How to Choose a Quality Menstrual Cup: 10 Things to Look For Before You Buy

Buying a menstrual cup should be simple.

Instead, you open Google and suddenly every menstrual cup claims to be the best.

Every brand promises premium medical-grade silicone.

Every product claims to be comfortable, leak-free and life-changing.

Every review sounds glowing.

Helpful?

Not particularly.

If you've ever tried shopping for a new mattress, you'll know the feeling. Every company insists theirs is the most comfortable. Every mattress has five-star reviews. Every one claims you'll sleep like a baby.

Somewhere in all that marketing, you just want someone to tell you the truth.

The same thing happens with menstrual cups.

At first glance, most of them look almost identical. They come in similar shapes, similar colours and make very similar promises. So it's easy to assume they're all made to the same standard.

Spoiler alert: they're not.

Some menstrual cups are beautifully designed, carefully manufactured and made to last for years. Others can have rough finishing, inconsistent firmness or manufacturing shortcuts that aren't obvious until you hold them in your hand—or worse, use them.

The tricky part is that you can't always tell from the product photos.

And that's exactly why I wrote this guide.

Before launching Flo Angel, I spent months researching menstrual cups, reading medical studies, speaking to manufacturers and comparing 23 different menstrual cups from eight suppliers. Somewhere along the way, my dining room started looking less like a home and more like a tiny menstrual cup laboratory.

(I'm still not entirely convinced that's a normal sentence to say out loud.)

I compared everything I could: the softness of the silicone, the firmness of the rim, the quality of the seams, the shape of the stem, how consistently each cup was manufactured and even how each one was packaged.

What started as a search for "a good menstrual cup" quickly became a fascinating lesson in product design, manufacturing and quality control.

The more I learned, the more I realised something important:

Not all menstrual cups are created equal.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, it's surprisingly easy to spot the difference.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the 10 things I personally look for when evaluating a menstrual cup, explain why they matter, and share some of the lessons I learned along the way—so you can choose a cup with confidence.

Why I Became Obsessed with Finding the Right Menstrual Cup

I've always been the kind of person who wants to know how things work.

Not just what they do—but why they work, how they're made, and what separates an average product from a really exceptional one.

It's probably why I enjoy reading medical journals for fun (yes, I know that's a little unusual), and why I have a habit of disappearing down research rabbit holes that my husband has long since accepted are just part of who I am.

That curiosity didn't start with menstrual cups.

Years ago, I worked in my father's injection moulding and blow moulding business, where I learned that great products rarely happen by accident. Behind almost every well-designed product is an enormous amount of engineering, testing, tooling and quality control that most people never get to see.

Once you've seen how products are actually made, you start looking at everyday objects a little differently.

You notice the details.

You notice the finish.

You notice the quality.

So when I started looking for a menstrual cup, I approached it the same way.

At first, I thought I'd compare a few products, choose one I liked and move on.

Instead, I disappeared down what can only be described as a menstrual cup rabbit hole.

I started reading research papers.

Speaking to manufacturers.

Comparing different designs.

Learning about silicone formulations, mould design and manufacturing processes.

Ordering sample after sample.

Before I knew it, I had 23 different menstrual cups from eight manufacturers spread across my dining room table, comparing everything from seam quality and silicone firmness to packaging and finishing.

Some people collect shoes.

Apparently, I collect menstrual cups.

Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful I became a little obsessed.

Because that journey completely changed how I think about menstrual cups—and it taught me things that I don't think enough women are ever told before buying one.

And that's exactly why I wanted to write this guide.

 

Not All Menstrual Cups Are Created Equal

Before I started comparing menstrual cups, I genuinely believed they were all more or less the same.

After all, they all looked pretty similar.

Most were made from medical-grade silicone.

Most promised comfort, leak protection and up to 12 hours of wear.

I assumed the only real difference was the logo on the box.

The more I researched, the more I realised that couldn't have been further from the truth.

I quickly discovered that making a high-quality menstrual cup involves far more than simply pouring silicone into a mould.

Behind every menstrual cup are hundreds of decisions—from the engineering and mould design to the manufacturing process, finishing, quality control and packaging.

Some manufacturers focus on producing the best product they possibly can.

Others focus on producing the most affordable product they can.

Neither approach is necessarily right or wrong.

But they often result in very different products.

The challenge is that most of those differences aren't obvious when you're scrolling through an online store or looking at a few product photos.

And that's exactly why knowing what to look for matters.

Over the next few sections, I'll show you the ten things that completely changed the way I evaluate a menstrual cup—and why they're worth paying attention to before you buy one.

