Hey there, fellow menstruators! It‘s your girl Jenna, back with another fab product review. Today, we‘re diving deep into the world of eco-friendly period care with my honest August Pads review. As someone who‘s always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in sustainable living, I was thrilled to discover this innovative brand that‘s shaking up the menstrual game.
I‘ve been using August Pads for the past 6 months, and let me tell you, they‘ve totally transformed my period experience. No more rushed trips to the store for overpriced tampons or guilty feelings about the waste I‘m generating. August Pads has made it easy and convenient to have a more comfortable, earth-friendly cycle.
But enough about me, let‘s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes August Pads so awesome and why you might want to consider making the switch too!
What is August Pads?
Founded in 2020 by badass Gen Z activist Nadya Okamoto, August Pads is on a mission to reimagine the period experience and make sustainable menstrual products accessible to all. At just 16 years old, Nadya started a non-profit called Period to address period poverty and the stigma around menstruation.
August Pads is her latest venture to continue this important work. For every subscription box sold, August Pads donates period products to menstruators in need around the world. In their first year alone, they‘ve donated over 1 million pads and tampons!
But August Pads isn‘t just about the social impact – they‘re also dedicated to creating high-quality, eco-friendly period products that actually work. All of their pads, tampons, and liners are made with 100% organic cotton and free of harmful chemicals like dyes, dioxins, and fragrance. Plus, everything is biodegradable and compostable, including the packaging.
The Benefits of Organic Cotton Period Products
Let‘s talk sustainability. Did you know that the average menstruator uses up to 15,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime? That‘s a lot of waste clogging up our landfills and polluting our oceans.
Conventional period products are often made with a mix of plastic, rayon, and other synthetic materials that can take centuries to break down. Not to mention, the manufacturing process involves bleaching the materials with chlorine, which releases harmful toxins into the environment.
Organic cotton, on the other hand, is a renewable resource that‘s grown without pesticides or insecticides. It‘s biodegradable and compostable, meaning it will naturally break down over time without leaving behind any toxic residue.
But the benefits of organic cotton period products go beyond just the environment. Cotton is a breathable, hypoallergenic material that‘s gentle on your skin. This is especially important for the delicate vulvar and vaginal areas, which can be sensitive to irritants.
Many conventional pads and tampons also contain chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and carcinogens that can disrupt your hormones and cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, rashes, and even toxic shock syndrome. Yikes!
By choosing organic cotton products like August Pads, you‘re not only reducing your environmental impact but also prioritizing your reproductive health. It‘s a win-win!
Inside the August Pads Subscription Box
Alright, let‘s unbox this baby! The first thing I noticed about my August Pads delivery is the minimal, recyclable packaging. No excess plastic or cutesy designs, just a simple cardboard box with the August logo.
Inside, you‘ll find your customized assortment of period products based on your selected preferences. August Pads offers pads, tampons, and liners in different absorbencies and quantities, so you can mix and match to create your perfect period kit.
For my first box, I opted for a balance of:
- 12 regular absorbency pads
- 12 super absorbency tampons
- 24 liners
The pads come in a sleek, black wrapper with the August logo and absorbency level clearly labeled. They have wings for added leak protection and a soft, cotton top layer that feels amazing against your skin. I was pleasantly surprised by how thin and flexible the pads are, considering they‘re made without any plastic backing.
The tampons are equally impressive – compact and easy to insert with a smooth, rounded tip and a sturdy cardboard applicator. No more pinched fingers or awkward angles! The string is also made of organic cotton and securely attached to prevent any slippage.
Lastly, the liners are the perfect backup for light days or as extra reassurance with a tampon. They‘re whisper-thin but still absorbent enough to catch any leaks or spotting.
One of the coolest features of the August Pads subscription is the ability to customize your box for each cycle. We all know that periods can be unpredictable, so it‘s nice to have the flexibility to adjust your products month-to-month. You can easily skip a shipment, change your quantities, or add on one-time products like their period pouch or cozy undies.
