The Best Non-Toxic Period Care Products
From non-toxic period underwear to organic cotton period pads and tampons to PFAS-free menstrual cups and discs, I’m sharing the best non-toxic period care products for your menstrual needs. You’ll find non-toxic period care product recommendations for teen girls and women, whether you’re a heavy bleeder or have a light flow, along with remedies for period cramps.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for non-toxic period care products, I’m sharing everything from PFAS-free period underwear to organic period pads and tampons to non-toxic menstrual cups and discs. You’ll also find non-toxic products for period cramp relief.
Period care has come a long way, and there are now so many great choices for containing menstrual blood. The only problem is that some of these innovative products may contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormones and cause long term health issues.
From pads to tampons to period underwear to menstrual cups, toxic chemicals have been found in many of the products on the market. Since period care products are considered medical devices, they are not required to disclose any ingredients.
Most women wear menstrual products for approximately one week, once a month throughout their entire reproductive lives (excluding pregnancy)—that’s about whole 7 years!
The vagina is a mucous membrane, and studies have shown that drugs can rapidly be absorbed through the vaginal epithelium. It is not a far stretch to speculate that all the toxins in period care products can easily end up in your bloodstream through vaginal absorption.
This chronic exposure over time to period care products may be harmful to a woman’s health.
Below are some of the studies that have been conducted on the harmful chemicals in menstrual pads:
- In a 2019 study, researchers tested 11 brands of sanitary pads and found two types of phthalate chemicals and three types of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the products tested.
- The organization Women’s Voices of the Earth analyzed Always pads for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The pads had measurable levels of styrene (a carcinogen), chloromethane (a reproductive toxicant), chloroethane (a carcinogen), chloroform (a carcinogen, reproductive toxicant and a neurotoxin) and acetone (an irritant). That’s upsetting and disturbing!
- Have you seen this video by Naturally Savvy? In the video, Andrea sets fire to two period pads (I love that this women is willing to torch period pads!) She set fire to an Always pad and a Natracare organic cotton pad. The Always pad had a strong flame with thick black smoke. The smoke had a stinky, toxic smell to it, and the foam core of the pad melted and stuck to the glass bowl. The Natracare pad burned slow and clean. The flame wasn’t black, and the smoke didn’t have a toxic smell to it.
- A 2024 study in Environment International found lead and other heavy metals in tampons. The researchers tested 14 tampon brands for heavy metals and found 16 heavy metals present, including lead and arsenic in all tampon brands, including organic. Researchers had to boil the tampons in acid to extract the lead, and there is currently no data whether the human body is actually absorbing lead from the tampons.
- A 2024 review found that menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women’s reproductive health.
- Between 2020 and 2022, lab tests commissioned by the consumer watchdog Mamavation and Environmental Health News revealed that 48% of tested sanitary pads, incontinence pads, and panty liners contained PFAS, along with 22% of tampons and 65% of period underwear. Another test found that 13 out of 18 products with similar claims also tested positive for PFAS.
Conventional Menstrual Pads, Tampons, Period Underwear & Menstrual Cups May Contain These Harmful Ingredients: Pesticide residue from non-organic cotton, phthalates, fragrance, rayon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS chemicals, traces of dioxins, styrene and more. Scroll to the end of this article for more information on these harmful chemicals.
Non-toxic Period Care Products
Whether you prefer period pads, period underwear, menstrual discs and cups or tampons, I’ve put together a roundup of non-toxic period care products that don’t contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, styrene, phenols, endocrine disruptors and parabens.
Period Underwear
Period underwear are very handy, and can be worn on their own or as backup for major pad leaks if you’re a heavy bleeder. Although period underwear cost more upfront, you’ll save money in the long run by not having to purchase as many disposable pads and tampons.
The material that period underwear are made of is more important than ever considering that they are in direct contact with absorbent vaginal tissue. We want our period underwear to actually work, but we don’t want PFAS chemicals to be in or on them at all. Mamavation tested 20 brands of period underwear for the presence of fluorine. Fluorine is relatively rare in most organic compounds, so when fluorine is detected during analysis, it is often a sign that fluorinated chemicals, like PFAS, are present. No fluorine was detected on 9 of the brands tested.
