How to Tell If Your Pads Are Actually Organic

The label might say “organic.” That doesn’t mean it is.

You’re reading the back of a pad packet, fingers crossed it’s free from irritants.. and there it is: organic cotton. Or natural materials. Or plant-based.

But in Australia, there’s no law stopping brands from using the word organic even if the product still contains synthetic fibres, bleached wood pulp, or plastic backings.

That’s why real certification matters. Because when something’s touching your most delicate skin for hours at a time - you deserve to know exactly what’s in it.

What proper certification actually means

At Femmé Organic, our pads and tampons are made with certified organic cotton - and we’re transparent about every step. Our products are:

• ACO certified (Australian Certified Organic)

• GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard)

• Vegan and TGA approved

This means no pesticides, no perfumes, and no synthetic fibres. Just soft, breathable cotton - grown and handled in ways that are safe for your body and kinder to the earth.

How uncertified pads can affect your skin

Many conventional pads contain plastic layers, artificial fragrance, or chlorine-bleached fibres - even the ones labelled “cotton”

Over time, that can mean itchiness, chafing, or repeated irritation that feels like thrush but isn’t. Our customers often tell us the same thing:
“I didn’t realise my old pads were the problem..until I switched to organic.”

That’s exactly why we created our Organic Cotton Pads - and why we’ll never use anything else. They’re ACO certified, breathable, and as simple and honest as a pad should be. For many, that quiet switch brings real relief.

A quick guide to spotting the real thing

Here’s how to tell if your pads are actually organic:

• Check the certifiers = Look for ACO, GOTS, or similar on the box.

• Read beyond the top sheet - Many brands only use organic cotton on the surface, while the absorbent core is still synthetic. Truly organic pads use certified cotton for both the top sheet and the inside.

• Be wary of vague claims — Words like “cotton-feel,” “natural,” or “organic-inspired” often signal synthetic materials beneath the surface.

• Trust transparency - If a brand’s not clear, there’s often a reason.

The comfort of knowing

Going certified organic isn’t about being perfect. It’s about small, grounded switches that feel better - physically and mentally.

Because when you know exactly what’s touching your skin, you can rest easier. And that’s the kind of peace every cycle deserves.