Why does Veeda choose to use cotton in its products?
We're glad you asked! Not only is cotton soft, but it is also recommended for people with sensitive skin or allergies as its gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation. Due to its breathable nature, cotton doesn’t trap heat, allowing heat produced by the body to escape, keeping it cool and dry. Cotton is really absorbent meaning it holds more water than synthetic fibres and draws moisture away from the body (like a towel), allowing the skin to breathe. Its superior wet-strength makes it more tear-resistant and therefore perfect for products that require exposure to liquids. This means that you can rely on cotton to not fall apart when you need it most! And lastly, cotton is a biodegradable, 100% natural, annually renewable resource. Since 100% pure cotton is made by nature, it biodegrades by nature and won’t build up in landfill. Our GMO-Free cotton is grown naturally, not manufactured or altered, and sourced directly from a global network of leading cotton traders. Click here for more information on the benefits of cotton period care.
Are Veeda products “free from chemicals” or “chemical free”?
All matter, including us, is made up of chemicals, so it defies science to have a product that is chemical-free. Generally, when products are marketed as “chemical free”, they often mean that they are synthetic-free (or made from only natural ingredients). Veeda products are made from plant-based natural ingredients.
How is Veeda different to other natural products?
For some people, in particular those with sensitive skin or chronic skin conditions such as eczema, using natural products can still lead to inflammation and irritations. Despite their “natural” ingredients, some natural products can still cause irritated skin, just like any other product. Natural, non-toxic or organic products can still have side effects as they can contain common irritants.
For example, essential oils such as tea tree, lemongrass or lavender are often used as fragrance, and whilst natural, can be common irritants for those with sensitive or broken skin. If you’ve reacted to an allergen or irritant before, you’ll likely continue to react every time you’re exposed to it. Without fragrances or harsh chemicals, Veeda natural period care products are less likely to cause allergic reactions, inflammation, or irritation.
At Veeda, we source our 100% natural cotton directly from a global network of leading cotton traders and all cotton is cleansed with an oxygen cleansing process, not chlorine-bleached, for a healthier eco-friendlier product. This process removes all dirt and impurities including any synthetic matter and this is the exact same process by which all organic cotton is cleansed with to ensure it also has no synthetic substances. Thus, our finished products are 100% natural cotton.
Our tampons are lab-tested for over 250 harmful chemicals and contain no wood or synthetic fibres, no additives or pesticides, and no dioxins. Another reason we choose to use only 100% pure, hypoallergenic cotton, is because cotton does not contribute to the growth of the bacteria that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), irritation and allergic reactions.
Wait, aren’t the leading brands I already buy made of cotton?
No! Most leading brand tampons and pads contain various blends of viscose rayon, cotton, and synthetic ingredients. Some brands disclose their ingredients, but some don't because it's not required by law. Veeda always puts all of our ingredients in the package description so you can make an informed choice about what to use in your body.
Why are the applicators plastic?
Over 96% of women surveyed preferred the comfort of plastic applicators to cardboard. We run an offset program to minimize the environmental impact of the BPA-free applicators, and make applicator-free tampons too. The tampon by itself is 100% biodegradable, even in landfill.
I thought TSS was a thing of the past! Is it really an issue anymore?
Unfortunately, TSS is still a problem with conventional tampons which contain chemicals and synthetics. Even though the FDA requires certain warnings and manufacturers reformulated their tampons in the 1980’s, viscose rayon found in conventional tampons promotes the production of the toxin that can lead to TSS. Rayon fibers can also break off while the tampon is inside the body and can cause TSS even after removal of the actual tampon. The risk of TSS is real with conventional tampons, with up to 1 in 700 girls and women contracting tampon-related TSS in their lifetime. That's why Veeda 100% all-natural GMO-free cotton tampons don't contain any synthetics, chemicals, dyes or fragrances. Have a worry-free period with Veeda as there has never been a TSS case associated with the use of natural cotton tampon use.
What are Synthetic Tampons Leaving Behind?
Can using Veeda tampons reduce my risk of TSS?
According to many medical experts, yes! There has never been a case of tampon-related TSS with 100% cotton tampons.
Are Veeda tampons just as safe and reliable as conventional?
Absolutely. We are FDA-approved to meet all absorbency standards, and handle our cotton from farm to packaged tampon in an FDA-registered, ISO 14001-compliant facility. Our tampons are lab-tested for over 250 harmful chemicals and contain no wood or synthetic fibers, no additives or pesticides, and absolutely no dioxins. Additionally, Veeda tampons expand widthwise to fit your shape and seal in your flow, and have thin strings to avoid leaks.
What does the name “Veeda” mean?
Veeda is a variation on the combination of “Vida,” the Latin or Spanish word for “Life,” and “Veda,” the Sanskrit word for “Knowledge”. Our name reflects our unwavering commitment to complete transparency in all we do, from ingredients to sourcing to labelling. The more you know, the more reasons you will have to choose Veeda.
Still wondering what makes Veeda “A Healthier Choice?”
