9 Best Nontoxic Period Underwear Without PFAS (2025)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I tested out dozens of period underwear — these are my favorite options that are nontoxic, comfortable, and absorbent across a range of price points.
Period panties — our comfy and sustainable alternative to tampons and pads! 😌 The best pairs are soft, breathable, stretchy — and most importantly, absorbent. They’ve been our BFF many times when we didn’t know when our period was coming, throughout our flow, and we’ve even used them as a comfortable and easeful postpartum option. Period undies can be quite useful at really any time of the month, especially for folks who have an unpredictable period or for those who live with incontinence for any reason. I’ve personally found them helpful for this reason as I’ve navigated pelvic floor physical therapy after having two babies of my own!
As an environmental plus, they reduce waste and can be washed and worn again. I’ve personally always been a menstrual cup fan for ease and sustainability, but after each birth, I needed an external option for a variety of reasons. Period panties are a lovely middle ground for those who want a more sustainable period care option, feel more comfortable with another layer of reinforcement, or simply prefer their period care products to remain on the outside of their body.
What’s the deal with PFAS?
You’ve probably heard of THINX. When the brand launched in the 2010s, it brought reusable period underwear to the mainstream. Just a few years later, it was revealed that the highly wicking material contained an alarming amount of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that have stain and water-resistant qualities, and are found in everything from rain jackets to non-stick cookware. Studies have linked PFAS with issues such as period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns.
Since the skin of the vulva is especially absorbent, finding period undies that will keep you dry and safe from harmful chemicals is extremely important.
How does period underwear work?
Period underwear is made up of a top layer of moisture wicking material, like cotton, bamboo, or microfiber, and absorbs leaks and liquid with subsequent absorbent layers of microfiber or polyester (note that just because something has polyester or spandex in it doesn’t necessarily mean it has PFAS–this requires special testing to determine if PFAS are present!) For general care, simply pre-rinse and machine wash in cold water, then hang them on the line to dry. Most are able to be washed with your regular color load, and it’s always a good idea to launder them in a garment bag, if you have one, to protect their delicate composition and moisture-wicking technology.
Our criteria & methodology:
The Good Trade editors researched, corresponded with, and read through customer reviews to select the best period underwear on the market, ensuring none of the brands we’ve included contain PFAS or potentially harmful materials. I was sent period undies from each brand to test their absorbency, fit, and overall feel so you know which brands are the right fit for your body.
For this review, I put on my scientist hat and performed an absorbency test of each brand. 👩🔬 I emptied three full droppers of cranberry juice onto the pair with high absorbency from each brand, waited 10-15 seconds, and then dabbed the garment with a nontoxic paper towel, applying medium pressure. The timing also worked out where if I felt like a pair needed further testing, I wore them while on day two of my flow. (On my period while writing about period panties? Gotta love a theme!)
We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- NONTOXIC | The brands below offer period panties without PFAS and use natural, nontoxic dyes.
- COMFORTABLE & ABSORBENT | I’ve tested all the brands on this list and noted which have the softest materials, best absorbency, and overall comfortable design.
- INCLUSIVE | We’ve prioritized brands that are gender and size-inclusive for a range of bodies.
Looking for more period-friendly products? Check out our guides to reusable pads, menstrual cups, and natural and organic tampons.
Best Overall | Most Size Inclusive | Most Affordable
1. Boody
Best For | Eco-conscious production and comfort
Materials | Viscose made from bamboo, nylon, elastane, cotton, modal, seaweed fiber
Absorption Levels Available | Light – heavy (3 tsps of liquid)
Size Range | XS – 3XL
Price | $26 – $36
Boody’s period underwear is made from B Corp certified and organically derived fast-growing bamboo, making every pair exceedingly soft and comfortable while also having a gentle environmental impact. Boody offers a 30-day comfort guarantee with free shipping over $60 and easy returns. If the longevity compares to their everyday basics, they’ll last for years to come.
Our Editor’s Review | During testing, the period undies from Boody had one of the fastest absorptions with the least transfer. The exceptionally comfortable design and organic bamboo material make these one of my most reached-for pairs. Add in their notoriously conscious practices, this pair is one of the most well-rounded for comfort, function, and impact.
