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There’s a lot of confusion about safe and healthy menstrual products. Between concerns of toxic chemicals in tampons and uncertainty around hormone disruptors in popular period underwear brands, it’s hard to know how to handle your period without putting yourself at risk.
Because of the absorbent nature of period products, particularly underwear, they are at a high risk of containing perfluorinated chemicals, commonly referred to as PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” Moreover, the vagina is particularly vulnerable to chemical absorption, which means putting products containing PFAS inside or against it puts one at a higher risk for health complications such as fertility issues and some cancers.
Wirecutter recently tested 44 period and incontinence products and found more than 20% of the tested underwear included PFAS levels high enough to be intentionally added during the manufacturing process. It’s worth noting that PFAS showed up in much lower levels in menstrual cups and discs.
In Alden’s book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick—and How We Can Fight Back, she notes that if more than 100 parts per million of fluorine on a garment, it’s PFAS, and it was put there on purpose. While PFAS can also be added unintentionally throughout the manufacturing process, there are brands that are incredibly careful when selecting their supply chain partners and test their products to be sure they’re living up to their PFAS-free claims.
You can’t be overly cautious when it comes to your menstrual health. That’s why we were incredibly selective and only included brands with chemical certifications on this list are here. They’re here to shake up the period industry safely, sustainably, and affordably. But before you buy, read our recommendations on best shopping practices for menstrual products.
Chemical Management: Look for brands that are intentional and proactive about their chemical management. In addition to checking for PFAS-free claims, look for certifications from chemical safety organizations such as Oeko-Tex to be sure its products are free of restricted azo dyes, heavy metals, or other contaminants. Keep an eye out for brands that carefully track the chemicals in their supply chain and regularly test their products to make sure they don’t contain harmful levels of PFAS, intentionally or unintentionally.
Materials: We highly recommend going for natural fibers in all cases (especially for those with sensitive skin) but it’s specifically important when we’re talking about underwear. We love merino wool for how naturally absorbent and odor-resistant it is, but if you can’t find it, organic cotton and Tencel are great options as well. Many period panty brands also use recycled polyester. If you don’t have sensitive skin, this material should be perfectly fine, however, look for certifications like GRS to be sure the fabric was processed safely and sustainably, and double-check for those chemical certifications too.
Longevity: Period products are expensive, and the waste that comes from disposable pads, liners, and discs is immense. So shop for reusable products as often as you can, and look for ones that are made well with quality materials and are designed to last for years.
Safe & Ethical Manufacturing: In addition to making sure toxic chemicals stay out of their supply chain, it’s important for brands to know where and how their products were made. Look for brands that manufacture in the U.S. or Canada, and check for certifications such as WRAP and labels from the Fair Labor Association.
Packaging: The menstrual product industry generates enough waste already. Look for brands that use recyclable or compostable packaging, and check for certifications like FSC to be sure it was sustainably sourced.
What we love: This certified-B Corp has been making safe and sustainable period products since 1993. It carefully tracks the chemicals in its products through lab testing and third-party data to confirm there are no detectable levels of PFAS (to 1 part per million) in its Oeko-Tex-certified Tencel and organic cotton leakproof panties. Its collection of reusable pads, liners, cups, and underwear are created for comfort and performance, and it carries accessories such as stain erasers and period guides for pre-teens.
Watch out for: Its underwear is made with recycled and virgin polyester, so pay attention to the material makeup if you’re sensitive to synthetics.
Price Range: $13-$48 for cups, liners, reusable pads, and underwear, and up to $132 for pad kits.
Available in: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore
What we love: Wuka (which stands for Wake Up, Kick Ass,) is a certified-B Corp that carries absorbent PFAS-free underwear styles for every flow level, plus leggings, swimwear, shorts, reusable pads, and wearable natural rubber hot water bottles. The majority of its garments, which go up to 6XL, are made with GOTS and Oeko-Tex-certified organic cotton and Tencel. Wuka uses only plastic-free packaging and black fabric to minimize dye use.
Watch out for: Its performance range is made from recycled nylon, so avoid this line if you have a sensitivity to synthetics.
