SckoonPads: Is this Beautiful, Organic, Fair-Trade Menstrual Option Worth It?

Over the last three years of this site, you and I have talked a lot. We've talked about natural cleaning products, natural personal care products, and natural remedies. We've bucked the status quo and talked about women being allowed to eat during labor if they desire and reflected on whether it's worth it to source out raw milk. We've even talked openly about poop in regards to cloth diapering.

So, why oh why haven't we talked about natural menstrual options? Mea culpa. Today that changes.

Our monthly cycles and other intimate care are a regular part of life, whether we like 'em or not, so when Sckoon invited me to review their new snap-on SckoonPads, I jumped at the chance. Natural options for feminine care are always welcome!

So, let me introduce the SckoonPads to you, then tell you what I love (and what I don't) about SckoonPads so you can decide if they're right for you.

SckoonPads: A Beautiful, Organic Menstrual Care Option

SckoonPads are made by Sckoon, the same company that makes organic, fair-trade baby clothing, cloth diapers, and breastfeeding pads that have been popular for years.

SckoonPads are reusable cloth menstrual pads made of certified organic cotton that are comprised of two parts: (1) a leak-resistant bottom made of polyurethane sandwiched between two layers of organic cotton, and (2) a snap-in organic cotton liner.

The pads come in a variety of designs, which you can see on their website, and are easy to use, as when the liner has been soiled, you merely snap out the dirty liner and snap-in a new one. No need to change the whole pad!

SckoonPads use only low-impact, metal-free, organic dyes, which are gentle on sensitive skin and eco-friendly. BIG plus.

The pads are made in Sckoon's fair-trade factory in India and they promote fair, sustainable business practices. An even BIGGER plus!

You can find more information on the Sckoon website: http://www.sckooncup.com or connect with Sckoon via your favorite social media:

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SckoonPads: The Pros and Cons

So, what did I actually think of the SckoonPads I tried? Well, here are the pros and cons as I see them:

Pros

Gorgeous, high quality fabrics – You can see and feel the quality of these fabrics! The organic cotton is squooshy soft, the cotton print is oh-so-durable, and the designs are simply gorgeous. See all the designs yourself.

Thoughtful construction – A lot of thought has gone into how to construct these pads. The edges are trimmed with binding tape to prevent fraying and stretching over time, the snaps are nickel-free, the fabrics are high quality, every part of the pad is from certified organic sources, the pads are trim fitting, etc.

Comfortable – These pads are comfortable to wear and allow good breathability, which is essential in my book. Even though I didn't love the size (see the cons listed below), I was rarely aware that I was wearing them, so they were definitely not bulky and they were soft against the skin.

Ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly business practices – I cannot overstate how important this is – and honestly, this is one of the aspects I'm most impressed with Sckoon and what sets them apart. I have liked (but not necessarily loved) their diapers and baby clothing for years, but in reading their certifications and reviewing their business practices more closely in order to write this review, this has elevated their status in my eyes considerably.

Did you know that 75% of the conventional cotton crop grown in the U.S. is genetically modified, that conventionally-grown cotton ranks #3 in crops with the heaviest pesticide use around the world, and that five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton are cancer-causing chemicals? (source) This has obvious consequences for you as the wearer of the garment, as well as the workers who create the fabrics, sew the pads, and farm the raw materials, not to mention environmental impact.

Cons

The size – Personally, I like a long pad, no matter what part of the menstrual cycle I'm in, as it just keeps everything tidier. I found these pads too short. (After the normal shrinking in the first wash and dry cycle, they measure 8 1/2″ long.)

Just a side note – I was sent the Sckoon Snap-On Pad. However, in looking around their site, I suspect that if I used the SckoonMaxi, this complaint would be satisfied. Ironically, the maxi pad snaps on too, so I don't know why only this particular size is referred to as “the snap-on pad.”

Twisted fabric – The downside of using two different types of fabric is that the fabrics shrink in different ways when they go through their initial shrinkage in the first wash. These pads were no exception. The cotton print shrank more than the jersey backing even though I washed it on warm and dried it on very low, so the pad appears slightly warped and pulled after the first wash. This doesn't affect function at all, but it's just not very tidy to look at.

Slippage – These pads did move around slightly as I wore them, but again, that's why I prefer a long pad – it gives a margin for error. I should clarify that these never twisted around my underwear nor did the liners slip at all; the pad as a whole only slipped length-wise, so it still provided most of the needed coverage that way.

The Verdict: Would I Purchase SckoonPads Again?

Despite the sizing and shrinking issues, yes, I would definitely purchase SckoonPads again, if nothing else to promote and support an option that provides not only a reusable menstrual product (which is great in and of itself, but….), but that also runs their business using ethical, sustainable ways, makes active use of organic fabrics, and is mindful of the impact of their dyes and metals (such as the snaps).

And like I mentioned above, how a pad fits and feels against your body is a highly personal decision and is based solely on personal preference. Consider trying at least one SckoonPad, just to see if you like it, then purchase more only when you've decided it's right for you.

(P.S. If you prefer a menstrual cup to a pad, Sckoon also makes the SckoonCup, which is made in the USA and is molded in a unique way out of medical-grade silicone for what they claim is the best fit available, so if that interests you more, check it out.)

Now it's your turn: Have you tried the Sckoon Snap-on Pad or other reusable menstrual pads? Did you think they were worth it?

Disclaimer: I received the product samples listed above from Sckoon in exchange for sharing my honest review. I was selected for this review via the Green Moms Network. The content and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of Sckoon, Inc. or the Green Moms Network.