2. Saalt
Best For | Less bulky
Materials | OEKO-TEX certified cotton, TENCEL modal, recycled polyester, spandex, polyamide, elastane
Absorption Levels Available | Light, regular, heavy, super
Size Range | XXS – 4XL; youth sizes available
Price | $31 – $55 for one; bundles available
Saalt makes sustainable period care that includes underwear for adults and teens. Their underwear is some of the thinnest on the market while still being fully leakproof and free from chemicals, including PFAS. (View the test report here.) The B Corp is also committed to giving back to help nations struggling with period poverty, committing 2% of their revenue to donate period care to women around the globe.
Our Editor’s Review | Saalt is my top choice for a stylish, absorbent yet discreet option. I’d opt for these on moderate-light flow days, would pair them with a menstrual cup or an organic cotton tampon on days where my flow is heavier, as well as wear these at any time of the month. They definitely have the slimmest silhouette of all the options I tried.
3. TomboyX
Best For | Gender-inclusive options
Materials | OEKO-TEX certified cotton, spandex, polyester
Absorption Levels Available | Medium – heavy (6 – 8 tsps of liquid)
Size Range | 3XS – 6X
Price Range | $20 – $30
TomboyX is one of our favorite brands for size-inclusive and gender-inclusive undies. Their First Line period underwear has all the same comfiness and breathability of their regular underwear, only fully lined with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that are chemical-free, odor-repellent, and antibacterial. With the absorbency capacity of up to eight teaspoons, each pair is machine washable and free from PFOS and PFOA chemicals (read more here!).
Our Editor’s Review | Period boxers fromTomboyX are like sweatpants for your vag — I reach for these during those early days of my cycle and they’re my top choice for overnight use. On heavier days, I feel 100% confident that everything will stay locked in, comfortable, and dry. Highly absorbable with almost no transfer, the full coverage of the boxers is not only comfortable, but the durability feels comforting when I pull them on, slip into bed, and drift off knowing I don’t have to worry about any leaks or needing to change them if I’m up in the night.
4. The Period Company
Best For | Affordable period underwear
Materials | Organic cotton, cotton, spandex jersey, spandex, nylon, polyester, polyester PUL
Absorption Levels Available | Light, medium, heavy
Size Range | XS – 6X; youth sizes available
Price Range | $6 – $24
The Period Company is making underwear that is meant to eliminate not only the amount of toxins exposed to your body during your period (the FDA has over 400 defect warnings about tampons alone!), but also the waste produced by a single month’s worth of period products. Made from soft, comfy organic cotton and four-layer towel absorbency with the capacity for up to nine tampons/five pads worth of liquid, these are undies that will keep you feeling dry, safe, and secure for years. The brand is third-party tested by Intertek to assure the undies are organic and toxic free (click here to see their UL Validation!).
Our Editor’s Review | The fit and feel of The Period Company’s full coverage brief is soft and secure, and the accessible pricing makes these one of my top recommendations. When testing for absorbency, most of the liquid was absorbed quickly, while a small amount rolled to the side and remained on the surface. While I think these are a great, budget-friendly fit for most people, those with a heavier flow or who simply prefer some reinforcement may benefit from pairing these with a menstrual cup or a tampon.
5. WUKA
Best For | UK-based
Materials | BCI certified & GOTS-certified cotton, TENCEL modal, elastane, polyester, recycled nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light, medium, heavy, super
Size Range | XXS – 6XL; youth sizes available
Price | £9 – £22 for one; multi-packs available
WUKA is a British brand offering the very best in sustainable period underwear for teens through adults. They’re ethically made from organic cotton and equipped with a highly absorbent layer so you can wear these for up to twelve hours (and up to twelve tampons-worth absorbency) without a problem. A percentage of WUKA’s sales are donated to fight plastic pollution around the globe. Read more about their PFAS certification here.
Our Editor’s Review | WUKA’s high-waisted briefs are lightweight and soft to the touch while offering quick absorption and little transfer. As a mission-driven brand that donates part of its sales to fighting to reduce pollution, these are an all-around great option for ethics, accessible pricing, and a low-mileage option for those in the UK and Europe.
6. Dear Kate
Best For | Anti-microbial
Materials | Nylon, lycra, micro polyester, elastane
Absorption Levels Available | Light – heavy (1 – 3 tampons worth of liquid)
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | $26 – $65
PFAS-free period underwear brand Dear Kate is all about redefining the future of underwear. Manufactured and designed in NYC, Dear Kate’s leak-resistant undies and activewear are all equipped with a revolutionary underlux technology that absorbs light moisture and fluid while trapping drips and preventing stains. They are also breathable and anti-microbial, helping to prevent bacteria overgrowth. Dear Kate makes it known that they prioritize health and safety by not using PU/PV films in their products. (See their PFAS declaration and PFAS-free statement.) That means these undies are great to wear as backups to tampons, cups, or sanitary pads to prevent excess leakage or spills, or for discharge on the daily!