Price Range: $13-$52 for menstrual clothing, up to $97 for bundles.
Available in: Most European countries, North America, and Australia.
What we love: Modibodi makes period-proof underwear, athletic wear, and swimwear with styles designed for those with limited mobility. It enforces a strict chemical management policy through regular spot tests and safety compliance tests to ensure no PFAS or dangerous substances enter its supply chain. It uses Tencel, merino wool, and GOTS-certified organic cotton and works closely with its suppliers to ensure ethical practices. Its packaging is made with recycled and recyclable FSC-certified cardboard.
Watch out for: Some of its products contain recycled nylon, so be sure to check the material makeup before you buy if you’re sensitive to synthetics.
Price Range: $19-$50 for menstrual underwear, up to $175 for bundles.
Available in: North America, most European Countries, most Asian Countries, New Zealand, Australia.
What we love: Cora is a certified B-Corp that makes PFAS- and azo-disperse-dye-free menstrual discs, pads, tampons, and underwear. It designs its Oeko-Tex-certified products with safety in comfort in mind, and donates a selection of its products to those in need with each purchase.
Watch out for: Its underwear is made with a significant amount of polyester. There is little information about its supply chain available.
Price Range: $9-$10 for tampons, $10-$12 for pads and liners, $30-$60 for cups and discs, and up to $170 for period underwear packs.
Available in: The U.S.
What we love: This Danish certified-B Corp and sustainable lingerie brand recently announced its collaboration with HEVA to create organic cotton PFAS-free period panties in three styles and natural rubber phthalate-free menstrual cups. Underprotection works closely with its suppliers to ensure fair and transparent practices throughout its supply chain. It uses mostly recycled materials in its packaging.
Price Range: $21-$30 for menstrual underwear, $26 for menstrual cup, up to $74 for bundles.
Available in: All countries.
What we love: This certified-B Corp is best known for its reusable menstrual cups and discs, but is expanding to period underwear in October 2023. Its PFAS-free seamless panties are made with Tencel and recycled nylon, and go up to 4XL.
Price Range: $35 for cups, discs, and period underwear, and up to $125 for bundles.
Available in: U.S., plus most other countries through its list of retailers.
What we love: Rosaseven Lingerie makes PFAS-free period clothing with Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics including Tencel and organic cotton. It sources its absorbency fabrics, which contains skin-safe silver ion, from the U.S. It produces its underwear, bathing suits, bodysuits, and nightshirts in small batches in Vancouver.
Watch out for: Its period bathing suits are made with recycled and virgin polyester, so watch out if you’re sensitive to synthetics.
Price Range: $38-$136 for menstrual clothing.
Available in: Most countries.
What we love: This certified B-Corp makes period underwear up to 6X. Its styles are made with Oeko-Tex-certified cotton. Its manufacturing partners are certified by WRAP and the Fair Labor Association, and it uses biodegradable bags in its packaging.
Watch out for: The liner of the underwear is made with majority virgin polyester.
Price Range: $20-$36 for period underwear.
Available in: Most countries
What we love: Lena makes affordable menstrual cups that are designed to stay secure and comfortable during active use. Its cups are made in California with 100% medical-grade silicone, and its packaging is FSC-certified and printed with vegetable ink. It also carries sensitive cups that are made with a slightly softer silicone.
Price Range: $30-$45 for menstrual cups
Available in: Most countries.
What we love: Flex makes reusable and disposable menstrual cups and discs with 100% medical-grade silicone. Its products are made in the U.S. and Canada, and its warehouses are close by to reduce shipping emissions. It also offers cleansers for its reusable products, and extensive resources on how to use its cups and discs.
Watch out for: There is little information on its packaging available.
Price Range: $12-$168 for disposable disc subscriptions, $25-$25 for cups, and $34 for reusable discs.
Available in: U.S., Most European Countries, and Australia.
What we love: Ruby Cup makes affordable menstrual cups with 100% medical-grade silicone.
Watch out for: Its period underwear is made entirely of synthetics. There is little information about its supply chain or packaging available.
Price Range: $33 for cups, $36 for menstrual underwear, and up to $76 bundles.
Available in: Most countries.
