The Short Answer
The Honey Pot is a mixed bag when it comes to clean ingredients. The brand built a cult following on its "all-natural" messaging, but a controversial 2022 reformulation changed the game.
Their organic cotton tampons remain a genuinely clean option, testing free of PFAS forever chemicals and skipping controversial dyes. However, their famous foaming washes now contain synthetic preservatives, and independent lab tests found indications of PFAS in their pads.
Your safety depends entirely on which product you grab off the shelf. Stick to their internal products, but carefully read the labels on their washes.
Why This Matters
Feminine care products sit against the most absorbent tissue in the human body. For years, women trusted The Honey Pot as the ultimate natural escape from toxic conventional brands. Are Tampons Safe
But in 2022, loyal customers started experiencing burning and irritation. They checked the label and realized the "all-natural" brand had quietly updated its famous wash formula. The controversy proved that marketing claims mean nothing if you aren't reading the ingredient list. Is Feminine Wash Safe
Today, navigating their product line requires a careful eye. While their tampons score well on safety metrics, their external washes and pads carry hidden risks. Safest Tampon Brand
What's Actually In The Honey Pot
- Organic Cotton Core ā Their tampons use 100% OCS certified organic cotton, keeping them free from pesticide residue and chlorine bleaching. Are There Pesticides In Tampons
- Phenoxyethanol ā A synthetic preservative added to their washes in 2022. It is known to cause contact dermatitis and skin irritation, especially in sensitive areas.
- Propylene Glycol ā A synthetic skin-conditioning agent found in their reformulated washes that can trigger allergic reactions.
- Titanium Dioxide (Missing!) ā Unlike competitors such as L. Organic, The Honey Pot notably skips this controversial whitening agent linked to cancer risks.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- PFAS-Free Tampons ā Independent EPA-certified lab tests confirmed their tampons contain no detectable organic fluorine.
- No Titanium Dioxide ā They refuse to use this unnecessary white pigment that competitors still sneak into their tampons.
- Plant-Derived Oils ā Their herbal lines use real lavender, aloe, and coconut oil instead of hiding behind synthetic "fragrance" loopholes. Are Scented Tampons Bad
Red Flags:
- PFAS in Pads ā Mamavation's 2022 independent testing found indications of PFAS "forever chemicals" in their sanitary pads. Are There Chemicals In Pads
- Synthetic Preservatives ā The foaming washes rely on phenoxyethanol, which sparked widespread customer backlash for causing vulvar irritation.
- Propylene Glycol ā Found in their washes, this synthetic chemical defeats the entire purpose of buying a "plant-based" intimate cleanser.
The Best Options
The Honey Pot's product catalog is split between top-tier natural options and chemically formulated letdowns. Here is how their core lineup actually performs. Safest Tampon Brand
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Honey Pot | Organic Cotton Tampons | ā | 100% organic cotton and verified PFAS-free |
| The Honey Pot | Herbal Pads | ā ļø | Independent testing flagged potential PFAS contamination |
| The Honey Pot | Normal Foaming Wash | š« | Contains synthetic preservatives that trigger irritation |
The Bottom Line
1. Stick to the tampons. They are made with 100% organic cotton, test PFAS-free, and skip controversial whitening agents.
2. Skip the feminine washes. The 2022 reformulation added synthetic preservatives that have caused widespread contact dermatitis. Do You Need Feminine Wash
3. Be cautious with the pads. Independent testing found indications of forever chemicals, making them a less ideal choice than their tampons. Safest Pad Brand
FAQ
Did The Honey Pot change their formula?
Yes, they reformulated in 2022. The brand added synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol and propylene glycol to their washes, causing a massive backlash from customers experiencing irritation.
Are The Honey Pot tampons PFAS-free?
Yes, their tampons passed independent testing. Mamavation sent them to an EPA-certified lab, which found no detectable organic fluorine (a marker for PFAS). However, their pads did show indications of PFAS. Are There Chemicals In Pads
Is The Honey Pot black-owned?
Yes, the company is still Black-owned. During the 2022 formula controversy, rumors circulated that founder Beatrice Dixon had sold the company, but she confirmed she still owns the majority stake.
Is The Honey Pot wash safe to use?
It depends entirely on your sensitivity. While the washes are pH-balanced, they contain phenoxyethanol. Many users with sensitive skin reported burning and irritation after the formula change. Is Feminine Wash Safe