Period underwear usually consist of a liner layer that is in direct contact with your vaginal area, an absorbent layer that holds fluid, and a leak proof layer to keep fluids from getting on your clothing. The underwear can be constructed from a variety of natural and man-made fabrics including cotton, nylon, spandex, and polyester.
I’ve found 3 brands of period underwear that meet all of my criteria for being PFAS-free:
- For girls aged 8 to 16, the Innersy Big Girl Period Underwear tested non-detect for fluorine in the Mamavation investigation. These are meant to be worn concurrently with a pad or tampon as extra protection.
- For older teen girls and adult women, Bambody Period Underwear works really well and is PFAS-free. All of the Bambody period underwear absorbs up to 4 tampons worth of blood. One of my daughters uses them and is very happy with the fit and how well they prevent leakage. They also tested non-detect for fluorine in the Mamavation investigation.
- Lilova has a wide variety of PFAS-free period underwear. They also tested non-detect for fluorine in the Mamavation investigation. Lilova carries teen period underwear as well as period underwear for women. I like that they include a handy rating system of how much blood each model of underwear holds- light flow (.5-1 tampons worth), medium flow (2-3 tampons worth), and heavy flow (4-5 tampons worth).
Menstrual Cups & Discs
Menstrual cups and discs are for any girl or woman concerned with the waste created by disposable pads and tampons. Since they are reusable, they can also save you money.
While menstrual cups are generally considered safe, some potential toxic chemicals that could be found in certain menstrual cups include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”, which can be present in the manufacturing process or packaging of the cup; these chemicals have been linked to various health concerns including cancer and immune system dysfunction. Look for cups and discs made from 100% medical grade silicone.
Menstrual discs are flat and round, and they sit below the cervix and above the vaginal canal, held in place by the pubic bone. To insert a menstrual disc, you insert it at an angle, down and far back, and tuck the front rim behind your pubic bone. To remove a menstrual disc, you hook the front rim with a finger and pull it out. Menstrual discs can be disposable or reusable and hold more blood than a menstrual cup, making them ideal for heavy flow. Menstrual discs are less finicky to use than menstrual cups. They also don’t need to be removed before sex.
Menstrual cups are bell-shaped and sit lower in the vaginal canal. They use suction to stay in place. To insert a menstrual cup, you fold it and insert it into the vaginal canal, where it will pop open and create a seal. To remove a menstrual cup, you pinch the base to break the suction seal and pull it out. Menstrual cups are reusable. Menstrual cups have a higher learning curve when you first start out, but once you get the hang of them, they work really well.
To clean a menstrual cup or disc, remove the menstrual cup or disc and pour out the menstrual fluid. To prevent stains, rinse the cup with cold water first. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap like Cora Menstrual Cup & Disc Wash, which is specifically made for cleansing cups and discs. Avoid soaps with harsh chemicals, oils, or fragrances, as these can cause irritation or damage the cup. Rinse the cup thoroughly to ensure that all soap residue is washed off to prevent any irritation.
If you want to sterilize your menstrual cup or disc, the Pixie Menstrual Cup Sterilizer kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. It sterilizes in 3 minutes with automatic shut off for speed and safety.
I’ve found several menstrual cups & discs that are PFAS-free and made from medical grade silicone.
Diva Menstrual Cup
This flexible 100% medical grade silicone folds for easy insertion. Comes with an organic cotton pouch and user guide. DIVA Cup Model 0 holds the equivalent of 4 regular tampons of flow, DIVA Cup Model 1 holds the equivalent of 5 regular tampons of flow, DIVA Cup Model 2 holds the equivalent of 6 regular tampons of flow. The Diva Cup is safe for up to 12 hours of continuous use.
Diva Menstrual Disc
This disc is made of 100% medical-grade silicone, the DIVA Disc is a reusable period disc that’s plastic free, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This menstrual disc holds the equivalent of 7 regular tampons of flow and is safe for up to 12 continuous hours of wear.
Cora Menstrual Cup
This cup was rated “Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners” by Wirecutter. The intuitive design is first-timer friendly, and the ultra-soft silicone is a comfortable fit for every body.
Cora Perfect Fit Menstrual Disc
This is a reusable period disc with a barely-there feeling. Designed for comfortable insertion, easy removal, and up to 12 hours of leak protection—period sex included. The patented finger groove design makes insertion and removal easy, even for first time users. Features an Invisi-feel Fit, and holds the equivalent of 5-7 regular tampons- one size fits most.