Our Editor’s Review | Dear Kate is your girl for a variety of absorbent, discreet, and stylish pairs – I love that they offer a range of styles and cuts so that one can truly wear these at any time of the month. One of my least favorite rituals is sifting through my underwear to find the only one or two pairs that suit me on my period, and I particularly miss wearing thongs during my cycle because I feel like I have to choose between having panty lines or fearing leakage. I absolutely love these and genuinely look forward to these making my life easier.
7. Period Aisle
Best For | Long-standing industry pioneers
Materials | TENCEL lyocell, organic cotton, spandex, recycled poly
Absorption Levels Available | Light, moderate, heavy, overnight
Size Range | XXS – 5X
Price | $38 – $52
Period Aisle (previously known as Lunapads) is one of the major pioneers in cloth pads and period underwear. Starting back in 1993, founders Suzanne Siemens and Madeleine Shaw came together with their concept and launched their period company in 2000. Now a certified B Corp, Aisle is proud to continue making eco-friendly, reusable period underwear products that are cute, functional, and easy to sport. Made with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics (including organic cotton and TENCEL™ lyocell) and available in a number of styles including thongs and boxers, Aisle’s PFAS-free panties will be your trusty throw-on when you need extra coverage. View Period Aisle’s PFAS-free statement here.
Our Editor’s Review | Period Aisle’s boxers are one of my go-tos for those early days during my period when I want full coverage and a secure fit. As a petite woman, I appreciate their extensive range of sizes, and I’m personally partial to brands using organic cotton for how soft and gentle it is on skin. Most of the liquid (3 full droppers full!) was absorbed quickly, and there was low transfer when I pressed down on the cotton pad with a medium firmness. I’ll recommend a pair from Period Aisle all day long.
8. Revol Cares
Best For | Quiz that matches you
Materials | Bamboo, organic cotton, organic yarns, spandex, nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light flow, super flow, ultra flow
Size Range | XXS – 7X
Price | $33 – $55 for one; multipacks are available
Revol Cares has perfected period underwear with their soft and luxurious bamboo fabric that moves with your body while maintaining its shape. Cares uses eco-friendly fabrics that are PFAS-free (as tested by an outside source!) to bring ultimate comfort and peace of mind. Shop by flow (whether you need light flow or ultra flow care), or by need (whether you’re looking for postpartum undies or support against bladder leaks). If you need guidance on which Cares underwear works best for you, this quiz will help match you to your perfect underwear.
Our Editor’s Review | This brand is my top pick if you still aren’t sure what’s right for you because their matchmaking quiz makes it easy. The fit is flexible and flattering, and their inclusive size range simplifies the process. While most of the liquid (three full droppers!) was absorbed, some of the liquid remained on the surface when testing the absorbency. Some reviewers say that while they haven’t experienced leaks, they can at times feel a bit wet. This is also a great option for our Canadian readers since Revol is Vancouver-based!
9. Modibodi
Best For | Leak-resistant swimwear
Materials | Bamboo viscose, merino wool, polyester, polyamide, elastane, recycled nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light moderate, mixed, maxi, moderate heavy, heavy overnight, super overnight
Size Range | 3XS – 6XL; youth sizes available
Price | $20 – $60 for one; multi-packs available
Modibodi is helping to combat period taboos, like with this ad originally banned on social media simply for showing menstrual blood. Today, they’re continuing the conversation by creating natural products for natural periods. These period panties are made with sustainable bamboo and merino, and ship in compostable packaging. We’re big fans of their Maxi briefs for our overnight needs (which absorb up to ten tampons worth of liquid!), and their Seamfree line that minimizes VPL. Read their statement about being PFAS-free here.
Our Editor’s Review | We’re fans of Modibodi for many reasons including their commitment to normalizing menstruation, their inclusive sizing, and extensive range of styles and colors. When I performed my leak test with Modibodi the liquid was slow to absorb and most of it sat on top of the panties. However, I was curious how the fabric being in closer proximity to skin might affect the result, so I decided to wear them for the night on day two of my period. I’m happy to report I had zero leaks, and would feel comfortable wearing these during the day until I feel the need to simply change into another pair. Oh, and perhaps my personal favorite part about Modibodi? They offer leak-resistant swimwear! Which just may change the way I personally enjoy summers entirely.
Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!
