• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Beauty
    • Beautycounter
    • Skin Care
  • Fitness
    • Fitness Information
    • Weekly Workouts
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Health Information

    Non Toxic Period Underwear

    Published: Jul 31, 2023 · Modified: Aug 15, 2023 by Erin Carter · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    1 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Two women in their bras and underwear with their arms linked together.

    This post reviews the best non toxic period underwear brands that not only work well but do not contain PFAS or other harmful chemicals. These period panties are made in a variety of sizes, styles and colours and include budget friendly and teen friendly options.

    Four women in their underwear with the title The Best Non Toxic Period Underwear over them.

    In recent years period underwear has become more and more popular. If you aren't familiar with period underwear, it is underwear that is specifically designed to be ultra absorbent and leak proof so that you can wear it during your period instead of, or in addition to, using traditional devices such as regular tampons, pads or menstrual cups.

    Period underwear is also an eco-friendly and sustainable option because you simply wash and reuse the underwear so it produces less waste compared to disposable tampons and pads.

    Period underwear is also more affordable than traditional menstrual products. It is estimated that the average women will spend around $6000 on menstrual products such as pads and tampons in her lifetime. Period underwear significantly decreases this cost because the products can be reused for years, saving you money in the long run.

    However, not all period underwear is created equally. For example, Thinx, which brought reusable period underwear to the mainstream in 2014 was found to contain high amounts of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) just a few years after launching, and since then more period underwear brands have also been found to contain PFAS. In fact, in recent investigations, 65% of the period underwear on the market were found to contain PFAS chemicals.

    PFAS are a class of chemicals that provide stain and water resistant coatings. For example they are often used on non-stick pans, rain coats, furniture, food packaging etc. PFAS chemicals have been termed “forever chemicals” because of their staying power. These chemicals are extremely problematic to human health and the environment because they are persistent, meaning they build up and don’t go away. They resist degradation in the environment and they remain in our bodies for years, and sometimes even decades after exposure.

    PFAS, even at low doses, are dangerous to health and are known to have a number of harmful effects on human health including but not limited to (for further reading on these topics please refer to the reference section at the end of this post):

    • They are endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors.
    • Increases the risks of certain cancers including thyroid and kidney cancer.
    • Can cause metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.
    • Can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
    • Can cause thyroid disease.
    • May cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
    • Increase cholesterol levels.
    • Can decrease sperm counts.
    • Can increase the chances of miscarriages in pregnancy.
    • Affects the growth, learning, and behaviour of infants and older children.
    • Increases risk of allergies and asthma in children.
    • Decreases chances of getting pregnant.

    In other words, you really want to avoid these chemicals as much as you can.

    What’s really concerning in the case of menstrual underwear is that these chemicals are found in the moisture-wicking layer of the underwear – the part that sits right against the vagina. This raises some major red flags about the potential health impact of these period panties since one study showed that a common PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) does absorb through the skin.

    The tissues in the vaginal canal are especially sensitive and absorbent and so that is why it's especially important that you choose period underwear that are PFAS free and free from other harmful chemicals or toxic chemicals.

    Jump to:
    • How do PFAS get into period panties?
    • The Best Non Toxic Period Underwear Brands (in alphabetical order)
    • Brands I Don't Recommend (have been found to have PFAS)
    • Other brands I don't recommend (no details on PFAS)
    • My top 2 picks:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • References:

    How do PFAS get into period panties?

    You might be wondering how exactly PFAS chemicals end up in period underwear. This can happen in a couple different ways: one is that the brand intentionally adds PFAS to their menstrual underwear to help wick away moisture and the second way is through contamination with these chemicals during the manufacturing process.

    In the case of brands like Thinx underwear where the levels found are extremely high (3,264 parts per million), it is clear PFAS are intentionally added to their underwear. The industry cut off is 100 ppm of fluorine to determine if PFAS are intentionally added. No matter how PFAS end up in the underwear, any amount of PFAS is unacceptable in a menstrual product, and I would not recommend any period underwear containing any PFAS.

    This review will share the best non toxic period underwear brands that do not contain PFAS or other harmful chemicals. These underwear have all been third party tested for PFAS and found to be PFAS free.

    The Best Non Toxic Period Underwear Brands (in alphabetical order)

    1. Aisle

    Two women wearing Aisle period underwear.

    Materials: Tencel, organic cotton, recycled polyester 
    Style Range: Bikini, brief, boxer brief, hipster
    Sizes: XS–5X
    Absorbency Level: Up to 11 tampons
    Price: $34–$48 for one pair

    Aisle launched the first line of reusable period products in 1993, so they have been in this industry for many years and really understand what customers need. Their period underwear comes in four styles and a wide range of sizes and is made of sustainable and recycled materials. Each pair comes with a bonus absorbency booster for heavier flow days, so it can hold up to an additional four tampons’ worth. As a certified B Corp, Aisle also gives back through social impact projects centered around menstrual hygiene.