What Testing 23 Menstrual Cups Taught Me

By now you're probably wondering...

"Did she really test 23 different menstrual cups?"

I did.

Looking back, it sounds slightly unhinged.

Normal people might compare two or three before making a decision.

Apparently, I decided to audition an entire cast.

The reason was actually quite simple.

I wasn't looking for a menstrual cup.

I was looking for the right menstrual cup.

The one that made me think, "Yes... I'd happily recommend this to my sister, my best friend or a complete stranger on the internet."

That turned into six months of waiting for samples to arrive from manufacturers around the world... and then waiting for my next period... and then the next one... and the next one.

Turns out there's only so much menstrual cup testing you can squeeze into one menstrual cycle.

Science is patient.

My curiosity wasn't.

Before launching Flo Angel, I tested 23 menstrual cups from eight different manufacturers. Comparing their designs, materials, firmness and finishing helped me understand that not all menstrual cups are made to the same quality standards.

Not every cup made it to the testing stage, though.

Some were eliminated before they ever earned the privilege of meeting my vagina.

Call it love at first sight... in reverse.

Sometimes you pick something up and instantly know it's not going to work out.

A bit like that guy who says he's "emotionally available" but still lives with his ex.

No thanks.

Those cups quietly retired before they even got a chance.

Others looked almost identical in the photos but felt completely different once they were in my hands.

That's when I realised something important.

A menstrual cup is so much more than a list of product features on a website.

"Medical-grade silicone."

"Leak-free."

"Comfortable."

"Reusable."

On paper, almost every cup sounded fantastic.

In reality, they were anything but identical.

By the end of those six months, I realised I hadn't just tested 23 menstrual cups.

I'd completely changed the way I looked at them.

I stopped asking,

"Which menstrual cup should I buy?"

Instead, I started asking,

"How do I recognise a well-made menstrual cup?"

And once I understood the difference...

I realised that's the question every woman should be asking before she buys one.

10 Signs You're Looking at a Quality Menstrual Cup

After testing 23 menstrual cups over six months, I started noticing the same things over and over again. The best cups weren't necessarily the most expensive or the ones with the fanciest packaging. They simply shared a number of characteristics that reflected thoughtful design, quality materials and careful manufacturing.

These are the ten things I personally look for when evaluating a menstrual cup. You don't need to become a manufacturing expert or a product designer—but knowing what to look for can help you make a far more informed decision.

1. Is It Really Made from Medical-Grade Silicone?

"Silicone is silicone... right?"

Not quite.

When I first started researching menstrual cups, I assumed they were all made from the same material. After all, almost every brand proudly claimed to use "medical-grade silicone." Surely that meant they were all identical?

As it turns out, it's a little more complicated than that.

Medical-grade silicone isn't just a marketing buzzword. It's a high-quality silicone specifically developed for medical applications because it's durable, stable, non-toxic and biocompatible. In simple terms, it's designed to be safely used in and on the human body without reacting with your tissues or releasing harmful chemicals.

Medical-grade silicone is trusted in a wide range of healthcare products because of its safety, durability and biocompatibility.

Since a menstrual cup sits inside your body for hours at a time, the material it's made from really matters.

A good quality menstrual cup should be made from 100% medical-grade silicone. It's naturally free from BPA, latex and phthalates, doesn't absorb fluids or odours, and can withstand years of regular cleaning and sterilising without breaking down.

That said, here's something I found interesting during my research...

Just because two brands both say "medical-grade silicone" doesn't automatically mean the cups will feel the same.

Some cups feel beautifully smooth and supple. Others feel firmer. Some feel almost velvety, while others have a slightly tackier finish. That's because the final feel of a menstrual cup depends on more than just the silicone itself. The cup's design, wall thickness, manufacturing process and firmness all play a role—which we'll explore later in this guide.

For now, think of medical-grade silicone as the foundation. If the material isn't right, nothing else matters.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

If a brand doesn't clearly state what material its menstrual cup is made from, that's a red flag.

Look for brands that openly say their cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone and are transparent about the materials they use. A company that invests in quality usually isn't shy about telling you what's in its product.

2. Can the Brand Prove Its Quality?

Anyone can write "premium quality" on a product box.

Anyone can claim their menstrual cup is "the best."

But quality isn't something a brand should simply expect you to believe. They should be able to back up those claims.

One way they do this is through recognised certifications and testing.

You may have noticed abbreviations like FDA, CE or RoHS on menstrual cup packaging. If you're anything like me, you've probably looked at them before and thought...

"That sounds important... but I have absolutely no idea what it means."

What Do These Certifications Mean?