Saalt Menstrual Cup
This cup is made in the USA with 100% medical-grade silicone, the Saalt Soft Cup is affordable premium period care. Our cup is naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic and BPA and latex free. If you have a teen girl, have them try the Saalt Teen Menstrual Cup.
Saalt Menstrual Disc
Wear your disc all day or night for up to 12 hours. Saalt Discs hold up to 6 tampons worth of flow and last up to 10 years, so you can spend less, waste less, and enjoy period week without the leaks. this flexible, soft disc folds in half into a figure eight shape with an insertion point as small as a tampon.
Period Pads & Tampons
Most women wear pads and/or tampons for approximately one week, once a month throughout their entire reproductive lives (excluding pregnancy)—that’s about 7 years! Conventional tampons and period pads contain trace levels of toxins that, over time, can present health risks to the women who use them. The skin in the vaginal area is highly permeable, and tampons and pads can be a direct route of chemical exposure for menstruating women.
A 2024 review found that menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. It’s shocking that you can buy scented period care products, since we know that fragrance can contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which we know are harmful to women’s health.
Researchers in a 2024 study found a small amount of trace arsenic in organic tampons after boiling them in acid. It is not known if arsenic could actually be released from tampons and absorbed by the body because the methodology did not replicate the environment within the vagina. If this is something that concerns you, use a menstrual cup or disc instead.
When it comes to period pads and tampons, I only recommend using products made with organic cotton that contain no synthetic fillers and scents. Here are 3 brands that we use at our house (caution with the last brand listed, it is a better, not best, option, but please read my explanation why):
Natracare uses only 100% certified organic cotton in their menstrual products, and they are Totally Chlorine Free (TCF). Natracare is committed to the highest ethical standards focussed on organic and sustainable principles, and they have won many awards due to their philosophy and ethical standards when it comes to their entire supply chain, from raw materials to processing to end of life of their products. I would consider this to be one of the best non-toxic period care brands.
Shop: Natracare Period Pads and Natracare Tampons
Organic Initiative, Oi, is a New Zealand company led by a team of passionate women. Oi’s certified organic products contain NO toxic chemicals, harmful preservatives, synthetic additives, or GMO. Because they’re made from plant-based, biodegradable materials, they help you reduce waste and environmental impact. No chlorine bleach or dioxin is used during processing or manufacturing of any Oi products. independently certified to meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS) and BioGro (NZ’s organic certification).
Shop: Organic Initiative Pads & Liners and Organic Initiative Tampons
The founder of Cora was approached by a girl in Kenya, who told her she’d stay home from school during her period because she couldn’t afford period products. That story, along with the knowledge that wellness products could contain harmful ingredients, inspired her to found Cora. One of my daughters is a lifeguard and uses tampons during her work shift. She insists on using a tampon with a plastic applicator (due to comfort), and Cora has organic cotton tampons with bpa-free plastic applicators. My daughter loves their ease of use. I would not consider this to be the most non-toxic option, but like I said, sometimes comfort is a big issue, and this brand offers more comfort while still using organic cotton.
Shop: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons
Gladrags Reusable Organic Period Pads have both dyed and undyed organic cotton reusable menstrual pads.
Discover more organic cotton period pads and organic cotton tampons.
Period Cramp Relief
The Jovi Period Pain Patch provides drug-free relief for even the most hard-to-reach areas of period pain. Simply place Jovi over the area(s) of the body where you are experiencing pain and you’ll experience drug-free relief in as little as minutes!
Livia Period Pain Relief Device taps into the body’s natural pain defenses, effectively and safely reducing menstrual pain. It uses nanowave therapy technology to send gentle micropulses that keep the nervous system occupied and unable to receive menstrual pain signals. It also activates the body’s natural defenses to produce pain fighting endorphins, further reducing menstrual pain.
Cora Simply Soothing Heat Patch adheres to your underwear and contours to your body to provide lasting pain relief, naturally with activated carbon.
Cora Menstrual Cramp Balm contains powerful and natural ingredients to soothe your most intense period pains for up to 8 hours. Extracts from raspberry leaf, dandelion root and cramp bark help reduce bloating, promote blood flow and relax muscles.
