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There is a lot of confusion about safe and healthy menstrual products. Between concerns about heavy metal tampons and uncertainty about hormone disruptors in popular period underwear brands, it’s hard to know how to deal with your period without putting yourself at risk.
Because menstrual products, especially underwear, are absorbent, they are at increased risk of containing perfluorinated chemicals, commonly referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” Additionally, the vagina is particularly susceptible to chemical absorption, so using products containing PFAS inside or on the vagina increases the risk of health complications, including fertility problems and some cancers. .
Wirecutter recently tested 44 menstrual and incontinence products and found that more than 20% of the underwear tested contained levels of PFAS high enough to be intentionally added during the manufacturing process. I did. It’s worth noting that menstrual cups and discs had much lower levels of PFAS. Researchers tested the tampons and found heavy metals arsenic and lead.
In his book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Ick—and How We Can Fight Back, Alden explains that if your clothing has more than 100 ppm of fluoride, it’s PFAS, meaning it’s intentionally added. It states that it was done. Although PFAS are sometimes added unintentionally throughout the manufacturing process, some brands are very careful when choosing their supply chain partners and test whether their products live up to their PFAS-free claims. .
You can never be too careful when it comes to menstrual health. That’s why we’re very selective and only include brands with chemical certification on this list. They are here to revolutionize the secondhand industry in a way that is safe, sustainable, and affordable. But before you buy, read our recommendations for best shopping practices for menstrual products.
Chemical Management: Look for brands that are intentional and proactive about chemical management. In addition to verifying PFAS-free claims, look for certification from chemical safety agencies such as Oeko-Tex to ensure that the product does not contain restricted azo dyes, heavy metals, or other contaminants. please confirm. Brands that carefully track chemicals in their supply chains and regularly test to ensure that their products do not contain harmful levels of PFAS, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Please pay attention.
Materials: Natural fibers are highly recommended in all cases (especially if you have sensitive skin), but especially when it comes to underwear. We love Merino wool because it’s naturally absorbent and odor resistant, but if you can’t find it, organic cotton and Tencel are also great options. Many period shorts brands also use recycled polyester. If you don’t have sensitive skin, this material is perfectly fine, but look for certifications such as GRS to ensure the fabric has been processed in a safe and sustainable manner, and double-check their chemical certifications as well.
Longevity: Vintage products are expensive, and the waste generated from disposable pads, liners, and discs is significant. Therefore, buy reusable products as often as possible, and look for products that are carefully made from high-quality materials and designed to last for years.
Safe and ethical manufacturing: In addition to ensuring toxic chemicals are kept out of the supply chain, it’s important for brands to know where and how their products are manufactured. Look for brands that are manufactured in the U.S. or Canada and check for certifications like WRAP or Fair Labor Association labels.
Packaging: The menstrual products industry already generates enough waste. Look for brands that use recyclable or compostable packaging, and check for certifications such as FSC to ensure it’s sustainably sourced.
What we like: This Certified B Corp has been manufacturing safe and sustainable products since 1993. We carefully track the chemicals in our products through laboratory testing and third-party data to ensure there are no detectable levels of PFAS (limited to 1 part per product). million) Oeko-Tex certified Tencel and organic cotton leak-proof shorts. Our collection of reusable pads, liners, cups and underwear are made for comfort and performance, as well as accessories such as stain erasers and period guides for pre-teens.
Please note: The underwear is made from recycled and virgin polyester, so be aware of the material composition if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers.
Price range: $13 to $48 for cups, liners, reusable pads, and underwear, up to $132 for pad kits.
Available countries: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore
What we love: Wuka (short for Wake Up, Kick Ass) offers highly absorbent, PFAS-free underwear styles for all flow levels, as well as leggings, swimsuits, shorts, reusable pads, We are a certified B Corp that deals in wearable natural rubber hot. bottle of water. The majority of our garments up to 6XL are made from GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton and Tencel. Wuka uses only plastic-free packaging and black fabric to minimize the use of dyes.
