Purchasing good and hygienic sanitary pads that make you comfortable during your menstruation weeks is crucial, and while we are all currently striving to be more eco-friendly, it’s also necessary to examine how environmentally sustainable our sanitary pads are. 

Did you know that over millions of non-biodegradable sanitary pads choke around Malaysia’s sewage systems, rivers and streams, and dump sites? And did you know that conventional pads and tampons are actually made of 90% silicone and disinfected with chlorinated water? The popular period products offered in Malaysia, it turns out, are one of the primary contributors to pollution.

However, there is a rising movement happening among educated Malaysian women who are reacting to the need of the time by manufacturing and utilising ecological and sustainable sanitary pads. While they come in more expensive marketing, these items contain natural raw ingredients that are healthier for human health, and are significantly less detrimental to the environment. 

The idea of using a menstrual cup or cloth pads overnight might scare a lot of women—that is why we at Beauty Insider suggest you switch to these eco-friendlier brands instead.

Why We Should Be Using Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads

Here’s the thing; the standard sanitary pad is actually made of 90% silicone and can take hundreds to thousands of years to properly disintegrate in dumps or, unfortunately, the ocean. When they do wind up in our seas, the plastic stays there for years, inflicting harm to the habitats’ residents. If you can’t get used to using a menstrual cup, there are several eco-friendly disposable solutions. 

Purchasing sanitary items with recyclable or biodegradable packaging is a big step forward that does not jeopardise cleanliness, performance and safety. While the pads we listed below are still considered disposable, they are produced from natural fibres, which eliminates the use of toxic materials that harm the environment and wastes less resources.

Best Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads In Malaysia

1. ENYA 

Ever since it first launched in 2019, Enya rapidly became the go-to brand for women who prefer minimalistic yet aesthetically-pleasing features. One glance upon Enya’s Instagram is enough to make the girls hit that follow button. What impresses us more about Enya is how they promised to deliver sanitary pads, made out from 100% organic cotton material, straight to consumer’s doors, without having you move an inch. Enya offers two products that can be purchased online that overall fit their initiative to offer sanitary pads access, which is comfortable yet safe to use. 

Read our interview with Enya’s founder here. 

Why we love it:

  • Skin-friendly & breathable
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • 100% rash-free, toxin free
  • Free of Fragrances

Price: Starts from RM 14.90 

Where to buy: Enya Official 

2. REFINED

Winner of 2022 Beauty Insider’s Choice Award, REFINED mixes science and essence to instil trust in its feminine products. There are no chemicals, animal testing or synthetic substances in their sanitary pads. The pads are created with larger, lengthier protection that fits with your body and remains in place firmly. They brand employs pure bamboo fibre in its super thin sanitary pads rather than the regular organic cotton. The cloth is also said to be lighter and have high level absorbance, assuring improved breathability. Do note that the bamboo cloth may naturally eradicate scents without the use of artificial smells or toxins.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight and thin for a barely-there feel
  • Ultra absorbent, breathable and antibacterial
  • Clinically-tested for sensitive skin

Price: Starts from RM 22.00

Where to buy: Refined Official

3. Kefi

Say hello to your new favourite pads. Kefi 100% Organic Cotton Overnight Pads are completely made of organic fibres, are biodegradable, and couldn’t be easier to use. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, making them perfect for even the most sensitive of women. These pads promise not to give you any rashes or make you feel uncomfortable, and at only 0.2cm, they feel like nothing! These biodegradable pads also  feature an anti-leakage side barrier design to reduce leakage so you can go about shark week completely worry-free. For these amazing reasons, they won Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Best Feminine Care 2023, Best Sanitary Pad, and Beauty Insiders’ Choice Award!

Why we love it:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Anti-leakage
  • Ultra thin

Price: RM17

Where to buy: Kefi

4. Bobble 

Its founder, Malisse Tan grew concerned about the sanitary pads she was using after completing treatment for Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. Later, the concept for Bobble emerged, shedding awareness of the value of menstrual health. The pads, pantyliners, and tampons are manufactured of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic tencel and are chemical-free with sustainable and biodegradable packaging. It basically implies that the period supplies include no chemicals, fluoride, fragrances, or colours. Bobble also claims that their pads are airy, pleasant, and ultra-thin while remaining absorbing.

Why we love it:

  • Uses GOTS certified 100% organic cotton
  • Made from FSC certified paper and soy-based ink
  • Ultra-thin yet absorbent

Price: Starts from RM 10.20

Where to buy: Bobble Official

5. BioFree

BioFree’s Organic Cotton Disposable Pads are said to be skin-friendly and organic in texture. The ultra-thin (0.2cm) BioFree technology has moisture-proof wings and a strong structure to keep the pad in a perfect position, even if you spend the whole day walking around the town. These qualities claim to give optimal security and ease to the user, notably because the cotton wicks used are pesticide-free. They also offer  menstruation cups, as well as period panties that may be worn for 6 – 8 hours throughout your cycle.

Why we love it:

  • Chlorine-free & dioxin-free, 100% safe for skin
  • Breathable texture, reduces moisture by allowing air in.
  • Natural material cover allows flexible use, even for sensitive skin

Price: Starts from RM 17.50

Where to buy: BioFree Official

6. Bieu

Bieu is a Malaysian hygiene and wellness firm that creates, manufactures, and markets 100% organic and safe feminine care. Their mission is to always provide the greatest quality and most appropriate goods to assist future generations. The firm is run in a sustainable manner, with a focus on creating value for people and nature. They believe that high-quality pads, reasonable rates, and customer satisfaction go a long way, therefore they employ only the best materials in their pads and liners from start to finish. The pads are soft for even delicate skin types that are subject to rashes, thanks to air-through technology, and keep your intimate region protected.

Why we love it:

  • Uses the finest organic cotton
  • Gentle on all skin types
  • Ensures comfort and prevent irritation

Price: Starts from RM 15.90

Where to buy: Bieu Official 

7. Amez

The Amez Care Bio Herbal Functional Sanitary Pads Napkins Company takes pleasure in providing all-natural goods that not only raise the comfort level of women, but also maximise their health during menstruation. Their items resemble the name brands that are already accessible on the market in appearance. Their internal compositions, however, are vastly different. They employ a specifically designed jelly that helps their feminine products to absorb more effectively. Furthermore, their items have several layers. All of their eco-friendly sanitary pads, both day and night, include nine absorbent and defensive layers.

Why we love it:

  • They use a specially-created jelly
  • Have a stronger level of absorption
  • Increase the comfort level 

Price: Starts from RM 14.90

Where to buy: Amez

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