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Looking for the best non-toxic menstrual cups for beginners and pros? With the wide variety of period cups out there, we decided to get our research caps on and sort through the safest ones.
We cherry-picked the 15 top menstrual cups for low cervix and high cervix, light flow to heavy flow, as well as some amazing options for swimming below!
P.S. If cups aren’t really your thing, but you are interested in safe, zero-waste alternatives to pads and tampons, take a look at the 13 Best Period Underwear For A Sustainable & Affordable Period.
This post is all about the best period cups in 2024.
Granted, if you are a first-time user, the mere thought of inserting and removing menstrual cups might give you the chills.
However, there is a pretty good reason why 300-350 million people today decided to swap their chemical-packed, highly polluting pads and tampons with the best menstrual cups for beginners and bleeding veterans.
Unlike your trusted period panties and menstrual products, cups are inserted into your vaginal canal to collect blood from your cervix instead of absorbing it.
It’s just like inserting your favorite eco-friendly sex toy or kegel ball – only it can stay in for up to 12 hours and allow you to stroll the city streets, go swimming, or sleep peacefully as soon as Aunt Flo comes for her monthly visit.
Plus, the safest menstrual cup options vary in size depending on your flow and overall body anatomy.
Saalt, for example, has the best menstrual cup for low cervix and light to normal flow; HelloPeriod offers some of the best menstrual cups for high cervix and heavy flow while Lena Cup is the most affordable menstrual cup for swimming.
No worries, there are detailed sizes and user guides for every option.
What are menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are reusable, bell-shaped menstrual products designed to collect menstrual blood. They are an alternative to traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons.
Typically made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer, these cups are inserted into the vagina to capture and hold menstrual fluid.
Menstrual cups can typically be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow, before needing to be emptied.
Most importantly, they are very sustainable and have not been associated with TSS, a rare but serious condition linked to tampon use.
How do you use a menstrual cup?
- Fold the Cup: There are different folding techniques you can use. One common fold is to press the sides of the cup together, forming a C or U shape. This makes the cup smaller for easier insertion.
- Find a Comfortable Position: You can insert the cup while sitting, squatting, or standing. Choose a position that you find comfortable.
- Insert the Cup: Hold the folded cup firmly between your fingers and guide it into your vagina. Aim the cup toward the small of your back, not directly upwards.
- Release and Allow to Open: Once the cup is inside, release your hold and allow it to pop open. You can use your finger to check that the cup has fully opened and created a seal. Rotating the cup slightly may help ensure a proper seal.
When it’s time to remove it:
- Pinch the Base: Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal. This is important to avoid discomfort during removal.
- Remove the Cup: Gently pull the cup out, keeping it upright to avoid spillage. Empty the contents into the toilet.
Take a look at the 15 best menstrual cups for beginners and long-time users to find the one that suits your specific needs the most.
This post is all about the safest menstrual cups in 2024.
Best Menstrual Cups For Beginners & Pros: Safe, Zero-Waste & Affordable
1. Voxapod
Voxapod has some of the best menstrual cups for heavy flow that are non-toxic, utterly soft, and extremely safe.
The patented cup forms your unique body shape for extra comfort throughout the night and during swimming for up to 12 hours.
On top of that, it features a flexible, trimmable stem and a pinch grip for easy insertion and removal even when things get extra slippery.
Also, you can opt for the on-the-go menstrual cup sterilizer made from microwave-safe – heat-resistant silicone to easily sterilize your reusable period products anywhere – how cool is that?
Best Menstrual Cups from Voxapod:
Price: From $29+
Size Range: Small (25 ml) | Medium (37 ml)
Cup Material: Medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
2. Rael
Rael aims to offer us a comfortable and earth-friendly period care solution designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle.
Their super soft, medical-grade silicone reusable menstrual ensures snug leak protection for up to 12 hours of flow.
Plus, with proper care and storage, these cups can last up to 10 years!
They are available in 3 sizes and each cup comes with a pouch for convenient and hygienic storage, making it easy to carry and use on the go.
Best Menstrual Cups from Rael:
Price: From $24.99+
Size Range: Mini (25 ml) | Size 1 (29 ml) | Size 2 (38 ml)
Cup Material: Medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States
3. Saalt
Saalt’s zero-waste products are not only the best menstrual cups for beginners but also one of the safest menstrual cup options available today.