Certification	What it means
FDA	Indicates the materials comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for medical-grade silicone when applicable.
CE	Shows the product meets relevant European health, safety and environmental requirements.
RoHS	Confirms the product complies with restrictions on certain hazardous substances, such as lead and mercury.

That doesn't necessarily mean one certified cup is automatically better than another, but it does show that the brand has taken the extra steps to demonstrate compliance with established quality and safety requirements.

Just as importantly, trustworthy brands are usually transparent about these certifications. They explain what they mean, why they matter, and are happy to answer questions if you ask.

If a product makes big claims but provides little evidence to support them, it's worth taking a closer look.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Don't be impressed by logos alone.

Take a moment to see if the brand actually explains what those certifications mean and whether they relate to the menstrual cup you're buying. A trustworthy company should be able to confidently stand behind its product—not just with marketing, but with evidence.

3. Does the Brand Tell You How It's Manufactured?

If you're going to wear something inside your body for up to 12 hours at a time, I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask how it was made.

Confession time...

Before I started researching menstrual cups, I gave absolutely zero thought to how they were manufactured.

My checklist was pretty simple:

• Is it comfortable?
• Will it leak?
• Can I actually get it out again?

Manufacturing?

Never even crossed my mind.

I assumed they were all manufactured in much the same way.

Then I visited a factory.

That visit completely changed my perspective.

At one point, I watched a worker trimming menstrual cups by hand. He took a bite of his sandwich, wiped his hand across his face, and then carried on trimming the next cup.

I remember standing there thinking...

"I really hope my menstrual cup doesn't come with complimentary polony fingerprints." 😅

That was the moment it hit me.

These weren't flower pots or coffee mugs.

These were products designed to be worn inside a woman's body. A menstrual cup should come with quality certifications—not traces of someone's lunch.

From that day on, I started caring just as much about how a menstrual cup was manufactured as what it was made from.

That experience also taught me something else...

As a consumer, you'll probably never get to tour the factory where your menstrual cup is made.

But you can ask an important question:

Is the brand open about how their cups are manufactured?

Brands that invest in quality are usually proud to talk about it. They often explain where their cups are made, the standards they follow, and the measures they take to ensure quality and hygiene throughout production.

One term you may come across is clean room manufacturing.

A clean room is a carefully controlled production environment designed to minimise dust, airborne particles and contamination. Workers wear protective clothing, hair coverings and gloves, and strict hygiene protocols are followed throughout the manufacturing process. This is why many medical devices and healthcare products are produced in clean rooms.

While not every brand shares these details, I always see it as a positive sign when they do. It shows they're willing to be transparent about the journey their product takes before it reaches you.

A trustworthy brand doesn't just tell you what it's sells—it should also be willing to tell you how it's made.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

If a brand talks openly about how its menstrual cups are manufactured, where they're produced, and the quality standards they follow, that's usually a good sign. Transparency builds trust—and companies that invest in high manufacturing standards are often proud to share that information.

4. Are the Seams Smooth and Well Finished?

This might sound like a tiny detail...

But it's actually one of the first things I look at when I pick up a menstrual cup.

The seam on a menstrual cup should be like good Botox. You shouldn't really notice it.

Every silicone menstrual cup is made using a mould. When the two halves of the mould come together, they leave a fine seam running down the side of the cup. That's completely normal.

The difference is how that seam is finished afterwards.

On a well-made menstrual cup, the seam should be smooth, neat and barely noticeable when you run your finger over it. It shouldn't feel rough, sharp or unfinished.

During my research, I came across cups where the seams were beautifully finished—and others where they felt like they'd been rushed out the door before anyone gave them a second look.

It reminded me of buying a new piece of furniture.

One table has perfectly sanded edges that feel silky smooth.

Another leaves you wondering if you're about to get a splinter.

Both are technically tables...

But one clearly had more care and attention put into it.

The same principle applies to menstrual cups.

If a manufacturer takes pride in the little details you can see, there's a good chance they've paid attention to the details you can't see as well.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

When your menstrual cup arrives, take a minute to inspect it before using it for the first time.

Run your finger around the rim, down the sides and along the seam. A quality menstrual cup should feel smooth, evenly finished and free from rough edges or excess silicone.

5. Are the Air Holes Well Designed?

Let's play a quick game...

Without looking at your menstrual cup...

How many air holes does it have?

If your answer is "Wait... it has air holes?" don't worry—you've just joined about 99% of menstrual cup users. 😄

Those little holes have one very important job... helping you remove the cup without feeling like you're negotiating with a stubborn Tupperware lid. They help break the seal when it's time to remove your cup, making removal much easier and more comfortable

One thing I noticed while comparing different menstrual cups was that not all air holes are created equal.

