5 Organic Period Panties That Are Actually PFAS-Free
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When Thinx launched in the 2010s, the brand 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 they are found in everything from rain jackets to non-stick cookware. (They are sometimes even used in food packaging, and have been found in organic pasta sauces!) Even in low exposures, some PFAS are associated with harmful effects such as cancer and reproductive problems. 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.
Today, there are dozens of natural and sustainable choices on the market focused on responsible sourcing, inclusive sizing, and ethical production. Whether you wear them on their own or as a backup for leaks, here are the best period underwear without PFAS that will keep you feeling safe, secure, and sustainable all at once.
Looking for more period-friendly products? Check out our guides to reusable pads, menstrual cups, and natural and organic tampons.
1. TomboyX
Materials | Body is OEKO-TEX certified cotton, spandex, polyester
Size Range | 3XS–6X
Price Range | $20–$32
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 absorbancy capacity of up to eight teaspoons, each pair is machine washable and free from PFOS and PFOA chemicals (read more here!).
2. Modibodi
Materials | Bamboo viscose, merino wool
Size Range | 3XS–6XL
Price | $17–$35 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 ships in biodegradable packaging. We’re big fans of their 24-hour maxi for our overnight needs (which absorb up to ten tampons worth of liquid!), and their biodegradable line that comes in a bikini or full brief. Read their statement about being PFAS-free here.
3. The Period Company
Materials | Organic cotton, spandex jersey, polyester
Size Range | XS–6X
Price Range | $9–$24
The Period Company is making underwear that is meant to not only eliminate 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 absorbancy with the capacity for up to nine tampons worth of liquid, these are undies that will keep you feelings dry, safe, and secure for years. The brand is third-party tested by Intertek to assure the undies are organic and toxic free (see what they have to say about PFAS!)
4. WUKA
Materials | GOTS Organic Cotton
Size Range | XXS–2XL
Price | $14–$29 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 eight hours (and up to four tampons-worth absorbancy) 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.
5. Saalt
Materials | TENCEL™ Modal, cotton, recycled polyester
Size Range | XS–5X
Price | $22–$39 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. 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.
Featured image by Modibodi
