My period routine used to be as predictable as my Saturday laundry. Cue the cycle: wake up, let out an irritable sigh, pad up, go about my day and try not pay too much attention to the week of struggles that lay ahead.

Back then, I used the same traditional pads that I’ve been using since high school – plastic-wrapped, ultra-long and promising ‘freshness’ with a suspiciously perfumed scent. I never really questioned it. I mean, a pad’s a pad, right?

Wrong.

This year, I took a chance on organic pads.

And let me just say – it felt like someone handed my uterus a cup of herbal tea and a fluffy robe. Maybe I am overexaggerating a little, but it was a pretty stark difference.

Let’s rewind a bit, because if you’re wondering whether organic pads are worth the switch (or just another ‘eco-hype’ moment), I’ve got you covered. No padding the truth (get it, padding, as in – never mind.)

What are traditional pads made of? 

Think: plastic. A lot of plastic. Plus, rayon (an absorbent textile), chlorine-bleached pulp, superabsorbent polymers (fancy name for little gel beads) and often some sort of fragrance that smells like ‘clean cotton’ but somehow makes your eyes water.

They work, no doubt about it. But, for some people, the synthetic stuff can be ... itchy. Irritating. Unpleasant.

What are organic pads made of?

Now, imagine this: pads that are made from 100% organic cotton with an absorbent core made from natural fibres. No weird scents, no bleach and no ‘what-is-that?’ ingredients. They’re:

• Hypoallergenic
• Breathable
• Fragrance-free
• Often biodegradable or compostable

They’re the oat milk latte of the pad world – simple, gentle and understated.

Organic vs traditional pads: A summarised comparison  

If you’re anything like me, sometimes I just want a quick run-down. Here it is: 

My experience using ANNA organic pads

Using ANNA organic pads for the first time was genuinely a lovely experience. They were much more absorbent than the conventional ones I’m used to, and the wings actually stayed in place – no awkward shifting or leaks. I didn’t experience any irritation, and best of all, there was none of that crinkly, plasticky feel.

The packaging was a bonus too – completely plastic-free and really charming. Even opening them was quieter, which I didn’t realise I appreciated until now.

Organic pads don’t claim to work miracles, but when it comes to comfort, sensitivity and a bit of peace of mind? They definitely earn some well-deserved brownie points.

Do organic pads actually make an environmental difference?

Here’s a fun-slash-horrifying fact: the average woman uses over 11 000 pads in her lifetime. And most of them? Wrapped in plastic, lined with plastic and topped with – you guessed it – more plastic. That stuff isn’t going anywhere for a few hundred years.

Organic pads, on the other hand, break down quicker and are often packaged with the planet in mind.

If you're doing your part with reusable coffee cups, tote bags and compost bins, this is a natural next step. Literally.

So, which should you pick?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and while there are plenty of alternatives to pads, if you’re leaning towards using pads specifically ... 

• Stick with normal pads if: You never had issues with irritation and want something easy to grab at any corner store.
• Try organic pads if: You have sensitive skin, want to ditch chemicals or you’re on an eco-friendly streak.

Final Thoughts (AKA The Heartfelt Bit)

Switching to organic pads felt like a small act of rebellion against the ‘standard.’ A soft, breathable, plant-based rebellion – but a rebellion nonetheless.

And just like swapping out chemical-laced laundry products for biodegradable ones, I found that small changes made a big difference. Comfort improved. Irritation vanished. I felt better knowing I was doing something kinder – for myself and the planet.

Curious? Try a pack. See how your body feels. You might just find your new period-day bestie. And if you need panty liners, those are available too!