Researchers Detect 'Forever Chemicals' in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

April 14, 2026

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The recent detection of so-called "forever chemicals" in reusable feminine hygiene products has prompted renewed scrutiny of items many people choose for their environmental benefits. A pilot study conducted by researchers from Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame in the United States examined 59 reusable products including period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups, and incontinence items sourced from North America, South America, and Europe. Published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the results showed evidence of intentional PFAS addition in nearly 30% of the samples, marking the first documented confirmation of these persistent compounds being deliberately used in this product category.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals notorious for resisting breakdown in both the environment and the human body. Companies frequently apply them to fabrics to achieve water repellency, stain resistance, and leak protection properties that appear advantageous in menstrual and incontinence products. However, their presence in items designed for prolonged, close contact with sensitive skin and mucosal tissues has raised serious questions about potential health and ecological consequences.

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The Study's Core Findings in the United States

Using particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy to measure total fluorine a reliable indicator of PFAS presence the researchers categorized the products. Approximately 71% displayed only low or trace levels, consistent with non-intentional contamination. The remaining portion, however, contained concentrations high enough to suggest deliberate incorporation.

Period underwear showed the highest rate of intentional fluorination at 33%, followed by reusable pads at 25%. In several period underwear samples, total fluorine reached extraordinarily high levels up to 77,000 ppm well above the 110 ppm threshold commonly accepted as evidence of purposeful addition. Targeted chemical analysis identified dominant neutral PFAS compounds, including 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohols.

Menstrual cups, by contrast, generally exhibited much lower or no detectable intentional PFAS, suggesting they may represent a lower-risk reusable alternative in many cases. The authors emphasized that elevated PFAS levels did not appear necessary for product performance, as equivalent items functioned effectively without them.

The global apparel market size was valued at USD 1,749.67 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 1,804.08 billion in 2025 to USD 2,307.04 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.52% over the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the apparel market with a market share of 40.73% in 2024.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Scientific evidence has linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse effects, including hormone disruption, impaired fertility, developmental delays in children, increased risk of certain cancers, elevated cholesterol, and weakened immune responses. The intimate nature of contact with reusable feminine hygiene products heightens concern: prolonged exposure near highly absorbent vaginal tissue may facilitate greater uptake compared with skin exposure elsewhere on the body.

Additionally, routine washing of these items can release PFAS into household wastewater, contributing to persistent environmental contamination. In the United States, where state-level restrictions exist but federal action remains gradual and uneven, this pathway adds complexity to broader efforts to control PFAS in everyday consumer goods.

While no comparably detailed large-scale studies focused specifically on reusable menstrual products have emerged recently from India or the UK, global supply chains ensure that similar items are widely available in those markets. In the UK, organizations such as the Women's Environmental Network have welcomed the U.S. findings and urged stronger oversight of chemicals used in menstrual products overall.

Consumer Choices and Real-World Trade-offs

Reusable options period underwear, washable pads, and menstrual cups have gained popularity as people seek to reduce single-use waste and long-term costs. These products offer clear sustainability advantages, yet the study uncovers an unexpected downside: the potential introduction of highly persistent synthetic chemicals in pursuit of leak protection and durability.

Many brands in the United States and international markets promote leak-proof layers and moisture-wicking performance features that, in some cases, rely on PFAS-treated textiles. Shoppers now confront a difficult balance between environmental gains and possible chemical exposure risks.

Encouragingly, the research team stressed that high PFAS content is not essential for functionality. Manufacturers can adopt fluorine-free water-repellent treatments without sacrificing effectiveness. Improved transparency through clear labeling, independent certification, or voluntary disclosure could help consumers make more informed decisions.

Regulatory and Industry Challenges

Several obstacles stand in the way of rapid progress. The current study, while representative, was limited in scale as a pilot effort. Comprehensive, large-scale testing remains scarce. Regulatory frameworks vary widely: the United States has patchwork state-level rules, while the UK continues to navigate post-Brexit chemical safety policy influenced by earlier EU REACH standards. Specific requirements targeting reusable intimate apparel are still limited in both regions.

Manufacturers may hesitate to reformulate due to established supply chains, performance expectations, and cost considerations. Transitioning to alternative chemistries requires investment in research, testing, and production adjustments.

Moving Toward Safer, More Transparent Options

Not every reusable product contains concerning PFAS levels many fall into the low or trace category. Menstrual cups, in particular, frequently showed minimal or no intentional addition in the tested samples, positioning them as one of the lower-risk reusable choices.

The road forward depends on several developments:

Adoption of proven fluorine-free technologies for water and stain resistance
Expansion of rigorous, independent third-party testing programs
Clearer consumer labeling and disclosure requirements
Stronger regulatory pressure to restrict or eliminate unnecessary PFAS in intimate-use products

Until those changes arrive, individuals can reduce potential exposure by selecting items explicitly marketed as PFAS-free, certified organic cotton reusables, or non-absorbent options such as menstrual cups. The findings serve as an important reminder: sustainable does not automatically equate to safe. Protecting both human health and the environment requires ongoing vigilance, better standards, and genuine innovation across the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reusable period underwear and menstrual pads safe, or do they contain harmful forever chemicals (PFAS)?

Some reusable period underwear and pads do contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals." A pilot study from Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame found that about 33% of period underwear and 25% of reusable pads tested showed evidence of intentional PFAS addition. However, many products fall into low or trace contamination levels, and researchers confirmed that high PFAS content is not necessary for product performance PFAS-free alternatives exist and work effectively.

What are the health risks of PFAS in reusable feminine hygiene products?

PFAS exposure has been linked to hormone disruption, impaired fertility, developmental delays in children, increased cancer risk, elevated cholesterol, and weakened immune responses. The concern is heightened with intimate-use products because prolonged contact near highly absorbent vaginal tissue may allow for greater chemical uptake compared to skin exposure elsewhere. Until clearer regulations are in place, experts recommend choosing products explicitly labeled as PFAS-free or opting for menstrual cups, which showed minimal intentional PFAS in testing.

Which reusable menstrual products have the lowest PFAS levels?

Menstrual cups consistently showed the lowest levels of intentional PFAS among the reusable products tested in the study, making them one of the lower-risk sustainable menstrual options. Among fabric-based products, looking for certified PFAS-free or organic cotton reusables can help reduce exposure. Consumers can also look for independent third-party certifications and transparent labeling, as not all reusable products contain concerning chemical levels.

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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