Some cups have just two air holes, while others have four or more. I personally prefer cups with at least four evenly spaced air holes, as they tend to allow air to enter more evenly, making it easier to release the seal during removal.

Just as importantly, take a close look at how those holes have been finished.

They should be cleanly cut, smooth and free from rough edges or leftover silicone. Tiny manufacturing details like these often tell you how much care has gone into making the cup as a whole.
Think of them as the cup's little pressure-release valves.Without them, your cup can become surprisingly committed to staying exactly where it is.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Hold your cup up to the light and inspect the air holes before using it for the first time. They should be evenly spaced, neatly finished and completely open. If one is partially blocked by silicone, it could affect how easily the seal releases when removing your cup.

6. Is the Stem Well Designed?

During my research, I found flat stems that felt uncomfortable, hollow stems that made me wonder how on earth you were supposed to clean inside them (that's a tiny Airbnb for bacteria), and stems that were so bulky they seemed to defeat the purpose of making a comfortable cup in the first place.

The stem of a menstrual cup is a bit like the training wheels on a bicycle.When you're learning, it's incredibly helpful. Once you've gained confidence... you probably won't need it anymore.

One of the biggest misconceptions about menstrual cups is that the stem is there to pull the cup out.

It's not.

The stem is simply there to help you locate your cup. To remove it, you should always pinch the base of the cup to release the seal before gently removing it.

Many women eventually trim the stem shorter—or remove it completely—once they become comfortable using their menstrual cup.

That's why I always look for a stem that's safe to trim.

But it's not just about whether you can cut it shorter. The shape of the stem matters too.

A well-designed stem should be comfortable, practical and easy to keep clean. After all, it's one of the parts of the cup you'll handle every single cycle.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Ask yourself:

• Can the stem be trimmed if I don't need it?

• Does it feel comfortable when you run your finger over it?

• Is it easy to clean?

• Does the design make practical sense?

Remember, if you can constantly feel the stem while wearing your cup, it may simply need a small trim—not necessarily a new menstrual cup.

7. Should You Choose a Transparent or Coloured Menstrual Cup?

I'll admit it...

Transparent menstrual cups aren't the prettiest.

Coloured cups can look sleek, modern and stylish, and they do a much better job of hiding stains over time.

But at what cost?

Those same colours can also hide the things you actually want to see—whether there's still blood trapped in the air holes, residue around the grip rings, or if you've cleaned your cup thoroughly after your cycle.

But here's my question...

When was the last time you walked down a catwalk showing off your menstrual cup? 😄

Exactly.

A menstrual cup isn't a fashion accessory. It's a medical-grade product designed to be worn inside your body.

Personally, I'd much rather be able to clearly see the condition of my cup than have it look fashionable.

One of the biggest reasons I prefer a transparent cup is that I can actually see if it's clean.

After rinsing and washing your cup, it's much easier to spot if there's still a little blood trapped around the air holes, inside the grip rings or tucked away in a fold. With darker colours like black, red or deep purple, those small traces can be much harder to see.

The same applies over the long term. A transparent cup makes it much easier to spot changes such as residue, wear, tiny tears or accidental damage. For example, if your cup is nicked by a sharp object while travelling or storing it, that damage can create tiny areas where menstrual residue may become more difficult to clean thoroughly. A transparent cup makes these imperfections much easier to detect than a coloured one.

A transparent menstrual cup makes it much easier to inspect for residue, staining, scratches and signs of wear. While coloured cups may hide cosmetic stains, they can also make it harder to spot areas that need closer attention during cleaning and routine inspection.

Yes, transparent cups can become stained over time—and that's completely normal. Silicone naturally discolours with use, and a little staining doesn't affect how safely the cup performs.

For me, that's a trade-off I'm happy to make.

I don't choose a transparent cup because it looks better. I choose it because I can properly inspect it.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Choose a menstrual cup that lets you confidently inspect its cleanliness and condition. A little discolouration is far less important than knowing your cup is thoroughly clean before every use.

8. Is Firmer Always Better?

During my research, I came across cups that were so soft they reminded me of a wilted lettuce leaf.

They just sort of... flopped.

At the other end of the spectrum were cups so firm they felt like they belonged in the plumbing aisle of the hardware store.

One of the biggest misconceptions about menstrual cups is that a firmer cup must be a better-quality cup.

In reality, firmness has very little to do with quality.

A soft menstrual cup can be made from premium medical-grade silicone, while a firm cup can be made from exactly the same material. The difference lies in the design and how the silicone has been engineered—not whether one is "better" than the other.

