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Tampons have come a long way since the days of cardboard applicators and synthetically-made cotton hybrids. These days, we have plenty of solid options to choose from and while they won’t eradicate the annoyance of getting your period, they can make your monthly cycle much more bearable.
Whether you lead an active lifestyle, are always on the go or just don’t like the feeling of a pad in your undergarments, we have listed below some great tampon options that have upped their game in more ways than one. These options will keep you dry, comfortable and most importantly take away the dreaded worry of leaking that comes along with using tampons regularly and especially during your heaviest flow days.
Our options range from some of the best-selling and well-known drugstore brands to natural and organic brands that have been started by female entrepreneurs who want to leave an environmental impact while also giving back to those in need. We have also sourced tampons that come with applicators and ones that don’t to ensure everyone’s needs and preferences are met.
Comparing the Finest Tampon of 2024
o.b. Original Non-Applicator Tampon Multi Pack — Best Overall
These tampons are best known for being non-applicator tampons that help protect you and the environment also known as “digital tampons,” what they do have is a special protective pocket on the tampon that surrounds your finger with soft fibers while you insert to help you stay clean and protected. While these tampons may seem non-traditional, you can take comfort in knowing that each time you use one of these tampons you are adding one less applicator to a landfill or ocean. These tampons are also super-discreet and offer amazing protection against leaks thanks to their Fluid-Lock grooves.
Pros
- These tampons are designed to provide protection for up to eight hours
Cons
- If you are unfamiliar with using digital tampons, there might be a slight learning curve
Tampax Pearl Tampons – Multipack — Runner Up
These tampons are specially made with a smooth, plastic applicator and rounded tip for easy and comfortable insertion. These applicators make for an overall pleasant tampon experience and their contoured, Anti-Slip Grip makes them easier to hold and position. Additional comfort benefits include a Smooth Removal Layer on the tampon that helps make it comfortable and easy to remove, special LeakGuard Braid to help stop leaks before they happen and FormFit Protection to gently expand to fit your individual shape for up to eight hours of protection.
Pros
- Tampax Pearl is free of perfume and chlorine bleaching and clinically tested to be gentle on skin
Cons
- Differentiating the sizes may be a little complicated
o.b. Pro Comfort Tampons — Honorable Mention
These tampons differ from the others mentioned above in that they have been made even easier to insert and remove with an addition of a SilkTouch cover for the ultimate comfort. This 40 count box comes with the same o.b. tampons you know and love including their non-applicator status, FluidLock grooves that provide protection against leaks and they are small enough to carry around anywhere, even in those tiniest purses that are all the rage right now.
Pros
- o.b. tampons are designed by a female gynecologist to provide a custom fit that works with all shapes and sizes
Cons
- These are not 100% cotton
Cora Organic Cotton Tampons — Contender
Our last tampon pick is another certified organic option. They are pretty comparable to our other organic option in that they are made from 100% certified organic, biodegradable cotton. Where this tampon differs slightly is with its leak-proof, body-centric design that has eight absorbent sections for even absorbency and expands widthwise for comfort and leak protection. With its BPA-free, compact, plastic and fully recyclable plastic applicator and toxin-free product, these tampons make the perfect sense for the thoroughly modern woman.
Pros
- One box purchased provides menstrual products and the education girls need, allowing them to stay in school during their period
Cons
- These may be priced slightly higher than other options
L. Organic Cotton Tampons — Also Consider
If you are in the market for more natural personal care products, than these tampons may be a great alternative. These tampons are made with GOTS certified organic cotton, feature a BPA-free, sleek plastic applicator and have no chlorine bleaching, rayon, pesticides, fragrances or dyes. These tampons are similar in configuration to all of our above-mentioned options with applicators, however, they contain gentler ingredients and are made by a ‘by women for women’ company.
Pros
- For every L. product sold, one is made accessible to a person who needs it
Cons
- These tampons may not provide the absorbancy you may require
U by Kotex Security Tampons — Another Option
Another great option for your initial heavier days are these tampons in Super Plus absorbency. These tampons are designed to expand all-around to help capture and absorb fluid, prevent leaks for protection and have a smooth applicator easy, comfortable insertion. This pack comes with 102 individually wrapped tampons that will move with you for the fullest coverage on your heaviest day(s).