Please note: This performance series is made from recycled nylon, so avoid this line if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers.
Price range: $13 to $52 for period clothing, up to $97 for bundles.
Available in: most European countries, North America, Australia.
What we like: Modibodi makes period underwear, athletic wear, and swimwear in styles designed for people with limited mobility. The company implements strict chemical management policies through regular spot testing and safety compliance testing to ensure that PFAS and hazardous substances do not enter the supply chain. We use Tencel, merino wool and GOTS certified organic cotton, and work closely with our suppliers to ensure ethical practices. The packaging uses recyclable FSC-certified cardboard.
Note: Some products contain recycled nylon, so if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers, be sure to check the material composition before purchasing.
Price range: $19-$50 for menstrual underwear, up to $175 for bundles.
Available in: North America, most countries in Europe, most countries in Asia, New Zealand, Australia.
What we like: Cora is a certified B-Corp that manufactures menstrual discs, pads, tampons, and underwear that are free of PFAS and azo disperse dyes. We design Oeko-Tex certified products with safety and comfort in mind, and with every purchase we donate carefully selected products to people in need.
Please note: Underwear contains large amounts of polyester. There is little information available about its supply chain.
Price range: Tampons are $9 to $10, pads and liners are $10 to $12, cups and discs are $30 to $60, and period underwear packs are up to $170.
Country of availability: United States
What we like: This Danish B Corp-certified sustainable lingerie brand recently announced a collaboration with HEVA, featuring three styles of organic cotton PFAS-free period panties and natural rubber phthalates. I created a free menstrual cup. Underprotection works closely with our suppliers to ensure fair and transparent practices throughout our supply chain. We use mainly recycled materials for our packaging.
Price range: Menstrual underwear from $21 to $30, menstrual cups from $26, and bundles up to $74.
Available in: All countries.
What we like: This Certified B Corporation is best known for its reusable menstrual cups and menstrual discs, but in October 2023, it will expand into period underwear. The company’s PFAS-free seamless panties are made from Tencel and recycled nylon and come in sizes up to 4XL.
Price range: $35 for cups, discs, and period underwear, up to $125 for bundles.
Available in: United States and most other countries through a list of retailers.
What we like: Rosaseven Lingerie makes PFAS-free period clothing using Oeko-Tex certified fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton. We source absorbent fabrics containing skin-safe silver ions from the United States and produce our underwear, swimwear, bodysuits, and nightshirts in small batches in Vancouver.
Note: This vintage swimsuit is made from recycled and virgin polyester, so please be aware if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers.
Price range: $38 to $136 for period clothing.
Available in: Most countries.
What we like: This certified B-Corp makes up to 6x more period underwear. The style is made from Oeko-Tex certified cotton. Our manufacturing partners are WRAP and Fair Labor Association certified, and our packaging uses biodegradable bags.
Please note: Underwear liners are mostly made of virgin polyester.
Price range: $20 to $36 for period underwear.
Available in: Most countries
What we like: Lena makes affordable menstrual cups that are designed to stay safe and comfortable during active use. The cups are made in California using 100% medical grade silicone, and the packaging is FSC certified and printed with vegetable-based inks. It also has a sensitive cup made of slightly soft silicone.
Price range: $30 to $45 for menstrual cups
Available in: Most countries.
What we like: Flex makes reusable and disposable menstrual cups and discs made from 100% medical-grade silicone. The company’s products are manufactured in the United States and Canada, with warehouses located nearby to reduce transportation emissions. We also offer cleansers for reusable products and extensive resources on how to use cups and discs.
Please note: There is very little information about the packaging.
Price range: $12 to $168 for a disposable disc subscription, $25 to $25 for a cup, and $34 for a reusable disc.
Available in: United States, most European countries, Australia.
What we like: Ruby Cup makes affordable menstrual cups made with 100% medical-grade silicone.
Please note: Underwear of this era is made entirely of synthetic fibers. There is little information about its supply chain or packaging.
Price range: $33 for cups, $36 for period underwear, up to $76 for bundles.
Available in: Most countries.
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