CASE STUDY

Chloe Consumer Health:
Real-World Cohort Study on Saalt Menstrual Product Efficacy

Study Overview

A look at the study facts, key findings, and real-world implications.

Study Snapshot

Primary focus

Evaluate whether switching from tampons to Saalt menstrual cups or discs is associated with reduced menstrual cycle symptoms and greater convenience in a real-world cohort.

Participant Criteria

Menstrual cycling women aged 18 years and above in the U.S. who experience menstrual cramps not driven by known endometriosis.

Recruitment

Interested participants were offered a link to a landing page describing the study and a survey to determine eligibility. If eligible, participants were automatically prompted to download the Chloe mobile application, enroll, and order Saalt products.

Study Design

Open-Label within-individual crossover trial for real-world evidence generation.

Study Structure

Participants established a tampon-use baseline in the first cycle, then switched to Saalt menstrual cups or discs for subsequent cycles.

Duration

3 menstrual cycles (~3 months).

Analytical Methods

Utilizing Python, non-normally distributed data were analyzed via Mann-Whitney tests and Mixed-Effects Models.

Key Results

78%

Reported Overall Improvement in Period Symptoms While Using Saalt Cups or Discs

2

Replacements of Cups/Discs Per Day on Average

30%

Fewer Leaks when Using Saalt Products Compared to Tampons

6x

More Likely to Report No Cramping when Using Saalt Products Compared to Tampons

76%

Participants Stated They Would Continue Using Saalt Cups or Discs

Study Details

Introduction

The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons or pads in her lifetime. However, tampons have recently faced intense scrutiny following studies revealing detectable levels of heavy metals and chemical contaminants across both organic and conventional brands (Marroquin et al., 2024, Shearston et al., 2024, Kumar et al., 2023). Researchers hypothesize a general problem with the cotton supply, since cotton absorbs metallic compounds from the soil, requires heavy pesticides, and undergoes chemical bleaching (Fatima et al., 2025, Shearston et al,. 2024). As the duration of potential exposure via tampon use is continuous for days on end, the vaginal tissues highly permeable, and the regulatory standards for tampons limited, alternate options are needed that can provide high efficacy without contamination concerns.

Menstrual cups and discs offer several potential benefits in the management of menstruation. Importantly, they limit exposure to potential harmful chemicals within the vaginal canal (Sharma et al., 2023). Other studied benefits include reduced instances of urinary tract and vaginal infection symptoms and pain as compared to tampons (Ghanshamnani et al., 2021). Additionally, cups may be worn up to 8-12 hours at a time, potentially reducing the number of replacements needed in a day (Arenas-Gallo et al., 2020). While further research is needed, this study investigated whether Saalt cups could improve cycle and menstrual symptoms across three cycles in habitual tampon users in the United States.

Data Collection & Study Design

People Science designed a three-cycle, real-world cohort consumer health study in women aged 18 and older experiencing menstrual cramps (not driven by known endometriosis). The study used the Chloe mobile app to collect daily self-reported data on menstrual symptoms, reproductive history, and product preferences. These measures were used to assess within-individual changes as participants transitioned from traditional tampons to Saalt menstrual cups or discs.

Our study cohort was 100% female, with a mean age 30 ± 8 and 55% Caucasian, 18.2% African American, 13.2% Hispanic and 9.1% Asian. 60.3% had no children or current pregnancies, and 65.3% were partnered or married.

Execution

To execute a decentralized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, People Science utilized its proprietary Consumer Health Learning & Organizing Ecosystem (Chloe). Chloe combines a mobile app with a health research platform designed for companies that prioritize scientific rigor, enabling rapid and cost-effective validation of product claims through evidence-based methods.

By combining a mobile app for communication, consent, data entry and visualization, a software backend for clinical operations and a team to manage shipments—all the work of participating in an interventional study can be done from home. This strategy is speeding every stage of scientific advancement, from cost reduction to study design, recruitment, data collection, monitoring, and data visualization.

Vertical timeline with a maroon circle labeled '02' at the top and a straight brown line extending downward.

A vertical timeline with a large brown circle labeled '04' at the top, connected by a thin line, with space for further points below.

Vertical timeline marker with the number 03 inside a dark brown circle at the top, connected by a straight line to another dark brown circle at the bottom.

Outcome

The collaboration yielded statistically significant, publishable results:

Real-World Evidence: Demonstrated the impact of switching from traditional tampons to Saalt products within a real-world cohort. Participants reported statistically significant reductions in core symptoms, including cramping, fatigue, bloating, and headaches (p < 0.05). These findings provide robust evidence that Saalt period care can directly alleviate symptom burden during typical daily activities.
Decentralized Trial Efficiency: Data were captured and organized using People Science’s HIPAA compliant platform, Chloe. Utilizing the Chloe app minimized logistical challenges and improved participant engagement, setting a flexible model for future research.
Consumer Trust: The trial indicated strong product satisfaction, with 76% of participants stating they would use Saalt products again. These findings provide validated consumer sentiment data that Saalt can leverage to continue building trust among consumers.

For years, women have shared anecdotal evidence that switching to Saalt reduced their period pain and improved their quality of life, but the industry has lacked rigorous, large-scale data to back those experiences. This study, the first of its kind in the U.S., replaces anecdote with evidence. We now have clear, statistically significant proof that making the switch from tampons to Saalt's reusable cups and discs can fundamentally change a person's relationship with their period by reducing cramping, fatigue, and leaks. Especially in light of recent concerns regarding tampon contaminants, we are proud to offer a solution that isn't just safer and more sustainable, but one that is clinically shown to make the menstrual cycle more manageable.

Elizabeth Keeler
People & Impact Manager at Saalt

Benefits to Saalt

Enabled seamless remote participation, reducing logistical barriers and costs associated with in-person visits.
Provided instant insights into participant data, allowing timely adjustments to maximize study effectiveness.
Structured prompts and reminders helped maintain high data quality and participant adherence throughout the trial.

Benefits to
Trial Participants

All participants could view their own results after the study. Putting participant experience at the center of our studies means high participant satisfaction, high compliance, and a growing pool of community participants.
Real-time feedback on individual progress, capturing more of participants’ interest.
94% of participants said the Chloe app was easy to use, and 89% said they were Very Likely or Likely to recommend participating in a Saalt study to a friend or colleague.