It’s not safe in your water, so why is it allowed in your tampon?
Last week, a new study by the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) revealed that several conventional tampon brands sold by major UK retailers were found to contain pesticide residues – including glyphosate, a chemical classified by the World Health Organisation as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Even more concerning? One sample contained glyphosate at 40 times the legal limit for drinking water in the UK and EU.
This is not just an issue of consumer safety. It’s a wake-up call to the period care industry – and a call to action for anyone who believes in transparency, health equity, and human rights.
What the Study Found
Researchers tested 15 boxes of tampons purchased from UK high street retailers. Their focus was on mainstream, non-organic brands.
The results showed:
- Glyphosate, a chemical commonly found in weedkiller and widely used in conventional cotton farming, was detected in one tampon sample at 0.004 mg/kg – 40 times the maximum legal limit for glyphosate in drinking water (0.0001 mg/kg).
- Other samples also revealed traces of pesticide residues.
It’s important to note that no organic tampons were included in this testing.
Our tampons, pads, and liners are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the most rigorous and globally recognised certifications for organic fibres. It doesn’t just cover how cotton is grown — it also monitors how it’s processed, dyed, and manufactured. The use of synthetic pesticides like glyphosate is prohibited by GOTS.
“We’re concerned that women and people who menstruate are being exposed to pesticide residues through intimate products without their knowledge or consent.” – Women’s Environmental Network (WEN)
Why This Matters: A Women’s Health Crisis
You may be thinking, ‘You don’t eat a tampon, so why does this matter?’(Yes, this is a real comment we’ve seen on socials!)
Well, the vagina and vulva are some of the most absorbent parts of the body, chemicals absorbed by the vagina bypass your body’s natural filtering mechanisms like the liver or kidneys and enter directly into your bloodstream.
On average, we use over 11,000 disposable menstrual products in our lifetime. This kind of long-term exposure to even low levels of toxic chemicals is unacceptable.
Glyphosate exposure has been linked to:
- Hormonal disruption
- Increased risk of cancer
- Fertility issues
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s
Despite all of this, there is no legal requirement in the UK for period care brands to list their ingredients or test for the presence of harmful substances.
This needs to change.
Our Commitment: No Compromises
At TOTM, we’ve built our entire brand around one core belief: your body deserves better.
We use 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
What does ‘GOTS certified’ really mean?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the most rigorous and globally recognised certifications for organic fibres. It doesn’t just cover how cotton is grown — it also monitors how it’s processed and manufactured.
Here’s what that means for you:
✅ No toxic pesticides or herbicides (like glyphosate):
GOTS prohibits the use of synthetic agricultural chemicals, including glyphosate, at the farming stage. Fields must meet organic criteria, and farms are inspected regularly to ensure compliance.
✅ Testing at every stage:
GOTS requires certified facilities to undergo inspections and residue testing to ensure banned substances aren’t sneaking into the supply chain.
✅ No greenwashing allowed:
To use the GOTS label, companies must meet strict environmental and social criteria across the entire production process — from field to finished product. It’s not just a cotton claim; it’s a full supply chain commitment.
✅ Safer for your body and the planet:
By eliminating toxic chemicals, GOTS ensures the cotton you’re using is gentler on sensitive skin — and on the soil, water, and workers who grow and process it.
We are always transparent about our materials and our manufacturing, because you deserve to know exactly what’s going into your body.
You shouldn’t have to compromise your health for your period care. We’re here to raise the standard – and push the industry to do better
Fighting for Change
This extends way beyond our brand. This is about demanding accountability and regulation across the entire period care industry.
We support calls from WEN and PAN UK for the UK government to:
- Introduce mandatory safety testing and ingredient disclosure for all period products.
- Increase funding for research into the long-term health effects of exposure to chemicals in menstrual products.
- Develop legislation – like a Menstrual Health, Dignity, and Sustainability Act, to promote period equity and safe product access for all.
What You Can Do
Choose consciously: Look for GOTS-certified organic products. Ask brands tough questions. Refuse to settle for silence or secrecy around your health.
Speak up: Share this information. Talk to friends and family. The more people know, the harder it is to ignore.
At TOTM, we’re not just here to sell period care – we’re here to lead a movement for transparency, health, and environmental justice.
Join the call to UK Chemical Minister, Emma Hardy, to keep toxic chemicals out of period products. Demand action 🔗
Ready to choose period care that puts your health first?
Try our organic cotton range of pads, tampons, and liners – made with nothing but 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Follow us @totmorganic for updates, advocacy, and honest conversation about menstrual health and wellbeing.
Read the full study here: Blood, Sweat, and Pesticides – WEN & PAN UK