    Shop Aisle

    2. Bambody

    A girl wearing Bambody period underwear.

    Materials: Bamboo fabric, cotton, spandex, polyester, nylon
    Style Range: Absorbent Bikini, Absorbent Boyshort, Absorbent Hip Hugger, Absorbent Hipster, Absorbent Midi Brief, Absorbent Panty, Leakproof Bikini
    Sizes: XXS – XXL
    Absorbency Level: Up to 6 tampons
    Price: $9.90 - $59.90

    Bambody was created in Queensland, Australia in 2018. They started out with a mission to reduce the environmental impact of menstrual products. They offer a range of comfortable, affordable and effective bamboo period underwear that helps to reduce leakages and produce less waste. Bambody period underwear is OEKO-TEX certified.

    Shop Bambody

    3. Innersy

    A woman wearing Innersy underwear and tank top.
    No Caption
    A women wearing Innersy underwear and bra.
    No Caption

    Materials: Cotton, spandex, polyester
    Style Range: High waist, hipster and mid waist and teen styles.
    Sizes: XS-3XL
    Absorbency Level: Light.
    Price: $19.99-25.99

    Innersy makes undergarments for women, men and teens. They have been in the industry for 20 years so have a long track record of making great products that are both high quality and comfortable. Innersy makes a few styles of period underwear for women - high waist, hipster and mid waist briefs. They also make period underwear specifically for teens. Their period underwear are not meant to replace tampons or pads but are meant to be worn as a backup to help prevent leaks during your period.

    Shop Innersy

    4. Lilova

    A women in a black bra and wearing Lilova period boy short underwear.
    No Caption
    No Caption

    Materials: organic cotton, bamboo, elastane, nylon, 100% microfiber, breathable TPU
    Style Range: Thong, cheeky, bikini, hip-hugger, hipster, brief, high-waist, boy short.
    Sizes: XXS-3XL
    Absorbency Level: Up to 5 tampons
    Price: $34-$50

    Lilova is on a mission to empower women and teens around the world to embrace their body and improve their self-confidence. They make period-proof underwear with a perfect fit that are free from leaks and odors. Each of Lilova's pair of underwear is made with a unique leak-resistant technology that hold up to 5 tampons' worth. Their underwear can also be used for postpartum bleeding and light bladder leaks or incontinence. Lilova's goal is to make period underwear that performs, is reliable, comfortable, and discreet. They want women to feel sexy, even while on their period. They also do not use silver nano particles in their underwear and use OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials such as organic cotton.

    Shop Lilova

    5. June

    A girl wearing a black bra and a pair of June period underwear.
    No Caption
    No Caption

    Materials: Not disclosed on their website
    Style Range: Mid rise full coverage
    Sizes: S-XXL
    Absorbency Level: Not disclosed
    Price: $24 per pair. They also offer bundles of 3 or 5 that come with a discount.

    June makes menstrual care products including menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear. Their period underwear can also be used to absorb sweat and bladder leaks too. Their underwear is a full coverage, mid rise style that is more comfortable than wearing regular pads. They are so comfortable they can be worn even when you don't have your period. June period underwear has been tested for fiber content and flammability and proven to be free of formaldehyde, AZO dyes, colorants, and PFAs.

    Shop June

    6. Modibodi

    A group of women wearing Modibodi underwear and bras.

    Materials: Bamboo Viscose, Merino Wool, Organic Cotton, Recycled Nylon
    Style Range: Bikini, brief, boyshort, thong, tween/teen
    Sizes: 3XS–6XL
    Absorbency Level: Up to 10 tampons or frequent bladder leaks
    Price | $17–$45 for one. They also offer multi-packs.

    Modibodi makes period panties with sustainable bamboo and merino wool and is packaged in compostable materials. They launched their first product in 2013 and initially started with making just absorbable underwear but have since expanded to make sustainable, reusable and absorbent apparel as well. They make gender inclusive products for a wide variety of ages including kids, teens and adults. Modibodi is also committed to sustainable material sourcing and ensuring they work with ethical manufacturers. They also use GOTS certified organic cotton in their products.

    Shop Modibodi

    7. Neione

    A girl wearing a white tank top and Neione period underwear.
    No Caption
    No Caption

    Materials: Modal, Spandex, Cotton, Polyester, Polyurethane Laminate
    Style Range: Hipsters, Bikini, Boyshorts, Briefs
    Sizes: XXS - 4XL
    Absorbency Level: Up to 3 tampons
    Price: $21.99-$39.99 and they offer multipacks

    Neione was founded in 2012 and was formerly branded under the brand Intimate Portal. Neione period panties are absorbent, leak proof, and come in many different styles that fit like everyday underwear. Neione period panties have been made of PFAs-free fabric since its launch. They are committed to making safe and non toxic period underwear and some of the steps they take to ensure their product safety includes making underwear that is moisture-wicking but not stain-proof, their fabrics are manufactured by certified factories that comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and they third party test their products to ensure they are PFAS free.

