Are Organic Pads Better for You?
Remember the very first time you got your period? The sheer relief of finding a pad or tampon—any kind—to get you through the day. For most of us, that first period started a relationship with period products that was built on a simple foundation: if it works, why question it? Or maybe you're on the other side. You experience rashes and irritation when you have your period. Maybe you've thought (or even been told) that you just have to live with it. But what if we told you that what your period care is made of matters more than you might think?
This isn’t about shaming anyone for their choices. It’s about starting a conversation and providing factual information—because we believe that knowledge is power, and you deserve to know what’s going on with your body.
Table of Contents
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Are Organic Pads Better for You?
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What's in Most Disposable Pads?
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What Makes joni Different?
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Certifications You Can Trust
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Our Mission for Menstrual Equity
What's in Most Disposable Pads?
Let’s talk about the products we’ve all used. A typical disposable pad is a smart piece of engineering, but it’s often made from materials that aren't so kind to your body or the planet.
The topsheet is usually a synthetic plastic that, while effective at wicking moisture, can trap heat and moisture against your skin. This can lead to that uncomfortable, sticky feeling, and in some cases, cause irritation, rashes, or even contribute to bacterial vaginosis.
The absorbent core is typically made of bleached wood pulp and SAP, with a plastic backsheet to prevent leaks. The combination of these materials can create a hidden cost—not in dollars, but in comfort and well-being.
joni's co-founder, Jayesh Vekariya, has a background in pharmacology and product development (in addition to his MBA), which gives joni a unique, science-backed perspective on the materials used in period care. His approach to pads and tampons has come from a place of finding the period care happy medium: plant-based pads and tampons that are both highly effective while also being safe for bodies and the planet.
We can speak from a place of expertise about why certain ingredients are chosen and how our commitment to organic, plant-based materials directly relates to physical comfort and a reduced risk of irritation, rashes, and infections. We can also highlight our commitment to radical transparency by disclosing every ingredient.
What Makes joni Different?
We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on performance for the sake of your body or the planet. That’s why every joni product is designed with materials that are better for both. Our pads are, on average, 92% biodegradable within 12 months under ideal composting conditions—a big step forward in reducing waste compared to conventional options.
A Topsheet that Feels Good
Instead of plastic, our topsheet is made from viscose (derived from organic bamboo) and non-GMO cornstarch. The result? A surface that’s soft, breathable, and gentle against your skin—not the hot, plastic shield you might be used to. That small but mighty change makes a huge difference in comfort and can help prevent irritation and chafing.
The Gold Standard in Absorbency
Our pads feature seven layers of protection with a high-quality superabsorbent polymer (SAP) core at the centre. Fun fact: SAPs were originally invented in the 1960s for agriculture to help soil hold water, and they’re still used today to help plants thrive. Their ability to lock in moisture is why they’ve become standard in period care, diapers, and incontinence products.
At joni, we use Sumitomo SAP, widely recognized as the gold standard. While SAP doesn’t biodegrade quickly, its soil-use origins mean that when it does eventually return to the earth, it’s not harmful—in fact, it can actually support soil water retention. (Some of our team even compost our pad cores into our garden beds!)
Biodegradable SAPs are in development, but they’re not yet as effective as Sumitomo. And we’re not willing to compromise on your health, comfort, or protection. Sumitomo allows us to create pads that are incredibly thin while keeping you reliably dry—helping prevent irritation, rashes, and even infections. And as a trusted industry leader, Sumitomo shares our commitment to responsible practices.
Compostable Leak-proof Layers
The bottom layer of our pads—and the wrappers they come in—are made from BPI-certified compostable biofilm. This material does double duty: it locks in leaks so you can trust your pad to perform, while also replacing conventional plastic with a compostable alternative that’s better for the planet. Reliable protection for you, less waste for the earth.
Compostable Tampons
Our tampons are made with 100% organic cotton, from the absorbent core to the string. That means no unnecessary ingredients like chlorine dioxide, dyes, or added fragrances—just natural, compostable protection.
Why It Matters
Most period products on the market still rely on slow-to-degrade materials that not only take centuries to break down, but also does not provide great performance. At joni, we’re changing that. By combining comfortable and compostable materials with industry-leading absorbency, we’re showing that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, health, or performance. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s raising the bar for period care—because your body deserves better, and so does the planet.
Certifications You Can Trust
We don’t just talk the talk; we're committed to living our values. Our certifications are our promise to you that we've done the work to ensure our products are safe, ethical, and transparent. We're a B Corp, which means our business is a force for good, balancing profit with purpose. Our pads are BPI certified, meaning they’ll genuinely compost. Our materials are OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified, confirming they are free from harmful substances and are sourced sustainably. And our products are regulated by both the FDA and Health Canada, so you know they meet the highest safety standards. Read more about our certifications in our FAQs.
Our Mission for Menstrual Equity
We know that for many, affordability is a primary factor in choosing period care. We want to change the reality that access to high-quality period products is a luxury. Our mission goes beyond our products. Every joni purchase helps us provide products to those in need. We partner with non-profit organizations to help combat period poverty and work to get our products into schools, workplaces, and public spaces, so that access to safe, quality period care is never a question.
So, do period care materials matter? We believe they absolutely do. Choosing joni isn't just a personal wellness choice; it's a vote for a more transparent, sustainable, and equitable future for all.