Every woman should have access to sanitary pads, tampons, Diva Cups—whatever—during their period… period. But we are extremely suspicious about the intentions behind the creation of a recently launched sanitary pad.

This recently launched pad’s co-creators claim their maxi can do more than hold human blood. Meet TOM, the oxygenated maxi pad. TOM, which also conveniently stands for “The Oxygen Movement” and “Time Of the Month,” is said to have health benefits and beauty capabilities, too.

About those claims

TOM’s menstrual pads’ have oxygen properties that, according to one of the company’s co-founders, can kill bacteria and yeast.

“When your vagina rests in a moist and nutrient-rich environment for a long period of time, harmful microbes start to develop and irritation begins,” Nancy Tsaur, co-founder of TOM, wrote in an email to Slate.

“When anaerobic bacteria are introduced to environments with oxygen, they cannot thrive and grow because anaerobes lack certain enzymes that allow bacteria to survive in the presence of oxygen.”

However, this claim has yet to be supported by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Now, let’s get to that vagina beautifying claim

TOM’s pads also are said to be able to lighten the skin color of the vulva. Because, oxygen.

The company wrote in a Facebook post:

“In today’s culture, many women look for ways to lighten that area for cosmetic reasons,” the post explains. “Treatments that specifically lighten the vaginal area (like lasers, creams, and ointments) are more and more sought after. We believe most of these treatments are not only unnatural, but some are also dangerous to the body! TOM Pads offer a easy and safe way to achieve the same results without spending loads of money.”

This type of product is so very wrong and sending a terribly wrong message to women.

Why the hell does any woman need to lighten her vulva? It’s not like a dark vulva indicates poor health or hygiene—in fact, it’s totally normal. Like hair or (hello!) skin color.

When products like this pop up in the consumer market they just reinforce sexist culture. It tells women that their bodies are somehow not good enough.

Also: This product is ridiculous. The last thing I’m thinking about when I’m bleeding is whether or not my vulva looks good.

This product isn’t on the American market yet, so, there’s still hope that we will never have to see it on store shelves. And if we ever do, let’s all agree, right now, that we will never, ever buy it.

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The post No, Really! What is Up with These Sanitary Pads?! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Being a girl isn’t all oversized sunglasses and crop tops. Each month we’re blessed with the “period woes” and all their inconvenient glory. Pads, panty-liners, and tampons… so much waste! What if there was a way to treat our planet better while also making our monthly visit a bit more bearable? That’s where environmentally conscious Dear Kate underwear comes in with its anti-leak undies that can help minimize the abundant use of feminine hygiene products.

Most of us have “those” pairs of underwear that we shamefully shove to the deep, dark corners of our undie drawer, reserved for that week where any sudden movement can spur some extra flow …if you know what I mean. (Too cringe-worthy to even think about, I know.) Luckily, Dear Kate has come to save us from the stained-undie wreckage and overflow of environmentally hazardous feminine products.

Founder Julie Sygiel, a chemical engineer by trade, empathized with women and set out to relieve us of those embarrassing surprises and relieve us of those wretched “period undies.”

Made in NYC, Dear Kate underwear is constructed of three breathable layers of patent-pending microfiber material that feels as soft as silk. One layer wicks away liquid, while the second encompasses stain-releasing powers. The third layer, or outer layer, is leak resistant so you can relax & wear a pair of white pants if you so desire!

The best part about Dear Kate is that you don’t have to sacrifice being (or feeling) sexy because the undies are actually really cute. Plus, the eco advantage is that we can cut way down on the use of feminine products! That means fewer panty liners loitering around in landfills. Seriously, isn’t that amazing?

This brand has done its research too. Dear Kate concluded that about 730 panty liners could be prevented from going into landfills per year per woman if she wears Dear Kate instead of using two liners a day. While it is still smart to protect yourself with a tampon or pad, these are a perfect back-up, especially on heavier days. On light days, let’s just say you can remain worry-free. Another fantastic tidbit is that the undies are machine-washable, so you can reuse, reuse, reuse!

Dear Kate underwear comes in all sizes from extra small to 3x and also offer a variety of cuts such as bikini, cheeky, hipster, and even thong (gasp!). Not too harsh on your wallet either–prices range from $32 for one pair to $164 for a set of six undies.

Eco-friendly, but also eco-sexy, us gals can take back our periods and still feel amazing while we give back to Mother Earth. Dear Kate has given us the girl-power to keep the feminine revolution going strong month after month with some pretty freaking awesome underwear.

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Image via Dear Kate

The post No More Disposable Feminine Products! Dear Kate Underwear is Kinder to You, the Planet and Your Wallet appeared first on EcoSalon.