    Shop Neione

    8. Period Company

    No Caption
    No Caption

    Materials: Organic cotton, polyester and spandex jersey
    Style Range: High waisted, Bikini, Sleeper, Thong, Teen Boyshort, Teen Bikini, Adaptive Bikini, Teen Adaptive Bikini, Boxer
    Sizes: XS-6XL
    Absorbency Level: Up to 10 tampons
    Price: $12 - $14 per pair

    Period’s menstrual underwear is 95% OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton and 5% polyester, is made without antimicrobial chemicals, and are fairly inexpensive. They’re one of the most affordable brands of period underwear on the market. They offer period underwear for all your period needs including for light flow days, medium flow days and heavy flow days. Their period underwear also comes in a variety of sizes and styles to suit all body types and style preferences.

    Shop Period

    9. Revol Cares

    A girl wearing a black bra and a black pair of Revol Cares black period underwear.
    No Caption
    No Caption

    Materials: Bamboo, organic cotton, laminated organic cotton
    Style Range: Bikini, bikini brief, boy-shorts, shortie, sleep shorts
    Sizes: XXS-7X
    Absorbency Level: Up to 10 tampons
    Price: $24.99-$55

    Revol Care's mission is to make absorbent leakproof underwear that banishes leaks, is soft and comfortable, looks and feels amazing on all body types of all sizes, and is toxin-free, ethically-made, and environmentally sustainable. Revol Cares uses responsible production methods, use eco-friendly materials and makes sure that materials are not wasted. They use OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified materials as well as CPSIA certified, GOTS certified and California Proposition 65 approved fabrics and materials to make their period underwear.

    Shop Revol

    10. Saalt

    Three women wearing Salt underwear and bras.

    Materials: TENCEL, Lycra, cotton
    Style Range: Brief, thong, seamless, boyshort, bikini, hipster, french cut.
    Sizes: XS- XXL
    Absorbency Level: Light to heavy (up to 3 pads or 4 regular tampons)
    Price: $22-$39; multi-packs also available for a discount

    Saalt makes a variety of menstrual products including menstrual cups and menstrual underwear. Their period underwear comes in many different styles and many different absorbency levels, so whatever your needs are this brand has got you covered. I also love the look of their period underwear compared to some of the other brands in this review. The Saalt period underwear is designed to replace pads, tampons and pantyliners with ultra-absorbent, super comfortable built-in protection. Saalt is also a registered B corporation.

    Shop Saalt

    Brands I Don't Recommend (have been found to have PFAS)

    I want to thank Mamavation for their ongoing work in this area. Over the last few years they have tested numerous period underwear options (as well as other personal care products) for the presence of PFAS chemicals and are constantly updating their findings. This list below are bands of period panties that have been tested by the Mamavation team and found to contain fluorine (an indication of PFAS). I would personally not recommend purchasing any of these products.

    1. Thinx – The products tested had anywhere between 132- 940 ppm fluorine
    2. Knix – The products tested had fluorine levels of 17-373 ppm fluorine
    3. Proof Hipster–234 ppm fluorine
    4. Cora–14ppm and 13ppm organic fluorine
    5. Joyja–18 ppm fluorine
    6. Maxim Hygiene–26 ppm organic fluorine
    7. Panty’s— 37 ppm organic fluorine
    8. RAEL Period Underwear— 15 ppm organic fluorine and 10 ppm organic fluorine
    9. Red Ruby Box–27 ppm and 22 ppm fluorine
    10. Sustain Natural–71 ppm and 17 ppm fluorine
    11. Thinx Speak High Waist–10 ppm fluorine
    12. Victoria’s Secret–20 ppm and 12 ppm fluorine

    Other brands I don't recommend (no details on PFAS)

    There are a few other brands that have not been tested for PFAs, who also do not provide details about PFAS testing on their websites. Therefore I cannot recommend these brands. This list of brands includes:

    1. Love Luna
    2. Dear Kate
    3. Tom Organic
    4. Get Rael

    My top 2 picks:

    My Top Picks:

    Of all the brands of non toxic period underwear I reviewed, these are my favourites:
    1. The Period Company - this brand is the most affordable of the non toxic period underwear brands and also offers high absorbency options making them my overall top pick for non toxic period underwear.
    2. Saalt - this is my second choice because they make period underwear in many different styles to suit all body types and style preferences. The company is also a B corporation.

    Frequently asked questions:

    How do I wash period underwear?

