Your Cruelty-Free Menstruation Guide. Period.
Every 28 days (or so—everyone’s different!), many of us blessed with uteruses are given a magical gift. What’s even more magical? There are cruelty-free and vegan tampons, pads, and other essentials available to help us cruise through our periods. We’ve put together a list of everything you’ll need to navigate your next cycle with compassion.
Vegan Tampons
Let’s start with the essentials. These great vegan tampons are not only cruelty-free but also organic:
The Honey Pot
Natracare
Seventh Generation
Vegan Pads
If vegan tampons aren’t your thing, the following companies also make pads that are not tested on animals:
The Honey Pot
Natracare
Seventh Generation
Reusable Pads
If you want to minimize waste, you can also check out reusable washable pads. There are dozens of options available online—just be sure to choose only from those that don’t contain silk, wool, or any other products taken from an animal.
Menstrual Cup
It’s the menstruation sensation that’s sweeping the nation (and the world): the menstrual cup. This one is cruelty-free and reusable (with bonus points for being environmentally friendly).
Period Panties
THINX
THINX period panties may be your new all-around solution for that time of month. According to the website, THINX’s patented technology allows the underwear to hold up to two tampons’ worth of liquid. You can wash and rewear these again and again, and they’re totally cruelty-free. Say goodbye to what you thought you knew about your period and hello to your new best friend.
Pain Relief and Vitamins
And let’s face it: It’s not just the gear that gets you through your time with Aunt Flow (do people still say that?). Everyone is different, but if you experience cramps, aches, or any of the other joys that come with having a uterus, try one of these PETA-approved ways to relieve your pain while also being kind to animals and your body.
Soothing Bath
Mixtures like the one shown here are said to relieve fatigue, bloating, sweating, irritability, and anxiousness when added to a warm bath.
Multivitamin
It’s always a good idea to maintain your optimal vitamin levels, and this time of the month is no exception. The multivitamin shown here was formulated with menstruating vegans in mind. According to its manufacturer, it contains “select nutrients to support breast health with added vitamins D and E, the reproductive system with folate, calcium, magnesium and zinc, [and] bone strength with appropriate amounts of vitamins A, C, D3, calcium, magnesium and zinc.” Best of all? It’s good for your body and doesn’t hurt animals.
Turmeric
You may not know this, but turmeric has powers well beyond flavoring your favorite curry—it can also help ease menstrual cramps. The capsules here are vegan and cruelty-free!
Keeping Clean
There are ample ways to keep feeling fresh while surfing the crimson tide (people definitely still say that, right?). Anyway, these cruelty-free products will keep you clean whether you’re on your period or in between.
Wipes
The Honey Pot
Freshening Spray
The Honey Pot
Acne Treatment
As hormone levels shift before your period, the surface of your face can change. Are you prone to pesky pre-menstrual breakouts? Don’t worry—these products will treat that once-monthly blotchiness. And bonus (you guessed it): None of these was tested on animals or contains anything taken from an animal.
Acne Spot Treatment
Acne Cleanser
Post-Acne Kit
In fact, we’ve compiled a whole list of cruelty-free ways to keep your skin acne-free any time of the month. You’re welcome.
Other Essentials (Wine and Chocolate, Clearly)
And of course, you can’t ignore the inevitable cravings. Chocolate and wine are a must for that time of month, so here are our vegan picks for you to indulge in.
Chocolate*
More Chocolate*
*These are just the author’s picks, but you can check out our definitive guide to vegan chocolate here.
Wine
OK, there are literally thousands of vegan wines to choose from that will ease anything you’re feeling while on your period (and at any other time of the month, really).
Sweats (Last but Not Least)
Anyone whose body doesn’t retain monstrous amounts of water during her period can skip this essential, but for everyone else, we’d like to recommend a super-comfy PETA hoodie to pair with your favorite sweatpants. You can still stand up for animals while lying down on your couch browsing Netflix.
Didn’t find your favorite product or what you were looking for on this list? Don’t worry—we have a whole cruelty-free database that you can search here. Check it out. Maybe your new period essential is waiting there for you!
