A Honey Pot pad is a menstrual pad made by The Honey Pot Company, a brand that distinguishes itself by offering pads infused with a blend of plant-based ingredients like menthol, lavender oil, aloe vera, and rosewater. The pads feature a certified organic cotton top layer and are made without synthetic fragrances, pesticides, or chlorine bleaching. They come in both herbal-infused and non-herbal versions, giving you options depending on your preference.
What Makes Honey Pot Pads Different
The signature feature is what the company calls a “Cooling Herbal Infusion.” This is a blend applied to the pad that includes rosewater, corn mint leaf oil, lavender oil, aloe vera juice, menthol, and camphor, among other botanical extracts. The menthol and mint create a mild cooling sensation against the skin, which is meant to feel soothing during your period. It’s a noticeable difference from a standard pad, and whether you find it pleasant or distracting is largely personal preference.
The top sheet that sits against your skin is certified organic cotton, and the absorbent core uses chlorine-free wood pulp. The rest of the pad’s structure relies on conventional materials like polyethylene for leak protection and adhesive to hold the layers together and attach the pad to your underwear. So while the surface layer and herbal infusion lean natural, the internal construction is similar to most disposable pads on the market.
Herbal vs. Non-Herbal Options
Not everyone wants a scented or infused pad, and The Honey Pot offers a full non-herbal line for that reason. These are labeled “Organic Cotton Comfort Cover” and skip the botanical infusion entirely. They still use the same organic cotton top sheet and chlorine-free core but without any added plant extracts or cooling sensation.
The non-herbal lineup is extensive: regular, super, heavy flow daytime, overnight, and heavy flow overnight pads, plus regular and heavy flow liners. The herbal side of the catalog gets more specific, with variations described as cooling, calming, soothing, sensitive, and anti-itch, each featuring slightly different botanical blends. The regular herbal pad with wings measures 9.45 inches long and comes in packs of 20.
The Brand’s Origin
The Honey Pot Company was founded by Bea Dixon, who has said she created the brand after dealing with bacterial vaginosis for eight months and turning to herbal remedies. The company markets itself as “Plant-Derived Feminine Care” and positions its products as an alternative to conventional menstrual products that rely heavily on synthetic materials and fragrances. It was one of the first Black-owned feminine care brands to gain wide retail distribution.
A Note on Herbal and Scented Pads
It’s worth knowing that gynecologic professional organizations in the U.S. generally advise against using scented or fragranced products in the vulvar area. The concern is that added ingredients can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, potentially increasing the risk of irritation or infection. Research published through the National Institutes of Health has found that scented menstrual pads tend to contain higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds and phthalates compared to unscented versions, with phthalates often originating from fragrance ingredients.
The Honey Pot’s herbal pads use plant-derived ingredients rather than synthetic fragrances, which is a meaningful distinction. But botanicals like menthol, camphor, and essential oils can still cause irritation for some people, especially on sensitive vulvar skin. If you have a history of contact allergies or sensitivity to essential oils, the non-herbal version is the safer starting point. Many users report no issues at all with the herbal pads, but individual reactions vary.
What to Expect Using Them
If you try the herbal version, the most immediately noticeable thing is the cooling feel from the menthol and mint. Some people find this refreshing, particularly for cramp-related discomfort, while others find it unexpected or too intense. The sensation fades after a few minutes of wear for most users. Absorbency-wise, the ultra-absorbent pulp core performs comparably to other mid-range pads, and the wings help keep things in place.
The organic cotton surface does feel softer than the synthetic top sheets on many drugstore pads. Price-wise, Honey Pot pads cost more than conventional brands, typically running a few dollars higher per pack. They’re widely available at major retailers and through the company’s own website.