    The most important thing is to make sure that the underwear doesn’t dry out after you use it. Try to soak or rinse them soon after wearing. After soaking, machine wash your underwear with regular detergent and warm water. If you find there are some hard to remove stains, rub them with regular soap, and soak before washing. You should then line dry the underwear rather than using a dryer.

    Are period panties odour proof?

    As long as you care for your period underwear properly, and wash it after each use it should remain odour free.

    Can period underwear be used for incontinence?

    Yes, period panties can be used for incontinence. While they do not offer the same level of protection as a diaper, the advantage is that period panties feel like regular underwear.

    Do period panties make a rustling noise?

    No they do not. Unlike diapers which can make a rustling noise when you wear them, period panties do not make noises when you wear them.

    Does Knix have toxic chemicals?

    Yes, Knix period underwear has been shown to contain fluorine, which indicates they have PFAS chemicals in them, which are a form of potentially toxic chemicals.

    Which period underwear doesn't have PFAS?

    Only eight brands of period underwear have been found to be free fro PFAS including Aisle, Bambody, Innersy, Lilova, June, Modibodi, Neione, the Period Company, Saalt and Revol Cares.

    What is the most affordable non toxic period underwear?

    The most affordable period underwear that is PFAS free is made by The Period Company.

    What period underwear is best for heavy flow?

    Of all the non toxic period underwear brands I reviewed Aisle underwear offers the most absorbent option, with their underwear absorbing up to 11 tampons worth. Modibodi, the Period Company and Revol Cares also offer great absorbent options, with their underwear absorbing up to 10 tampons worth.

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! 

    References:

    1. Perfluoroalkyl substances and glycemic status in pregnant Danish women: The Odense Child Cohort
    2. Serum polyfluoroalkyl chemicals are associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases in national US population
    3. Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Their Effects on the Placenta, Pregnancy, and Child Development: a Potential Mechanistic Role for Placental Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptors (PPARs)
    4. Maternal levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) during pregnancy and childhood allergy and asthma related outcomes and infections in the Norwegian Mother and Child (MoBa) cohort
    5. Maternal Plasma Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Miscarriage: A Nested Case–Control Study in the Danish National Birth Cohort
    6. PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence
    7. Maternal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Male Reproductive Function in Young Adulthood: Combined Exposure to Seven PFAS
    8. Emerging Chemical Risks for Human Health: Endocrine Disruption by Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)
    9. Exposure to Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Cholesterol, Body Weight, and Insulin Resistance in the General U.S. Population
    10.  Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposures and Incident Cancers among Adults Living Near a Chemical Plant 
    11. Inverse association of colorectal cancer prevalence to serum levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in a large Appalachian population
    12. The Navigation Guide - evidence-based medicine meets environmental health: integration of animal and human evidence for PFOA effects on fetal growth.
    13. Association between Serum Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Thyroid Disease in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 
    14. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and thyroid function in pregnant women and children: A systematic review of epidemiologic studies.
    15. Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals in the U.S. population: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and comparisons with NHANES 1999-2000
    16. Exposure to polyfluoroalkyl chemicals and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in U.S. children 12-15 years of age
    17. P018 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are significantly increased in patients with late-onset of ulcerative colitis
    18. PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence
    19. Dermal penetration potential of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in human and mouse skin

    More Health Information

    • Bananas, oranges, raspberries and a pineapple with the words "what to eat after a colonoscopy" over them.
      What to eat after a colonoscopy
    • A collage of mascaras with the title The Best Non Toxic Mascaras over them.
      Best Non Toxic Mascaras
    • A woman in a yellow shirt holding a cell phone in her hands.
      Dopamine Detox
    • A basket of lavender flowers with the title Uses For Dried Lavender beside it.
      What to do with dried lavender

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialities in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Air Fryer Hash Browns
    • A bowl of protein baked oats topped with melted chocolate with a spoon in it.
      The Best Protein Baked Oats
    • An omelette with chicken, spinach, tomato and cheese in it on a plate.
      Chicken Omelette
    • Two soft boiled eggs in the shell that have been cut in half.
      Soft Boiled Eggs in Microwave

    Healthy Main Dishes

    • An egg wrap with sliced avocado and ham in it on a plate with baby tomatoes beside it.
      2 Ingredient Egg Wraps
    • A plate with pan seared shrimp on it with lemon wedges beside them.
      Quick and Easy Pan Seared Shrimp
    • Two over medium eggs on a plate and one of them has the yolk cut open.
      Quick and Easy Over Medium Eggs
    • A plate with over hard eggs on it and a small bowl of blueberries and raspberries.
      Quick and Easy Over Hard Eggs
    • A piece of Mahi Mahi cooked in an air fryer on a plate.
      Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
    • A bowl of mango chicken curry topped with white rice and garnished with cilantro.
      Mango Chicken Curry

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Pure & Simple Nourishment

    1 shares
    1 shares