Many of us care about the ingredients in the foods we eat and what we put on our skin and hair. But many women have no idea what goes into the products we use for our periods. Tampons and pads come in contact with some of the most absorptive areas of the body, but feminine care products are not required by the FDA to list their ingredients. We believe that part of being a responsible manufacturer is providing women with the tools they need to make an informed decision. That’s why we’re so proud to list our one and only ingredient on our tampon packaging: 100% Cotton.
What are some of the ingredients found in other brands of tampons and pads?
Dioxins
Conventional manufacturers typically use chlorine to bleach their tampons and pads. This can leave behind dioxins, which are known carcinogens linked to endometriosis and disruptions of the hormonal and reproductive systems. Veeda products are cleansed with oxygen instead of chlorine, eliminating the possibility of dioxin formation.
Pesticides & Herbicides
Testing has shown conventional tampons often have pesticide and herbicide residues, which are linked to infertility, neurological dysfunction, and developmental defects, in addition to being another potential source of dioxins. Veeda products are laboratory tested for over 250 harmful chemicals and are completely pesticide-, herbicide-, and dioxin-free.
Fragrances & Other Chemical Additives
Many major manufacturers use artificial fragrances in their products, which can contain dozens of chemical ingredients. Many of these are allergens, sensitizers, and phthalates which have been linked to hormone disruption. Similarly, ingredients such as polyester, dyes, or rayon used in treated synthetic tampons can lead to burning, itching, and infection of the vaginal area, allergic reactions and/or general discomfort. Veeda products are fragrance-free, with no chemical additives, no synthetics, and no dyes. They have been thoroughly tested and found non-toxic and hypoallergenic, using the same stringent criteria used in medical device testing.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and Synthetic Tampons
It is estimated that 1 in 700 women in the US will contract tampon-related TSS at some point in their lives. The highest incidence of the condition is among women 13 to 24 years of age. Studies have found that those affected typically required extended hospitalization and the fatality rate is approximately 5%. The use of conventional tampons which contain synthetic materials can increase the amount of bacteria that cause TSS. Pure cotton tampons like Veeda, do not promote the growth of these bacteria and, therefore, reduces the risk of TSS. There has never been a case of tampon-related TSS associated with the use of all-cotton tampons. Independent lab studies have found that the levels of TSST-1 toxin are considerably lower with Veeda tampons than the leading conventional brand. Veeda tampons are also less disruptive of the delicate balance of bacteria that keeps you healthy “down there.”
Veeda Dramatically Reduces the Risk of TSS Versus Synthetic Tampons
A Healthier Future
The average woman will buy 11,000 tampons in her lifetime and thousands of pads and liners. That adds up to a huge ecological impact as well as a huge cumulative health risk due to long-term exposure to chemicals and toxins. Here at Veeda, we choose to avoid repeated exposure to harsh chemicals. Veeda products are a natural, safe, and effective alternative, and are designed to be the softest, purest, most hypoallergenic products possible for a lifetime of chemical- and synthetic-free personal care.
Are Period Products FSA Eligible?
Period products are typically eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Contact your employer or FSA/HSA/HRA provider with account or eligibility questions.
The CARES Act reclassified period products as “medical expenses,” making them eligible to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads and liners purchased after December 31, 2019 eligible for purchase with FSA and HSA funds.
Are Incontinence Products FSA Eligible?
Incontinence supplies are typically eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Contact your employer or FSA/HSA/HRA provider with account or eligibility questions.
Does Medicaid Cover Incontinence Products?
Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides medically necessary products (including incontinence products), healthcare or long-term care services to those who qualify.
Visit Healthcare.gov and use its Medicaid calculator to determine if you qualify.
For an incontinence product to be covered by Medicaid, it must be considered “medically necessary”, and therefore essential to the treatment or management of a particular condition. This can be determined by visiting your doctor and getting a diagnosis.
How often should I change my tampon? How do I know when my tampon is full? Should I change my tampon every time I pee? Can a tampon get lost inside me? Can you swim with a cotton tampon? What makes tampons white?
We answer all these questions and more!
Did you know that women have around 480 periods in her lifetime (less if she has any pregnancies)? That's over 3,000 days, or many, many years' worth of periods! That's a whole lot of periods!
Throughout our lives, our periods will change along with our shifting hormones. It's safe to say that we're going to have questions along the way!
Many people don’t often recognize that fragrance is contained in many items we use every day. In fact, our sense of smell is inundated with fragrance so frequently that we begin to ignore the poisonous chemicals that linger in even our household items. From cosmetics to garbage bags, just because you can’t smell it, doesn’t mean it isn’t causing you and the people around you harm.
Are Tampons FSA Eligible?
Yes! Tampons are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now FSA eligible.
Are Pads FSA Eligible?
Yes! Pads are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now FSA eligible.
Are Liners FSA Eligible?
Yes! Liners are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now FSA eligible.
Are Period Products FSA Eligible?
Yes! Tampons, pads and liners are now FSA eligible.
Are Tampons HSA Eligible?
Yes! Tampons are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now HSA eligible.
Are Pads HSA Eligible?
Yes! Tampons are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now HSA eligible.
Are Liners HSA Eligible?
Yes! Liners are classified as a “medical expense” and are therefore now HSA eligible.
Are Period Products HSA Eligible?
Yes! Tampons, pads and liners are now HSA eligible.