Period Underwear
🌎 The average period product is loaded with plastic. With over 45 billion menstrual products used every year. A pack of conventional pads contains up to five plastic bags worth of plastic. For this and other reasons, many switched to using period underwear.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is a more sustainable solution to the huge waste as they are reusable and they create no waste.
They can be used to replace your tampons, pads, discs, and menstrual cups, or as an additional layer. Other reasons to use:
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Occasional Spotting
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Postpartum Bleeding for daily coverage
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Regular Discharge
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Mild Stress Incontinence and Light Bladder Leaks
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Everyday and Heavy Sweat
Period underwear is also perfect for the first cycle, designed to provide extreme comfort and confidence during even a heavy flow. Bringing all the same time convenience, affordability, style, comfort, and planet care!🌎
PFAS in Period Underwear
❌ PFAS: short for perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1990s to make surfaces resistant to stains, water, and grease.
They are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because these chemicals do not biodegrade, they can build up in the human body and interfere with our systems. The most commonly studied PFAS chemicals “can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects,” according to the EPA.
PFAS are added intentionally by some manufacturers to create a waterproof layer.
In this article published in 2020 by Sierra Magazine, they found toxic chemicals in Thinx products.
Thinx menstrual underwear was tested by Dr. Graham Peaslee, a physics professor at the University of Notre Dame, whose research focuses on PFAS. They found the presence of PFAS in the Thinx products at “high levels,” “, especially on the inside layers of the crotch,”. The crotch in the Thinx underwear had 3,264 parts per million (ppm)
The Law
Tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and discs are considered medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not subject to ingredient labeling under federal law.
There is a significant lack of consumer protection laws regarding feminine hygiene products. Only two states have such laws, and they’re not even in effect yet.
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California has enacted new laws that require expanded ingredient disclosure for feminine hygiene products, including period underwear. As of Jan 1st, 2023, The Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2020. (AB 1989) mandates that menstrual products sold in California must clearly and conspicuously list all ingredients used. However, this law only focuses on “intentionally added” ingredients and does not cover contaminants.
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New York has a similar law as of 2021, focusing on “intentionally added” ingredients. The Menstrual Products Right To Know Act (S2387B), championed by New York State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, forces brands to print a simple list of ingredients on all menstrual products.
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Federally, in September 2022, the Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022 (H.R.8829) was introduced to the house, but as of the current date of writing (March 2023), there has been no progress on the bill.
Safer Period Underwear
Since companies might not disclose all the treatments they add to period underwear fabric.
Here is how we can find safer products:
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Brands with independent lab tests and letters and certificates from third-party certifiers verifying green product claims.
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Certified Organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
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Avoid “water-resistant” and “long-lasting,”: two qualities that PFAS are used to help produce.
🌿On this page, you will find the Best Organic Period Underwear. Safer and eco-friendly panties because we with periods deserve safe, effective, and sustainable options. All their products are clinically tested to be hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Made with sustainably certified material. Comfortable products that work and that meet my criteria:
✅ GOTS certified organic
✅ OEKTO-TEX certified
✅ PFAS-free
✅ California Proposition 65 warning-free
Here is for better products:
Shop with my links to support my research!💖
Lilova Organic Period Underwear
🌸 Lilova Period Underwear products are also always free of silver nanoparticles and are made only with GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX 100 materials.
🍃 Their panties are being tested not once but twice during production by external laboratories for potentially harmful chemicals, and then again after production. They are certified PFAS-free!
MATERIAL: Gusset: 90% organic cotton, 7% elastane, 3% nylon
Middle crotch: 100% microfiber, breathable TPU
Body: 85% nylon, 15% elastane
No harmful chemicals. No PFAS. No silver particles. Materials with OEKO-TEX 100 Certificate (European Safety Standards).
GOTS-certified organic cotton.