Pros
- These tampons are unscented
Cons
- The applicators are made from plastic
Buying Guide: Tampons
Women have been using tampons for a long time now and have seen the evolution of tampons over time. Over time, we have seen many different tampons, from cardboard tampons to pure cotton ones. However, the best tampons aren't decided by the material they are made of. Instead, the standard for rating tampons is the comfort and protection it provides during your monthly cycle.
One of the main reasons why many women prefer tampons is because they are easy to use, keep you dry and clean, and do not feel excruciatingly uncomfortable like pads.
However, not all tampons are the same. Some provide more comfort and protection than others. Some feel much better than others. This is why it is important to pick the best tampons for increased comfort and relaxation.
What Size Tampon Should I Get?
One of the first things women worry about when buying tampons is the size. The size of a tampon has nothing to do with your body size. Instead, the size of a tampon is related to the amount of flow you get during your menstruation cycle. Most brands have at least three different tampon sizes that fit different absorbency needs.
Which Tampon Size Is Best for Heavy Flow?
Tampon sizes depend on the amount of fluid that they can absorb. A large tampon is meant to absorb a large amount of blood, whereas a smaller tampon is only meant to absorb a minimal amount of blood. A large or ultra-large-sized tampon is better for people with heavy blood flow as it has room for more absorbency.
However, most women use regular-sized tampons as they are good enough to absorb the fluid in a normal flow.
How to Know if I Have the Correct Size of a Tampon?
When you’re using a particular size of tampon that is not right for you, one of two things can happen. If your tampon is smaller and hence insufficient for your flow, you will notice that it will leak before the allotted 6 hours are up. You know that your tampon has overflowed and is not the right fit for your flow when this happens. In such a case, you should invest in a tampon one size larger.
The second possible event is that you may notice that your tampon has become dry and is mostly white even after the 6 hours are over. This means that your blood flow was quite less than the size of your tampon, and you need to go down a size.
Tampons vs Pads: Which One Is Better?
Pads are larger and come in contact with your torso and legs more than a tampon does. This means that pads can be more uncomfortable than tampons and can wrinkle up or shift when you're moving or sleeping. Trying to run or swim with a pad on is a test that most women fail. On the other hand, tampons may have an uncomfortable application process, but they allow you to swim and run without worry. They also come in minimal contact with your body and don't leave any rashes on your legs. It's also easier to discreetly carry a tampon than a pad. This is why most women believe that tampons are a better option than pads.
How to Choose the Right Tampons?
There has been a significant increment in the types of tampons available out there. Each of these tampons comes with different features and sizes, and they all promise comfort and protection. This makes it really confusing to choose one brand of tampon that will fulfill your needs and fit you perfectly. Hence we bring you this detailed guide for buying the right tampons for yourself. Here are two of the most crucial things you must consider before choosing a tampon.
Tampon size
The first thing to consider is the size of the tampon you will be getting. As discussed above, the size of a tampon is related to how much fluid it can absorb. This means that regular-sized tampons can handle normal blood flow while smaller tampons are good for light flow and large tampons are good for heavy flow. Based on this information, you need to make an informed decision about the size of tampon that will fit you. If you experience heavy flow, you should go for large-sized tampons, whereas, for lighter flow, you can opt for either small size or regular-sized tampons.
Type of applicator
An applicator helps you in inserting the tampon easily. Tampons come with three different applicator types. These include a cardboard applicator, plastic applicator, and no applicator at all. Cardboard applicators are shaped just like plastic applicators but are more environmentally friendly. Plastic applicators are good options for first-time users as they are easy to slide in and handle. Since they are made of plastic, they are not good for the environment. Tampons with no applicators have to be inserted using only your fingers. This can be scary and confusing the first few times, but it becomes easy once you get the hang of it. Needless to say, non-applicator tampons are the cheapest tampons out there.
