Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

April 7, 2026

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In the growing movement toward sustainable menstruation, reusable feminine hygiene products such as period underwear and washable pads have gained widespread popularity. These items promise reduced waste, cost savings over time, and greater comfort compared to single-use alternatives. Yet recent scientific findings have introduced a serious concern: many of these supposedly eco-friendly products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the persistent “forever chemicals” associated with serious health risks. A detailed 2025 study published by the American Chemical Society revealed that nearly one-third of tested reusable items showed PFAS levels consistent with intentional use, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety standards and corporate transparency in this expanding category.

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What Are PFAS and Why Should Consumers Care?

PFAS form a large group of man-made chemicals engineered to resist water, grease, and stains. They appear in countless everyday items, from food packaging and firefighting foam to rain gear and cosmetics. In reusable period underwear and pads, manufacturers sometimes apply them to create effective leak barriers and moisture-wicking layers. Unfortunately, these substances resist natural breakdown in both the environment and the human body, which is why they are commonly called forever chemicals.

Health agencies worldwide have linked prolonged PFAS exposure to potential adverse effects, including impaired fertility, thyroid dysfunction, immune system changes, and increased risk of certain cancers. What sets reusable feminine hygiene products apart is the extended, repeated contact with highly permeable vaginal and vulvar tissues often for several days each month across many years. Although direct studies on absorption from these specific items remain limited, experts emphasize the need for caution given the sensitivity of mucosal membranes.

Recent Scientific Findings and Regional Developments

A landmark 2025 investigation conducted by researchers from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University tested 59 reusable feminine hygiene products purchased in North America, South America, and Europe. The results showed intentional PFAS addition in 33% of period underwear and 25% of reusable pads, with fluorine concentrations in some samples reaching as high as 77,000 parts per million. Every product contained at least detectable traces, though many appeared to result from unintentional contamination during production or packaging.

In the United Kingdom, regulatory attention is sharpening. The government's PFAS Plan, released in 2026, signals plans to impose stricter controls on these chemicals across consumer goods, with alignment toward tougher EU-style restrictions expected by 2028. Although dedicated UK-specific studies on menstrual products are scarce, European-sourced samples included in the Notre Dame research displayed similar patterns, particularly elevated levels of neutral PFAS compounds such as 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohols.

India currently lacks extensive localized research on PFAS in feminine hygiene products. However, broader policy signals indicate rising concern. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has announced intentions to prohibit PFAS in food-contact materials, a restriction that could eventually influence adjacent consumer categories. While PFAS-specific data for Indian markets remains sparse, global supply chains mean many products sold locally originate from regions where contamination has already been documented.

Regulatory Momentum Across the Three Regions

In the United States, state-level action has accelerated. Several states including Colorado, Connecticut, and Vermont passed laws banning intentionally added PFAS in menstrual and incontinence products, with compliance deadlines beginning as in certain jurisdictions. This fragmented but growing regulatory landscape reflects mounting public and legislative pressure.

The United Kingdom continues consultations on PFAS restrictions, initially focused on high-priority uses such as firefighting foams, yet consumer-product rules are widely anticipated to follow. In India, while no equivalent product-specific bans currently exist, momentum against PFAS in packaging could set a precedent for wider application in the coming years.

Real-World Examples from Testing and Market Observations

The Notre Dame study provided concrete illustrations of the issue. Certain popular North American brands of period underwear returned notably high fluorine readings, with one item exceeding 1,000 ppm levels strongly suggesting deliberate application of PFAS-based treatments. Neutral PFAS varieties, known to penetrate skin more readily than ionic forms, appeared frequently in U.S.-market samples.

In the United Kingdom, consumer advocacy organizations have echoed these concerns, reporting detectable PFAS in several reusable period underwear lines and calling for mandatory disclosure of chemical treatments. For India, the reliance on imported goods from Asia, North America, and Europe means many products circulating in local markets likely carry comparable contamination risks until domestic testing becomes routine.