The Period Company
🌸 The High Waisted Period. in Organic Cotton For Heavy Flows. Super-super-super absorbent and designed to handle the heaviest days of a period. Made of soft, comfy organic cotton, a four-layer padded towel absorbency holds your flow.
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Super absorbent. Built for heavy days.
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Absorbs 9 tampons worth of flow or five pads.
🍃 Wicking layer on top so that It can absorb the blood super fast with no wetness. You will feel padding, but frankly, on those heavy days, feeling secure, safe, and leakproof is a pretty great feeling, alongside being so comfy and cozy.
After using me once, you will look at tampons and disposable pads and pretend you don’t know them. Be cold. They deserve it. Also great for postpartum and perimenopause. They have:
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For Heavy To Medium Flows
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For Medium To Light Flows
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Swim
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Junior Period.
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Overnight
MATERIAL: Body: 95% Organic Cotton with 5% Spandex Jersey
Absorbent Layer: 100% Polyester, Leak Proof Layer: 100% Polyester PUL
They rigorously third-party test every production and reject any materials that don’t meet their PFAs-free standard.
Wild Moon Underwear
🍃 🌸 Wild Moon Underwear allows for a more eco-friendly and comfortable period experience, as it effectively prevents leaks and enables women to embrace their natural bodily processes confidently.
The super absorbent gusset of Simply Wild Moon Underwear comprises four layers, each designed to offer optimal menstrual protection and comfort.
🍃The middle layers effectively absorb and lock in menstrual fluid, while the outer layers wick away moisture, providing a fresh and dry feeling. Despite the high absorbency, the breathable leak-proof layers minimize odor and prevent any feeling of moisture against the skin, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable period experience.
🍃Made from soft organic bamboo these underwear offer full front-to-back coverage to give you maximum comfort and security on your heaviest days, while still letting you connect to the sacredness of your flow.
MATERIAL: organic bamboo, PFAS-free, and 3party tested for Flourine by Eurofins lab.
VOXAPOD Period Underwear
🌿 VOXAPOD Period Underwear is a leakproof unique patented technology that prevents leaks for total peace of mind - works for light to medium absorbency, overnight protection, menstruation, postpartum, maternity, incontinence, and teens
✅ NO PFAS - fabrics used are OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified and the factory is GOTS and ISO 9001 certified
🌺 MAINTAINS pH BALANCE - antibacterial, antimicrobial, and fights odor
super soft fabric moves comfortably with your body
🩸 FAST-ABSORBING + BREATHABLE - moisture-wicking and quick-drying to keep you fresh and clean feeling all day or night
🌱 SUSTAINABLE + GIVE BACK - washable and reusable for years, save money, save the planet. Woman-owned and donates safe period care to those in need
MATERIAL: NO PFAS - fabrics used are OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified and the factory is GOTS and ISO 9001 certified
WUKA Stretch Seamless Midi Brief
🌸 WUKA Stretch™ period pants are the World’s First full brief, Seamless Multi-Size period pants designed to fit every body size and offer maximum period protection.
🍃Perfect for bloating, post-birth, and changing body sizes, WUKA Stretch™ seamless multi-size period pants are flexible, comfortable, and offer maximum security during your period. No cutting or digging in, these body contouring period pants hug in all the right places whilst protecting against leaks.
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Heavy FlowColor Light Nude
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Stretch™ Microfiber Technology - Sculpts To Fit All Body Shapes
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Super Absorbent Gusset- Full Coverage, Perfect For Heavy Flow Days.
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Seamless Construction - Figure Flattering Fabric, No VPL.
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GOTS Cotton - Kind To Skin, Hypoallergenic
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Leak-Proof Protection - Up To 12hr Wear.
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Free Laundry Bag.
No silver treatments or anti-bacterial treatments
Regularly tested for additional chemicals including PFAS.
MATERIAL: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton, to Tencel Modal made from sustainable beech trees, to Econyl made from plastic waste from our oceans.