Think of it like buying a mattress.

Some people sleep best on a firm mattress, while others prefer one that's softer. Neither is better—they're simply designed for different people.

The same is true for menstrual cups.

If you're physically active, have strong pelvic floor muscles or find that your cup doesn't fully open after insertion, you may find that a firmer cup works better for you.

On the other hand, if you have a sensitive bladder, experience pressure or simply prefer a softer feel, a softer cup may be more comfortable.

The goal isn't to buy the firmest cup.

The goal is to find the firmness that works best for your body.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Don't judge a menstrual cup by how firm it feels in your hand. A quality cup should be made from safe, medical-grade silicone and have a firmness that suits your body—not someone else's.

9. Can You Trust the Brand Behind the Cup?

By now, you know what to look for in a quality menstrual cup.

But there's one final thing to consider...

Who's selling it?

Whether you're shopping on Takealot, Amazon or another online marketplace, it's worth remembering that these platforms are filled with thousands of independent sellers.

Some are passionate about menstrual health.

Others simply sell whatever happens to be popular that month.

I've come across stores selling menstrual cups alongside vehicle accessories, gardening equipment, pet supplies and kitchen gadgets.

There's nothing wrong with that.

But when I'm buying something that's going inside my body, I want to know there's a brand behind it that genuinely understands women's health.

A trustworthy menstrual cup brand doesn't just sell you a product and disappear.

They educate.

They answer questions.

They help you choose the right size.

They explain how to insert and remove the cup correctly.

They provide cleaning and care instructions.

They have a comprehensive FAQ for beginners.

And if something goes wrong, they're there to support you.

To me, that's the difference between buying a product and buying from a brand.

👀 Isabel's Inspection Tip

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Does this brand have its own website?
• Do they explain how to use and care for the cup?
• Do they provide a sizing guide?
• Do they have an FAQ that answers common questions?
• Can you contact them if you need help after your purchase?

If the answer to most of those questions is yes, you're probably buying from a brand that's invested in more than just making a sale.

10. Remember: The Best Menstrual Cup Is the One That Fits You

Think about buying shoes.

Your best friend absolutely loves a particular pair. She walks around in them all day and swears they're the most comfortable shoes she's ever owned.

So naturally, you buy the exact same pair.

Except... they're awful.

They rub your heel.

They pinch your toes.

And after an hour you're wondering how on earth anyone finds these things comfortable.

Does that mean they're bad shoes?

Not at all.

They're just not the right shoes for you.

Menstrual cups are surprisingly similar.

You might do all your research, choose a high-quality cup that ticks every box in this guide, and still find that it doesn't suit your body.

That doesn't mean menstrual cups aren't for you.

It may simply mean that that particular shape, firmness or size isn't the right match.

Every woman is different.

Our anatomy is different.

Our cervix height is different.

Our pelvic floor muscles are different.

That's why finding the right menstrual cup is a little like finding your favourite pair of jeans or your most comfortable running shoes.

Sometimes it takes trying more than one before you find your perfect fit.

So... Which Menstrual Cup Should You Buy?

If you've made it this far, you'll probably realise that choosing a menstrual cup isn't about finding the "perfect" brand. It's about finding a cup that's safe, comfortable, well-made, and right for your body.

When I started testing menstrual cups, I wasn't looking for a product to sell—I was looking for one I would genuinely trust to use myself. After trying 23 different cups from eight manufacturers, I eventually found one that met the standards I was looking for, and that's the menstrual cup I felt confident putting the Flo Angel name on.

Every recommendation in this guide is based on what I learned during that journey. Whether you choose Flo Angel or another quality brand, my hope is that you'll feel confident asking the right questions and choosing a cup that puts your health and comfort first.

If you'd like to see how Flo Angel measures up against the checklist in this article, you're welcome to explore our range or learn more about why we chose the materials, design and manufacturing standards that we did.

→ Shop Flo Angel Menstrual Cups
→ Learn Why We Created Flo Angel

 

✔ Before You Buy Your Next Menstrual Cup

Ask yourself:

✅ Is it made from medical-grade silicone?

✅ Does the brand share its certifications?

✅ Are the seams and air holes well finished?

✅ Is the stem practical?

✅ Can I easily inspect and clean the cup?

✅ Does the firmness suit my body?

✅ Do I trust the brand?

Your menstrual cup doesn't have to be perfect.

It just has to be right for you.

With love,

Isabel 
Founder, Flo Angel

PS: I hope this guide gives you the confidence to choose a menstrual cup that's safe, comfortable and right for your body. Every woman deserves period care she can trust.