One widely available U.S. period underwear brand tested positive for 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol a compound already phased out of food packaging in many regions but still permitted in textile applications.
Reusable incontinence pads sold in European markets frequently showed lower but measurable PFAS, illustrating how manufacturing cross-contamination can occur even without intentional addition.

Major Challenges and Persistent Health Concerns

Understanding actual exposure remains one of the greatest hurdles. Dermal and mucosal absorption routes are under-researched compared with ingestion or inhalation pathways. Specialists warn that neutral PFAS compounds may cross biological barriers more easily, placing adolescents and women of reproductive age who represent core users of reusable products at heightened potential risk.

From an environmental perspective, laundering these items releases PFAS into wastewater streams, where they persist and accumulate. Additional complications arise from inconsistent analytical methods, differing national definitions of “intentional” addition, and limited transparency in complex global supply chains. Manufacturers face mounting litigation risk, while regulators struggle with data gaps, especially in India and parts of the United Kingdom.

Innovation Opportunities and Practical Business Considerations

Encouragingly, the same study identified PFAS-free options across every product category examined, demonstrating that safe, high-performance alternatives are technically achievable. Brands that prioritize untreated organic cotton, bamboo blends, or mechanically engineered barrier layers stand to gain significant trust among increasingly chemical-conscious buyers.

The broader market context supports this shift. Demand continues to rise for comfortable, inclusive, body-positive undergarments that deliver reliable performance without health trade-offs. Companies that invest early in clean chemistry and transparent sourcing can differentiate themselves, reduce future compliance costs, and build long-term customer loyalty in a category where trust is paramount.

Looking Ahead: Recommendations and a Path Forward

Experts anticipate progressively tighter controls in the coming years. In the United States, federal agencies are expanding oversight of legacy PFAS compounds. The United Kingdom is expected to implement more comprehensive consumer restrictions by the end of the decade. In India, growing advocacy may soon drive dedicated monitoring and product-specific standards.

Consumers are encouraged to look for explicit “PFAS-free” certifications, favor brands that publish third-party test results, and support companies committed to chemical transparency. Manufacturers should conduct rigorous supply-chain audits and accelerate adoption of proven non-fluorinated technologies. Policymakers across the United States, United Kingdom, and India must prioritize research into vaginal exposure routes and work toward harmonized, science-based regulations that safeguard public health while preserving innovation.

The pursuit of sustainability and the imperative of safety need not conflict. By demanding accountability, embracing cleaner alternatives, and supporting evidence-based policy, stakeholders can help ensure the next generation of reusable feminine hygiene products lives up to its environmental promise without compromising user well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do reusable period underwear and washable pads contain PFAS (forever chemicals)?

Yes, many reusable feminine hygiene products have been found to contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). A landmark 2025 study by researchers from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University tested 59 products and found intentional PFAS addition in 33% of period underwear and 25% of reusable pads, with some samples showing fluorine concentrations as high as 77,000 parts per million. Every product tested contained at least detectable traces of PFAS. Consumers should look for explicit "PFAS-free" certifications and brands that publish third-party test results.

Are PFAS in period underwear dangerous to health?

Health agencies have linked prolonged PFAS exposure to serious risks including impaired fertility, thyroid dysfunction, immune system changes, and increased cancer risk. What makes reusable menstrual products particularly concerning is the repeated, extended contact with highly permeable vaginal and vulvar tissues potentially for several days each month over many years. Neutral PFAS compounds found in many tested products are thought to cross biological barriers more easily, placing adolescents and women of reproductive age at heightened potential risk.

Are there PFAS-free reusable period products available, and how can I identify them?

Yes the 2025 Notre Dame study confirmed that PFAS-free options exist across every product category tested, proving that safe, high-performing alternatives are technically achievable. Products made with untreated organic cotton, bamboo blends, or mechanically engineered barrier layers are more likely to be free of these chemicals. To protect yourself, look for products with explicit "PFAS-free" labeling, third-party testing certifications, and brands that are transparent about their supply chain and chemical treatments.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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