It holds 3x more than a regular tampon for up to 12 hours, and “lasts as long as your passport.”
It’s suitable for people who find firmer cups painful or feel a bit of push on their bladder.
The super soft bulb shape double seal with a soft flex stem can easily be inserted and removed and it’s available in 3 sizes.
Saalt regular (the best menstrual cup for heavy flow for high cervixes), Saalt small (perfect for light to normal flow for low cervixes), and Saalt teen (for people under 18 or those with petite physics).
Best Menstrual Cups from Saalt:
Price: From $29+
Size Range: Regular (70mm) | Small (70mm) | Teen (56mm)
Cup Material: Odor-free medical–grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
4. Cora
Touted as the best menstrual cups for beginners by heavy and low bleeders alike, the Cora cup comes with an easy-to-fold insert design and textured base for quick and hassle-free removal.
It’s super soft and can actually be reused for up to 10 years.
Currently, there are two sizes available tailored to your menstrual flow.
Size 1, the smallest, is perfect for first-timers who have not given birth with a light to medium flow.
Size 2, was designed for medium to heavy flows and it’s ideal for everyone who has given birth.
Additionally, 75% of the brand’s donations will be dedicated to BIPOC communities by 2022, and by the end of 2022, 22,000,000 will be given away to those in need.
Best Menstrual Cups from Cora:
Price: From $39+
Size Range: Size 1 (22 mL) | Size 2 (29 ml)
Cup Material: Medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States
5. The Brand Hannah
The Brand Hannah wants us to enjoy healthy, leak-free protection for up to 12 hours, allowing us to confidently navigate our daily routine, whether we’re staying active, exercising, or enjoying a restful night’s sleep.
Perfect for both beginners and experienced users, the hannahCUP is extremely easy to insert and remove.
What’s more, this 100% medical-grade soft silicon cup for teens and adults is completely free from dyes, phthalates, latex, and BPA.
Best Menstrual Cups from The Brand Hannah:
Price: From $26.99+
Size Range: XS (16 ml) | S (23 ml) | M (30 ml)
Cup Material: 100% medical grade soft silicone
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
6. Re:gn UK
Crafted from ultra-soft medical-grade silicone, the Re:gn UK menstrual cup offers easy insertion with its foldable design.
All options are made from high-quality medical-grade silicone and absolutely no latex and phthalates –ever!
Tailored to your unique needs, choose between their large menstrual cup (for those 26 years or older or those who have given birth vaginally) and their small menstrual cup (recommended for those 25 years or younger or those who have not given birth vaginally).
Price: £9.99
Size Range: S (47 mm) | L (50 mm)
Cup Material: Medical grade soft & flexible silicone
Location/Shipping: UK
7. Flex
Why Flex zero-waste menstrual products are touted as the best menstrual cups for beginners?
They come with a tampon-like pull tab that feels familiar to first-time users.
Additionally, these safe period cups allow you to adjust the fit!
There are many ways to insert Flex cup (there is a detailed guide for that) and allow it to do its magic for up to 12 hours.
If you are a newbie, go for size 01, but if you are already a sustainable period cup veteran and have given birth vaginally 2+ times, size 02 is for you.
Some additional products to keep in mind are the Flex reusable discs.
Price: $34.99
Size Range: Size 01 (43 mm) | Size 02 (46 mm)
Cup Material: 100% medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Europe
8. Intimina
Do you want to get down and dirty without actually making a mess?
Intimina’s ziggy period disk helps you enjoy period sex with up to 8 hours of leak-proof protection. That’s not all!
The millennial pink lily cup compact is the world’s first collapsible menstrual cup and the best menstrual cup for swimming.
Size A is perfect for petite figures and teens with a light flow while size B is a medium flow staple for people who have given birth.
The zero-waste period brand also has two more period cups available and 2 additional products for kegel exercises.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take a look at the splurge-worthy bundles, *wink.
Best Menstrual Cups from Intimina:
Price: $26.95
Size Range: Size A (haven’t given birth/light flow) | Size B (women who gave birth/weaker pelvic floor)
Cup Material: 100% medical grade silicone
Location/Shipping: Europe, ships worldwide
9. Diva
When you think of the best menstrual cups for beginners, the Diva Cup series is probably the first option that comes to mind – because it is by far the most popular.
