A few months ago, Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN) and Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) released a shocking report ‘Blood, Sweat and Pesticides’. It revealed that 1 in 15 non-organic tampons sold on the UK high street contain glyphosate, a pesticide, at levels 40x higher than the legal limit for drinking water. Glyphosate, the chemical name for weed killer, has been linked to reproductive harm, hormone disruption, and cancer. For a product essential to hygiene, dignity, and everyday life, this revelation is deeply concerning. It calls for urgent industry accountability and transparency, two principles that Natracare have championed since 1989.
This is also where GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) has a vital role to play. GOTS certified tampons made from organic cotton are produced without toxic pesticides like glyphosate and are held to strict environmental, Human Rights- and social standards. People who menstruate deserve safe, clean period products. Choosing GOTS certified 100% organic tampons is a better choice for your health, the planet, and a fairer supply chain.
But What Is The Problem with Glyphosate in Period Products?
The words ‘glyphosate’ and ‘tampons’ ought never appear in the same sentence. Pesticide exposure is a global health concern, being linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. It’s presence in tampons is particularly alarming because period products are used on and around your body’s most sensitive skin. The vagina is highly absorbent, meaning chemicals can bypass the body’s metabolic filters and enter directly into the bloodstream. We believe that no one should have to worry about pesticide exposure from products that come into close contact with our bodies. This is especially true for tampons, which should always be safe, clean, and free from harmful chemical inputs.
The issue is not new. In 1989, Natracare founder Susie Hewson discovered the harmful effects poorly regulated period products had on both human health and the environment. Period products were bleached with chlorine, releasing carcinogenic by-products known as dioxins and furans into the water soil and air. Since then, testing has revealed toxic metals like lead and arsenic, PFAS, and now pesticides have all been discovered in conventional, non-organic tampons.
And it’s not only those who use these tampons that are affected by glyphosate exposure, the damage can be traced back to the beginning of the supply chain. Cotton is often referred to as “the world’s dirtiest crop” because of the high volumes of chemical inputs and pesticides used in its cultivation. These practices not only damage ecosystems but also put cotton farmers – many of them female – at serious risk of exposure, frequently without access to adequate protective equipment. While many mainstream tampons are made from conventionally grown cotton – often treated with pesticides like glyphosate – Natracare, as a GOTS-certfied company, has always sourced certified organic cotton, mitigating the use of toxic pesticides at any stage of production.
So, What Did the Report Find?
WEN sent 15 boxes of tampons bought from UK shops to an independent lab for pesticide residue testing. Despite the small sample size, the results were troubling: glyphosate was found in tampons in one of the boxes of the most popular and recognised tampon brands. The amount detected, 0.004mg/kg may not sound like much, but it’s 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water in the UK and EU (0.0001mg/kg).
And this was just one random box, from a small sample. Given how widely these products are sold, it is highly likely that tampons containing glyphosate are being used by those who menstruate across the globe. With no regulations outside of a few states in USA requiring period brands to disclose the ingredients in their products, nor a requirement to test for unintentionally added contaminants, consumers are left in the dark. When it comes to your body, peace of mind is everything. That’s why choosing independent, trusted certifications like GOTS matters – so you know your tampon is made from 100% organic cotton, and nothing else.
Why GOTS Certification Is Crucial
GOTS is the global gold standard for organic textiles, and this includes tampons. The certification covers the entire supply chain, from the first processing stages of organic fibres right after harvest to weaving, manufacturing, and labelling.
By setting strict environmental, Human Rights and social criteria, GOTS ensures that no toxic pesticides like glyphosate are used, and that production respects both people and the planet. Because it’s an internationally recognised standard, manufacturers can export products with one organic certification accepted in all major markets – ensuring consistency and trust.
A Call for Industry Reform
No one should have to question whether their tampon contains toxic pesticides. The recent findings from PAN and WEN highlight a systematic problem in the menstrual product industry – a lack of regulation, transparency, and accountability.
The GOTS certification offers a clear solution: safe, organic & traceable products that protect your health and the environment. It’s time for the industry to step up, for regulators to take action, and for brands to commit to the highest standards.
GOTS sets the benchmark the entire industry should strive for. For decades, Natracare has proven that it’s not only possible to meet these standards but to exceed them — showing that tampons can be safe for your body while protecting the planet. Choosing GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton tampons isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a health decision.
