Period underwear has quickly become a favourite among women looking for a more sustainable, comfortable, and discreet alternative to traditional pads and tampons. Whether you're trying to reduce waste, simplify your cycle, or just feel more at ease during your period, these absorbent undergarments offer a fresh, economical and modern solution.
But while they may seem like a game-changer for menstrual care, there’s something you should know. Some period underwear contains PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals linked to serious health and environmental concerns.
What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - a group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in everything from non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing to fast-food wrappers and, more recently, period underwear.
These chemicals are known for their resistance to water, oil, and stains, which is why they’re often added to products that need to be leak-proof or extra absorbent. While this may sound like a good thing for period products, PFAS come with a long list of hidden dangers.
Why PFAS in period underwear are a problem
1. Health risks
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health problems, including:
● Increased risk of cancer (especially kidney and testicular)
● Reproductive issues, such as low fertility and complications during pregnancy
● Hormonal disruption
● Immune system suppression
● Liver and kidney damage
● Developmental delays in children exposed in the womb
Since period underwear is worn for long stretches and sits directly against one of the most absorbent areas of the body, the risk of skin absorption and chemical exposure is real - especially if PFAS are present.
2. Environmental impact
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. Once released, they linger in soil, water, and wildlife, building up over time and spreading far beyond where the chemicals were used initially.
Every time PFAS-treated underwear is washed, it can release these chemicals into the water system - contributing to global contamination that affects ecosystems and even our drinking water.
3. Cumulative exposure
Most people are already exposed to PFAS from other sources like food packaging, water, and cosmetics. Adding repeated exposure through period underwear only increases the body’s chemical burden - and because these substances can stay in the body for years, the effects may be long-lasting.
4. Lack of transparency
One of the most frustrating issues? Many brands don’t disclose whether their products contain PFAS - and because regulations are still catching up, companies often aren’t required to test or label them clearly. This leaves consumers (especially health-conscious women like you) in the dark about what you’re putting on your body.
What can we do about it?
Tackling the PFAS problem in period underwear - and beyond - requires action from everyone: manufacturers, governments, and consumers.
What manufacturers can do
● Use safe, non-toxic alternatives to PFAS in waterproofing and absorbent layers
● Be transparent about the materials used in their products
● Get third-party testing to prove products are PFAS-free
What regulators should do
● Set strict limits for PFAS in consumer goods
● Require labelling and disclosure
● Fund research into safe alternatives and environmental cleanup
What you can do
● Choose brands that are open about their materials and PFAS-free certifications.
● Ask questions: If a brand doesn’t list ingredients, reach out and ask
● Support petitions and organisations pushing for safer products and stronger regulations
● Share what you learn - awareness is a powerful tool for change
Safer periods, healthier you
Period underwear should be something that makes you feel more confident, not more concerned. While many brands are already working to eliminate PFAS from their products, it’s up to all of us to keep the pressure on - and make sure our menstrual products support our health, not compromise it.
So next time you shop, remember: You have the right to know what’s in your underwear - and to choose products that are as safe and empowering as they are sustainable.
Together, we can shift the menstrual care industry toward a cleaner, healthier future - one pair of PFAS-free panties at a time.
At Sanavay, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products we offer — it extends to the partners we choose. That’s why we exclusively collaborate with brands that do not use PFAS in their period underwear.
Why? Because we believe women’s health, product transparency, and a cleaner planet are non-negotiable.
Empowering you with safe, informed choices is at the heart of what we do — because when it comes to your health, knowledge truly is power.
Main sources:
1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2022). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html Describes known and potential health effects of PFAS exposure in humans, including cancer, immune dysfunction, and reproductive issues.
2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). PFAS explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas Outlines what PFAS are, their uses, environmental persistence, and the EPA’s efforts to regulate and reduce exposure.
3. Mamavation. (2023). PFAS in period underwear: What you need to know. https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/pfas-period-underwear.html Reports results of independent lab testing on period underwear, revealing detectable PFAS in several major brands.
4. Environmental Health News (EHN). (2023). Independent testing reveals PFAS in consumer products, including menstrual underwear. https://www.ehn.org Investigative report in collaboration with Mamavation confirming PFAS presence in intimate apparel.
5. Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2023). PFAS: The ‘forever chemicals’. https://www.ewg.org/pfaschemicals/
Provides comprehensive consumer guides and scientific background on PFAS contamination in water, products, and food.
6. Green Science Policy Institute. (2022). PFAS chemicals. https://greensciencepolicy.org/topics/pfas/ Offers educational resources about PFAS and advocates for reducing harmful chemicals in consumer goods.