It is a bit more firm than most other cups on the market which allows it to sit still for up to 12 hours.
There are 3 models ready for grabs. Model 0 is specifically made for teens or, very for very light flow, model 1 is for ages 19-30 and, medium flow, and model 2 is ideal for 30+ and heavy flow.
The brand also offers menstrual cup cleaners (aka DivaWash) in regular and travel sizes.
Best Menstrual Cups from Diva:
Price: $32.99
Size Range: 0 (22ml) | 1 (26 ml) | 2(30 ml)
Cup Material: 100% medical grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States
10. Lunette
Free from harmful chemicals and all things toxic, Lunette’s menstrual cup is made from FDA-approved medical-grade silicone with a textured rim that allows it to sit comfortably in all the right places and get removed with ease.
Known as one of the best menstrual cups for beginners, this is a sustainable alternative to tampons and pads.
It comes in two different sizes. Model 1 is ideal for light bleeding and low-sitting cervixes and Model 2 was designed for heavy flows and high cervixes.
Also, there are 6 cute colors to choose from!
On top of that, the brand uses zero-waste packaging and renewable energy all while encouraging remote work and sustainable activities in every possible way.
Price: $39.99+
Size Range: Model 1 (light bleeding) | Model 2 (heavy bleeding)
Cup Material: FDA-approved medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to the United States
11. Mooncup UK
Mooncup is the original, multi-award-winning, sustainable menstrual cup with three times more hold than a regular tampon and over 2 million #RealMooncupUsers around the world.
Their zero-waste cups are a fantastic hypoallergenic alternative to rubber which is linked to latex allergies.
Currently, there are two Mooncup sizes available – both vegan society-certified and free from plastics, dyes, and toxins.
Size A is recommended for people over 30 and all who have given birth whereas size B was designed for everyone under 30 years who hasn’t given birth.
Plus, for every order, the brand donates £1 to the eco non-profit City to Sea.
Price: £23.50
Size Range: Size A (29.3 ml) | Size B (28.8 ml)
Cup Material: Silicone
Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide
12. Ruby Cup
Ruby Cup offers leak-proof, toxic-free menstrual cups with a grip ring at the base of the cup for easier removal.
The brand’s best menstrual cups hold 3 times the capacity of a super tampon, and depending on your flow lever, you can wear it for up to 8 hours.
To take their eco-conscious pledge a bit further, the brand offers organic cotton storage bags to keep your small or medium cups clean and safe.
Small is recommended if you have a light to medium flow, and low to average height cervix whereas medium is for medium to heavy flow and an average to high cervix.
What’s even more impressive? Through their ‘Buy One, Give One’ program, every order equals one donation to someone without access to menstrual care products.
Price: From $34+
Size Range: S (24ml) | M (34ml)
Cup Material: Soft, medical-grade silicone
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Lena Cup
No matter your vaginal walls, the Lena Cup stays securely and firmly in place for up to 12 hours.
The brand believes that the safest menstrual cup options should not be based on age or whether or not a person has given birth.
That’s why Lena small is ideal for users with a normal flow and Lena large is suited for people with a heavy flow.
Also, you can opt for the regular Lena cup or the “sensitive” alternative which is one of the smallest menstrual cups on the market for teens or everyone with a sensitive bladder.
Price: From $30+
Size Range: S (normal flow | L (heavy flow)
Cup Material: Premium medical-grade silicone
Location/ Shipping: United States, ships to Hong Kong
14. MeLuna
For many first-time and veteran zero-waste period product users, MeLuna is the brand with the best menstrual cups with options just right for you!
Known as the most customizable menstrual cup on the market, the brand offers 4 different sizes, and the handle is available in three styles.
You can choose to have a small ball (most comfy), a ring (perfect for worried users), or a stem (ideal for beginners).
Plus, every order comes with a free cleaning brush for the cup’s air holes which is pretty convenient.
Price: $27.95
Size Range: S (younger users) | M (all ages) | L (users who have given birth vaginally) | XL (multiple vaginal births)
Cup Material: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
15. Hello Period
Sustainable, award-winning, and comfortable, there is no question why HelloPeriod’s best menstrual cup for low cervix and high cervix is so beloved in the zero-waste community.
