to size. Whether you’ve had a heavy flow for years or are totally new to periods, we broke down all your tampon options and important considerations:
Absorbency
Each tampon size, which comes in light, regular, super, super plus, and ultra, can hold a particular volume of menstrual blood. (FDA regulation applies to these absorbency labels.). If you’ve never worn a tampon before, try a light or regular size and see if that suits your flow.
If not, switch to a product with a higher absorbency, such as super or ultra. You should use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow and replace it every 4-6 hours to reduce your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome, which is uncommon.
Applicator
The three main types of applicators are plastic, cardboard, and those without one. Our tester panel, in general, preferred tampons with plastic applicators over cardboard or styles with no applicator. However, users of no-applicator tampons highly recommended them because they found them to be more convenient to use and produce less waste.
Shape
Tampons typically take one of three shapes after being wet: they either unfold side to side, 360 degrees around, or simply expand. Because they lack an applicator to help them maintain their shape, no-applicator tampons primarily just expand.
Although the testers didn’t show a clear preference for any particular shape, our lab tests revealed that expanding styles are less suitable for heavier flows because they don’t hold onto liquid as well.
12 Best Tampons In 2022
Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons
These Organyc organic tampons have almost 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, making them top sellers. The tampons are created from soft, breathable 100% organic cotton.
The tampons are made from twisted organic cotton fibers for increased absorbency and are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. They are also not made with rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine.
Best Eco-friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure Organic Tampons
The fact that the applicator on these organic Tampax tampons is cozy and simple to use is a big seller. But the fact that they are 90% composed of plant-based materials seems to be their favorite feature.
The tampons themselves are made of 100% organic cotton that has been approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard and is free from bleach, dye, and fragrance.
Best Cardboard Applicator: Oi Certified Organic Tampons
Check out these Oi tampons if you like to use cardboard applicators. The tampons are a fantastic eco-friendly product because they are made from 100% certified organic cotton and the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable.
The tampons are comfortable and absorbent, which is what customers most value.
Best Applicator Free: Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons
As environmentally friendly as they possibly can be are these Veeda tampons. The tampons don’t include any applicators and are made entirely of natural cotton, so there is no need to discard extra materials.
The tampons are gynecologist-tested, biodegradable, and free of chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, and dyes.
Best For Beginners: Tampax Radiant Plastic Tampons
Tampax Radiant is a great place to start if you’ve never used a tampon before. Our test participants reported that the plastic applicator on these tampons made insertion easier.
The only type of tampons tested with resealable wrappers for covert disposal were these ones, which was a feature that our testers really liked!
Best For Exercise: Playtex Sport Tampons
Our panel gave Playtex Sport tampons the highest recommendation when it came to tampons to wear while exercising or swimming.
The grip for more comfortable insertion and the contoured plastic applicator were favorites among test subjects. The longer string on these should be tucked away when at the beach because of this.
Best For Heavy Flow: Playtex Simply Gentle Glide Tampons
Playtex Simply Gentle Glide tampons are one of the few styles with a plastic applicator available in ultra size. They received high marks from our testers for being both convenient to use and comfortable to wear.
Remember that you should only use ultra tampons if you are certain that you will have a heavier flow and require the highest level of protection.
Best For Heavy Flow: Lola Super Plus Organic Cotton Tampons
Customers at Walmart have given these Lola super plus organic cotton tampons an impressive 4.3-star rating, demonstrating how much they enjoy them. The fact that these well-known period products are made to expand in all directions to stop leaks makes them ideal for women with heavy flows.
Customers love how small and discreet the tampon is, fitting in the palm of their hand. They appreciate the fact that the tampons are made by a women’s business and have gynecologist approval.
Best Hypoallergenic Option: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons
These hypoallergenic, organic cotton tampons from Cora may be just what you need if you have sensitive skin.
The highly absorbent products are applicator-free and made without any polyester, pesticides, fragrances, or dioxides. “Best product ever,” raved one customer.
Best Overnight Option: O.b. Organic Tampons
The manufacturer claims that these organic O.b. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use (but before you choose to sleep in one, we recommend reading this guide on sleeping with tampons).
The fact that they are made of organic cotton that has been ethically sourced and that their applicator is made of 92% plant-based materials is a selling point for consumers.
Best For Leak Protection: Rael Organic Cotton Tampons
Thanks to their leak-locking technology and incredibly slim, BPA-free applicator that glides in smoothly and comfortably, these Rael organic cotton tampons have almost perfect ratings on Amazon.
According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps “fluids locked in the core for added security.
Best Affordable Option: Just Cotton Core Tampons
The majority of the options on this list are more expensive than other tampons you can find in the aisles of your preferred drugstore, but Just’s tampons are equally cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
The firm’s feminine care products are made with a core of 100% cotton and are produced without the use of dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. The tampons have received nearly perfect reviews from hundreds of Walmart customers, many of whom gushed about how comfortable and absorbent they are.
How To Properly Use A Tampon?
- Hands should be washed before using a tampon.
- A tampon can be placed while squatting, sitting, or raising one leg off the toilet seat. Find a position that feels comfortable for you.
- If your tampon doesn’t have an applicator, use your finger to push the tampon inside the vagina. For the majority of people, insertion will be simpler with an applicator that is smooth and rounded.
- Maintain as much calm as you can because tampons are easier to insert when the user isn’t tensing up.
- To help the tampon insert more easily, you can dab a little lubricant on the end of it.
- Ask someone you can trust, such as your mother or sister, who has used tampons to assist you if you’re having trouble inserting a tampon.
- The applicator and wrapper shouldn’t be flushed. When you are done, dispose of them in the trash.
- As needed for comfort and flow, change your tampon every four to eight hours. Never use a tampon for more than eight hours. A tampon can be worn overnight as long as it is inserted just before bed and taken out as soon as you wake up.
- If your tampon is full, it ought to be simple to remove. Simply give the tampon’s string a light tug.
- If you’d like, wrap your used tampon in toilet paper and place it in the trash instead of flushing it.