Cares. Organic Period Underwear
🌸Care period underwear prioritizes safe materials that are sustainably sourced, and makes reliable leakproof undies that are a dream to wear. Designed to protect even very heavy periods.
So you can feel just as good in them as you do about them.
It is a brand that tests each of its materials.
🍃This fabric uses a unique process that permanently melt-bonds a specially-treated TPU film (the leakproof layer) to the fabric without the use of toxic solvents or glue. The process emits no toxic waste or VOCs that are harmful to the environment and/or the wearer.
Code: 15% off Minimum purchase of 2 items required
MATERIAL: Inner & outer fabric: Bamboo, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, Milled overseas, and certified by a Canadian supplier. Heavy Absorption Pad fabric: Bamboo and Organic Cotton - CPSIA certified, plus organic yarns used are GOTS certified & California Proposition 65 approved (this is required as the fabric is made in the US). Leakproof fabric: Laminated Organic Cotton, Organic yarns that are GOTS certified and California Proposition 65 approved.
Smartliners Organic Cotton Pads
🍃 🌸 This is the ONLY GOTS Certified Organic Reusable Pad I found.
Made with an amazing material developed by the founder Yasmeen. Thanks to her manufacturing background, she developed a patented super absorbent material called Smartsorb™ which incorporates 100% organic cotton, free of any harmful, toxic chemicals.Smartliners™ washables feature an exclusive Smartsorb™ super absorbent technology.
Made with 100% certified organic cotton, which is better for you and kind to the environment, Smartliners™ products are the ultimate healthy-living and eco-friendly solution available today.
- 100% Certified Organic Cotton
- No Toxic Adhesives or Layers
- No Plastics of any Kind
- Odour Resisting Materials
- Environmentally Friendly
MATERIAL: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Not Recommended
❌ Not recommended
I don't recommend Saalt Period Underwear since they found PFAS in them: An EPA-certified laboratory tested Saalt Period Underwear for Total Fluorine by Oxygen Flask Combustion and Ion-Selective Electrode. The Level of Detection was 10 ppm.
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Saalt Period Underwear–10 parts per million (ppm)
❌ Not recommended
I don't recommend Cora Period Underwear.
A study found Cora Period underwear to contain –14ppm & 13ppm organic fluorine
❌ Not recommended
🔎Greenwashing in period underwear!
❌Thinx claimed to be:
“nontoxic, harmless, sustainable, organic, and otherwise safe for women and the environment.”
They found PFAS in their period underwear
⚠️PFAS are called forever chemicals that bioaccumulate inside the body over time and don’t break down.
❌PFAS can be used to create a waterproof layer, that’s why they can be found in some period underwear.
🔎A study found Thinx panties to have large amounts of the chemical (3,264 parts per million), showing that this was intentional.
Thinx Settled Their Class-Action Lawsuit (January 2023)
🔎Other studies found Saalt and Cora period underwear brands with contamination as well
🎉California has enacted new laws: As of Jan 1st, 2023, The Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2020. (AB 1989) mandates that menstrual products sold in California must clearly and conspicuously list all ingredients used.
👏It is the first step toward consumer protection
✅ I listed all the approved period underwear with promo codes above.
Made with certified organic material and PFAS free
Shop with my links to support my research 💖
❌ Not recommended
I don't recommend Thinx, since it has PFAS and since it settled a lawsuit over chemicals in its period underwear.
The period panty brand has just settled a class-action lawsuit alleging that its products — long marketed as a safer, more sustainable approach to menstrual hygiene — contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Plaintiffs say third-party testing on the underwear revealed the presence of short-chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), human-made chemicals that are found in many consumer and industrial products, do not easily break down and have been linked to adverse health effects. And they're accusing the company of fraud and other deceptive practices as a result.
The website, Thinxunderwearsettlement.com, shares details on who is eligible to file a claim to be able to receive part of the settlement money.
An article published in 2020 by Sierra magazine first brought attention to the ingredients in Thinx products.