Feminine Wash
Please avoid using douches and internal vaginal washes. These products contain fragrance that can disrupt your hormones and cause irritation. Vaginas are self-cleaning, and any internal washes or douches can cause an imbalance in your vaginal microbiome and also irritate the sensitive mucous membrane in your vagina. Body deodorant has become popular recently, and I would avoid applying it anywhere near your vaginal area.
Only clean the exterior of your vagina with a fragrance-free, gentle soap. If you want an exterior vaginal cleanser that’s pH balanced, Love Wellness pH Balanced Feminine Wash is pH balanced will not disrupt your healthy vaginal pH. If you need a cleansing option on-the-go, Cora Happy Biome Cleansing Wipes don’t contain fragrance or harsh preservatives.
Harmful Ingredients Found In Period Care Products
Pesticide residue from non-organic cotton. Cotton is the world’s most heavily sprayed crop. If your pads or tampons aren’t 100% organic cotton, chances are the cotton has been sprayed with pesticides. Seven of the 15 pesticides commonly used on cotton in the United States are listed as “probable” or “known” human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Dioxins– Dioxins are a byproduct of the chlorine bleaching process, and have been associated with reproductive issues. Dioxins are cumulative and can build up in our bodies. Pulp is now most commonly bleached with an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) process. Although chlorine bleaching was phased out in the 1990’s, a Women’s Voices study found traces of dioxins in tampons tested after this phase out.
Phthalates– Phthalates are used to soften plastics in products such as cosmetics, toys, medical devices and other plastics. A conventional period pad contains up to 5 plastic bags worth of flexible plastic. Phthalate chemicals in the plastic have been linked to a variety of health concerns including endocrine disruption, impacts to reproductive systems (including birth defects), and some forms of cancer. As mentioned above, in a 2019 study on sanitary pads, researchers found two types of phthalate chemicals in all of the 11 brands of sanitary pads tested. The measured phthalate levels in the products tested were significantly higher than what is commonly found in plastic goods.
Fragrance– Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergies and other adverse reactions. The Right To Know report on fragrance ingredients presents data on the chemicals in fragranced beauty, personal care and cleaning products. These chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption and other adverse health effects. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals (11). Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance is also an often unrecognized source of phthalate exposure, which are hormone disruptors.
Rayon– Rayon is a derivative of wood and non-organic cotton, which is often exposed to pesticides and bleach. Also, carbon disulfide is used in the production of rayon. Exposure to carbon disulfide among rayon manufacturing workers has been associated with menstrual disorders and reproductive effects.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are used as dissolving agents in the plastic manufacturing process, and one conventional period pad contains up to 4 plastic bags worth of flexible plastic. Researchers in the 2019 study found the following VOCs in the sanitary products: methylene chloride in two brands of sanitary pads; toluene in nine; and xylene in all 11 brands tested. In a separate study conducted by Women’s Voices, some brands of tampons contained methylene chloride, a carcinogen commonly found in paint strippers.
PFAS Chemicals- PFAS has strong chemical bonds, so it’s super powerful at repelling water and oil, and it can make menstrual products more absorbent, leak-proof and stain resistant. The drawback is that PFAS does not break down in our bodies. That’s concerning, since PFAS has been linked to certain types of cancer. PFAS is also associated with autoimmune diseases, neurotoxicity, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and other scary health effects.
Titanium Dioxide: There has been growing concern over the safety of titanium dioxide, especially in products that come into direct contact with the body, such as tampons and pads. Some studies have raised questions about potential health risks, particularly related to its form and how it is absorbed by the body:
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, primarily from the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
When related to tampons, TSS occurs when bacteria (particularly Staphylococcus aureus) grow in the presence of the tampon. If a tampon is left in place for too long or if it creates a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, the bacteria can multiply and release toxins into the bloodstream, leading to severe symptoms.
Symptoms of TSS:
- Sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure (which can cause shock)
- Sunburn-like rash (often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Confusion or dizziness
- Organ failure (in severe cases)
Prevention:
- Change tampons regularly, at least every 4–8 hours.
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary.
- Consider alternating between tampons and pads.
- Avoid using tampons, menstrual cups and discs overnight.
- Maintain good hygiene during menstruation.
Although TSS can be serious, it is very rare, and using tampons correctly can minimize the risk.
More Non-Toxic Bathroom Inspiration
