A significant shift is underway in menstrual care, with a growing number of shoppers in the UK permanently abandoning conventional tampons and pads in favour of organic alternatives. The move is driven by increased awareness of the ingredients in everyday period products and a desire for options that prioritise comfort, health, and transparency.
The Riley Revolution: Period Care Reimagined
At the forefront of this change is the brand Riley, founded in 2021 by friends Fiona and Áine. Frustrated by the unnecessary chemicals and irritants in mainstream products, they created an award-winning, B Corp-certified company. Riley's entire range is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, free from toxins, chlorine, plastics, and synthetic fragrances.
The brand views period care as a basic need, not a luxury. Its mission extends to long-term wellbeing, sustainability, and accessibility. Packaging is either compostable or recyclable, the supply chain is transparent, and 1% of every sale is donated to menstrual health initiatives.
Product Range: From Tampons to Heat Pads
Riley offers a comprehensive suite of products designed by women for women. A standout is the Reusable Applicator Bundle, priced at £33.59. It includes a reusable applicator, a storage pouch, and two boxes of 'Naked Tampons' in chosen absorbencies. The tampons themselves are pure organic cotton, described as gentle and breathable.
For those preferring pads, the Organic Cotton Pads (£6.59 for 12 regular) feature a certified organic cotton top sheet and core, designed to be soft and leak-proof without synthetic materials. The Organic Cotton Naked Tampons are sold separately, with a box of 12 regular tampons costing £5.09. Notably, the string is woven into the cotton, not glued, reducing additives.
The range is completed with Organic Cotton Pantyliners (£8.39 for 24) and a Flaxseed Heatpad for Cramps (£25.19), infused with lavender and camomile for soothing relief.
Customer Acclaim and Minor Critiques
User reviews for Riley products are overwhelmingly positive, with many customers stating they would never return to their old brands. One user declared, "I'd never use another alternative" after over two years of use, praising the comfort and planet-friendly ethos.
Another highlighted the excellent customer service and product quality, stating they would recommend Riley to all their friends. On Trustpilot, the consensus remains strong, with users calling the products "fantastic" and praising the service for office subscriptions.
A handful of reviews offered minor constructive feedback, with one user wishing the external packaging was less branded and another suggesting more compact, stackable boxes for bathroom storage. However, these points did not detract from overall satisfaction with the product performance.
The trend towards organic, sustainable period care shows no sign of slowing. As brands like Riley make these options more accessible and effective, the switch from conventional products appears to be becoming a permanent choice for a growing segment of consumers prioritising both personal health and environmental impact.
