PFAS-Free and Organic Period Products (2025)
- balancedtoat
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Most of us women will be wearing and using period products every month for 30 years. That's a lot of cumulative time these period products are in/touching our body. For something we use so often, many of us are still unaware of the harmful ingredients or chemicals that might be lurking in the materials. Many conventional tampons, pads, and period products contain chemicals that could be affecting your health. From toxic pesticides, PFAS chemicals, to artificial fragrances, these chemicals may disrupt your endocrine system, are carcinogenic, and contribute to long-term health issues. Thankfully, there is a growing market for non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives that prioritize both your health and the environment.
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into why choosing organic, PFAS-free, and chemical-free period care products is so important. We’ll also provide recommendations for the best non-toxic tampons, pads, cups, and period underwear on the market. Quality especially matters in your lady area as its a highly absorbable area.
Why Should You Choose Non-Toxic Period Care Products?
1. The Health Risks of Toxic Chemicals
Many conventional period products contain harmful chemicals such as:
Pesticides in Cotton: Conventional cotton is often grown with the help of toxic pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can be absorbed by your skin, leading to potential hormonal disruptions and other health problems. Cotton can also be genetically modified (GMO), which raises additional concerns over exposure to genetically engineered organisms.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): These synthetic chemicals are used in some period care products to make them water-resistant and leak-proof. However, PFAS are linked to serious health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental delays in children. I have a blog post explaining how important it is to reduce our exposure to PFAS. An important note is that as of 2025 many states have banned adding any PFAS to period products. The states that banned this are California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, and Rhode Island. This is a great start and I hope more states will follow. PFAS can be accidentally added in different ways, including during manufacturing. So testing for low levels after production is key.
Artificial Fragrances: Many period products, especially pads, are scented with artificial fragrances. The term "artificial fragrance" can include over 1,000 ingredients. These fragrances are often made with harmful chemicals, including phthalates, which can interfere with hormone regulation and cause skin irritation.
Chlorine Bleaching: Conventional pads and tampons are often bleached with chlorine to make them white. This process can create dioxins, which are harmful, persistent environmental toxins that have been linked to cancer and immune system issues.
The health risks associated with these chemicals emphasize the importance of choosing non-toxic period products. Organic, PFAS-free, and chemical-free options ensure that you’re minimizing your exposure to harmful substances during your period.
2. Eco-Friendly Benefits
In addition to the health benefits, non-toxic period products are also more sustainable. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides, making it a more eco-friendly option for the environment. Reusable products like menstrual cups and period underwear help reduce the massive amount of single-use plastic waste generated by conventional tampons and pads.
The Best Non-Toxic Period Care Products
Now that you know why non-toxic period care products are essential, let’s look at the best options on the market. Here are some top brands and products that are organic, PFAS-free, and free from harmful chemicals.
Many of these brands are GOTS certified, OEKO TEK, biodegradable, and sustainably made. I usually use Cora, Natracare, Seventh Generation, or Rael. They are widely available at Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, Walmart etc.
Best Organic and PFAS-Free Tampons
Best Organic and PFAS-Free Pads
Best Menstrual Cups (Reusable & Non-Toxic)
When it comes to menstrual cups, look for medical-grade silicone, free from chemicals, dyes, and BPA. Like period underwear, they are a great sustainable option. Many brands offer different sizes and some brands offer a disc option instead of a cup.
Best Period Underwear (Organic & PFAS Free)
Want a compelling reason to try period underwear? According to Lilova, "An average menstruator uses 5 to 15 thousand pads and tampons in a lifetime. And the vast majority of them will end up in landfills and oceans, and will take 500 years to decompose as they are mainly made of plastic and chemicals"
I use period underwear every cycle. Be sure to check washing instructions. My best tip is throwing them in the shower and stomping on them (ha!) because washing them out in the sink isn't my favorite way (don't love the iron smell).
All of these brands offer multiple styles(thongs, briefs, lace, boy shorts etc), different flow options, and different materials. They offer teen styles, heavy flow styles, and perimenopause options.
I have Lilova and Aisle! Comfort-wise I like Lilova better. They are softer. I recently went to a health convention and got to feel the Revol Care ones and they are super soft. I'm going to order them to try. I have the Lilova Olivia thong and love it for when you aren't 100% sure when your period is starting or ending.
With so many healthier period care options widely available, I hope you are motivated to switch to non-toxic and organic options
Just a side note, these are not all the brands available in each category. If you see a brand you want to try, check for what I recommend as the standard for each product.
I have an Amazon list with most of these brands all in one shop!
What are your favorite non-toxic period products to use? Share below!
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