Unlike their regular black Hello cup and the Hello low cervix cup that does not have a toggle at the base which is perfect for people with shorter vaginal canals.
The hello high cervix cup, on the other hand, has an elongated body and toggle to make it easier to reach people with a high-sitting cervix.
Price: $28.99
Size Range: S (for teens and petite figures) | M (for under 35) | L (for over 35)
Cup Material: Silicone-free medical grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Location/Shipping: New Zealand, ships worldwide
What is the safest material for menstrual cups?
Medical-grade silicone is the safest material for menstrual cups that can last for up to 10 years of monthly use.
Premium silicone is also a fantastic recyclable and hypoallergenic option for everyone with sensitivity to latex.
Another safe material for menstrual cups is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which can be recycled.
So if you are looking for the best menstrual cups for beginners, silicone and TPE are the most ideal options.
Are menstrual cups better than tampons?
Menstrual cups are way better than tampons for many reasons.
First and foremost, tampons can easily encourage bacteria to grow as well as cause tint abrasions to our vaginal walls during the removal process if the blood flow is light.
Then, there is the risk of TSS which affects 1 in 100,000 menstruating women. It’s a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.
From an ecological standpoint, menstrual cups are the perfect way to avoid plastic waste.
In the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year which can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.
The best menstrual cups, on the other hand, are almost always made from medical-grade silicone which is chemical-free, body-safe, and recyclable.
In fact, one cup produces an estimated 0.4% of the plastic waste that single-use pads generate.
Some period cups can last for up to 10 years and this fact alone makes this zero-waste alternative extremely sustainable.
Are menstrual cups better for you?
Whether menstrual cups are “better” for you depends on individual preferences and needs.
However, many people find menstrual cups to be a convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons.
Menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer, and they don’t contain the potentially harmful chemicals that can be found in some disposable pads and tampons. This means that there’s a lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Last, but not least, reusable menstrual cups can generally be worn for up to 12 hours, while tampons typically need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours. This means less frequent changes for many users.
Will menstrual cups leak?
No. When used correctly and with the appropriate size for your anatomy, menstrual cups are designed to create a secure seal inside the vagina, which helps prevent leaks.
Menstrual cups come in different sizes, and choosing the right size is crucial. Cups that are too large or too small may not form a proper seal and could lead to leaks.
Also, ensuring that the cup is inserted correctly is important.
The cup should be positioned low in the vaginal canal, below the cervix, and should fully open after insertion.
Plus, keep in mind that menstrual cups can typically be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. However, if your flow is heavy, you may need to empty it more frequently to prevent overflow and leaks.
Do menstrual cups hurt?
When used correctly, menstrual cups should not cause pain or discomfort.
However, some individuals may experience initial discomfort or encounter challenges when learning to use a menstrual cup.
Inserting a menstrual cup may take some practice, especially for first-time users. Relaxation and finding a comfortable position can help. Applying water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup may also ease insertion.
Ensuring that the cup is positioned correctly is crucial for comfort. The cup should sit low in the vaginal canal, below the cervix. If it is inserted too high or at an incorrect angle, it may cause discomfort.
How do I clean my menstrual cup?
The cleaning process is pretty easy. All you have to do is gently remove the cup and empty the blood. Then, use cold water and mild, alcohol and fragrance-free soap to rinse the cup.
After every cycle, go ahead and dip your cup in boiling water for 20 minutes to remove any residue. Brands like Me Luna and Voxapod offer cup sterilizers and soaps to make the entire process much easier.
This post was all about the best menstrual cups for safe, wero-waste periods.
The best menstrual cups for beginners and pros above will not only lower your period’s overall carbon footprint but also keep you comfy and confident during that time of the month.
Luckily the safest menstrual cup options above are ridiculously easy to use, super soft, leak-proof, and oh-so-sustainable
If you enjoyed this article on Menstrual Cups check out these other articles below!
- The Complete Guide to A Zero Waste Period | Reusable Cups, Pads, and Panties
- 15 Best PFAS-Free and Organic Period Underwear, Reviewed!
- 25 Best Non-Toxic & Organic Sanitary Pads, Reusable & Disposable!
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