What Customers Are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it – August Pads has amassed a loyal following of customers who rave about the quality and convenience of their products. Here are some real reviews from the August Pads community:
"I have endometriosis and very heavy, painful periods. I was skeptical about making the switch to natural products, but August Pads have been a game-changer for me. The overnight pads are so absorbent and comfortable, even on my worst days. And I love that I can customize my box each month based on my symptoms." – Maria, 32
"As a trans masculine person who still menstruates, I‘ve always felt excluded from the period care space. August Pads has changed that for me. Their branding and messaging are gender-inclusive and make me feel seen and validated. The subscription model is also super convenient and discreet." – Jase, 24
"I‘ve been using August Pads for about a year now and I‘m never going back to drugstore brands! The organic cotton is so much gentler on my sensitive skin and I feel good knowing I‘m not exposing myself to harmful chemicals. Plus, the customizable subscription makes it so easy to always have the products I need on hand." – Tiffany, 28
August Pads has an overall rating of 4.8 stars from over 1,500 reviews on their website. Customers consistently praise the high-quality materials, leak-free protection, and convenience of the subscription model. Any negative reviews are few and far between, with the most common complaint being the higher price point compared to conventional brands.
August Pads By the Numbers
- 1.5 million+ period products donated to menstruators in need
- 10,000+ pounds of period waste diverted from landfills
- 100% organic cotton in all products
- 5 absorbencies to choose from (light, regular, super, super plus, overnight)
- 2 delivery frequencies (monthly or bimonthly)
- 10,000+ customers served in all 50 US States
August Pads vs. Other Organic Period Brands
August Pads isn‘t the only player in the eco-friendly period care game. Other popular organic cotton brands include Cora, Lola, Natracare, and more. So how does August Pads stack up?
Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Brand | Customizable Subscription | Gives Back | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Pads | Yes | Yes | $10/month |
| Cora | Yes | Yes | $14/month |
| Lola | Yes | No | $11/month |
| Natracare | No | No | $12.99/36 pads |
While all of these brands offer high-quality, organic cotton period products, August Pads stands out for its customizable subscription model and extensive give-back program. For every box sold, August Pads donates products to menstruators in need through their network of non-profit partners. They also prioritize inclusivity and body-positivity in their branding and messaging.
Price-wise, August Pads is on the lower end of the spectrum at just $10/month for a customized box. They also offer free shipping on all subscriptions over $15, which is a nice perk.
FAQs on August Pads
Still have questions about making the switch to August Pads? I‘ve got you covered with these frequently asked questions:
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Can I try August Pads before committing to a subscription?
Absolutely! August Pads offers a one-time "trial box" option that lets you test out their products before signing up for a recurring subscription. The trial box comes with a curated selection of their best-selling pads, tampons, and liners. -
What if I‘m not satisfied with my August Pads purchase?
No worries! August Pads has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you‘re not happy with your products for any reason, they‘ll issue you a full refund or replacement, no questions asked. They also make it super easy to cancel or modify your subscription at any time. -
How long does it take to receive my August Pads box?
August Pads typically ships within 1-2 business days of receiving your order. Delivery time varies based on your location, but most customers receive their box within 3-5 business days. You can track your shipment through the email confirmation or your account dashboard. -
Are August Pads flushable?
No, please don‘t flush your August Pads! Even though they‘re made with biodegradable materials, they‘re not designed to break down in water and can cause plumbing issues. Instead, wrap your used products in toilet paper and dispose of them in the trash. August Pads is working on developing a fully compostable option in the future. -
How do I know what absorbency to choose?
Great question! August Pads offers a helpful absorbency quiz on their website to guide you towards the right products for your flow. In general, they recommend:- Light absorbency for spotting or very light days
- Regular absorbency for medium flow days (changing every 4-6 hours)
- Super absorbency for heavy flow days or overnight protection
- Super Plus absorbency for very heavy flow or postpartum bleeding
When in doubt, it‘s always better to size up on absorbency to prevent leaks. You can also mix and match absorbencies in your box to accommodate changes in your flow throughout your cycle.
Why You Should Make the Switch to August Pads
Well there you have it, folks – my unfiltered opinion on August Pads! As someone who‘s tried my fair share of organic period products, I can confidently say that August Pads is a cut above the rest.
Not only are their pads, tampons, and liners incredibly comfortable and absorbent, but they also align with my values of sustainability and social impact. Knowing that my purchase is supporting menstrual equity initiatives around the world makes me feel like I‘m part of something bigger.
I also love the customization and flexibility of the August Pads subscription. No more last-minute trips to the store or piles of unused products under my bathroom sink. I can tailor my box to my exact needs each month and have it delivered right to my door. Easy peasy.
If you‘re on the fence about making the switch to eco-friendly period care, I highly recommend giving August Pads a try. Your body (and the planet!) will thank you. Use my exclusive promo code [JENNAXAUGUST] for 20% off your first box.
And don‘t forget to join the August Pads community on Instagram @itsaugust to connect with like-minded menstruators and stay up to date on the latest launches and campaigns.
Here‘s to happier, healthier, more sustainable periods for all!
