Biocides You often find them in disinfectants or similar products to kill off possible germs. However, they are also always in the spotlight when it comes to period products - whether in connection with period underwear, tampons or sanitary pads. Biocides that come into contact with your mucous membranes are definitely not a good idea. After all, they easily find their way into your body. We therefore say: keep your eyes open when buying period products! Why this is so important and how biocides can harm you and your Harmful to health You can find out more in our blog post today.  

We have already thrown around the term “biocides” a few times, but what does this word actually mean? The term “biocides” is made up of the Greek word “bios”, meaning “life”, and the Latin “caedere”, meaning “to kill”. That sounds dangerous at first - and that is what they are. Biocides are microorganisms and chemicals that Pests (e.g. fungi or bacteria). These include, for example, insecticides or disinfectants. 

Nice to know: Biocide-treated items are often advertised as having an antibacterial effect. However, studies clearly show that household cleaners, antibacterial soaps or hygiene rinses, for example, cannot provide any additional health protection.

You can certainly imagine that biocidal products that can also kill living creatures such as rats are not harmless to humans. The BMUV confirms this: “ This also makes them potentially dangerous for humans and the environment.” It is not uncommon for biocides to allergic reactions cause damage to the skin’s health or Bacterial resistance In addition, biocides can also have effects on the Hormonal and nervous system as well as carcinogenic properties have. 

However, biocides can have a negative effect not only on humans, but also on the Environment . The biocidal substances can easily be released into the environment during the washing process. Biocidal products should therefore be used as little as possible and biocide-free alternatives should always be sought.  

You may have heard the term “biocides” in connection with cleaning products or rat poison. But what about biocides in connection with period products that you may use every month during your period? What do biocides have to do with menstrual hygiene products? 

Biocides in period underwear

During your period, bacteria are excreted in addition to menstrual blood. A moist, warm environment provides a good breeding ground for bacteria and can cause them to multiply quickly - which is something we don't want, of course. Many period underwear manufacturers therefore advertise the use of the biocides zinc pyrithione or silver chloride, as they are said to have an antibacterial effect. However, these biocides are considered questionable from a medical point of view and potentially harmful to health By using this period underwear, the biocides come into contact with your mucous membranes and enter your body in a flash. 

Biocides in tampons and sanitary pads

However, harmful substances are not only often found in period underwear, but also in disposable tampons or sanitary pads. These are usually made from cotton, which is often treated with pesticides during cultivation. These pesticides are then still present in the products when they are processed. 

But that is not all: In the production of sanitary napkins, Bleach The fact is that the raw material of sanitary pads is not the pure white that you might know from your sanitary pads. It is only through the bleaching process that the sanitary pad gets its pure white color and looks particularly “clean”. The result: The sanitary pad contains chlorine, carbon disulfide or sulfuric acid. This can not only completely mess up the pH value of your vagina, but also the Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) or an infection can be caused. Would you like to learn more about TSS? Then read our Blog post through to this.

But unfortunately that was still not it: In every sanitary pad you will also find formaldehyde , which is considered a carcinogenic substance. It is then used because of its function of solidifying moisture, so that the fibers of the product are held together even when wet.

You will have noticed by now: Disposable period products or period underwear from some manufacturers, which you may use during your period, are not always as harmless as they seem. Textiles worn close to the body are often treated with biocides, for example to prevent odors from the bacterial decomposition of sweat. Promises such as "antibacterial period underwear" can therefore also mean "containing harmful biocides". It is also important to know that, for example, half of the silver chloride contained in the clothing is washed out after just three washes.After 10 washes, 10% to 98% of the silver chloride is washed out. The promised “antibacterial effect” of the biocides is therefore only of very short duration.  
 

We therefore recommend that you take a closer look at what is actually included when buying your hygiene products. Before you buy your products, find out whether they have been treated with biocides and opt for a biocide-free version. When buying, be sure to look for certification according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Look out so that you can be sure that all the raw materials and materials used have been tested for harmful substances and are deemed to be harmless to health. But be careful: it's worth taking a closer look here too. Some manufacturers illegally advertise only an Oeko-Tex certification. However, it is important that the product itself has also been explicitly certified. So make sure that the manufacturer expressly states that biocides are not used.

At Taynie, health and environmental protection are our top priority. That is why our products are 100% free from biocides , vegan and reusable. Our products are dermatologically tested and certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. You can find all other certifications here read more. 

In our Online shop you will find next to Period underwear also washable pads or Tampons in different absorbency levels, made from organic cotton. Thanks to the organic cotton, you will always feel comfortable wearing them. It is also very breathable and counteracts sweating and odors.

Unlike disposable pads, our washable pads do not contain any adhesive strips, which can contain harmful substances. Our pads can be used Snap fastener close easily so that nothing slips. 

You can also use our period underwear and washable pads Wash at up to 60 °C and our Tampons even at up to 90 °C . If you didn’t know, it is scientifically proven that washing temperatures of 40 °C is completely sufficient to reduce the bacterial load by more than a thousand times and thus completely hygienic However, if you are Infections in the genital area are struggling, we recommend that you contact 60°C to wash. So you can see: germs have no chance with us - and all without the use of biocides.