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.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links whereby if you purchase the product through that link I make a small commission. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running.
Table of Contents
- What is period underwear?
- Pros of period underwear:
- Risks of period underwear:
- How do PFAS get into period panties?
- The best non-toxic period underwear brands:
- Brands I didn't love as much:
- Brands I Don't Recommend (have been found to have PFAS)
- Other brands I don't recommend (no details on PFAS)
- Frequently asked questions:
- Other health info you will want to read:
- Our expertise:
What is period underwear?
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 feminine hygiene products such as disposable tampons, disposable pads or menstrual cups. Period undies are designed with absorbent layers, rather than regular underwear which is usually just one layer with or without a lining.
Pros of period underwear:
Period underwear is 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. One pair of period underwear is designed to last for years, rather than most period products which are designed to be for a single use.
Another great thing about menstrual panties is that they don't have the potential risk of toxic shock syndrome like tampons can have.
Period underwear can also be more comfortable than some other menstrual products such as an overnight pad which can be very bulky. This type of underwear is also great for those with irregular cycles, because you can wear them everyday and not have to worry about any accidents, stains or leaks.
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.
Risks of period underwear:
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. 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 and negative health outcomes including but not limited to:
- 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.
- 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 very 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.
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 too much, and I would not recommend any period underwear containing PFAS.
The best non-toxic period underwear brands:
The good news is that there are many brands that make safe, toxin free menstrual underwear without the use of PFAS. Below I share the best safe underwear brands that do not contain PFAS or other harmful chemicals. I have tried most of these brands myself and will give my honest opinion as to what I think of them including both the good and the bad. These underwear have all been third party tested for PFAS and the test results found them to be PFAS free.
1. Modibodi
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
Price: $17–$45 for one. They also offer multi-packs.
Pros:
- Come in many different patterns and colors. They make the best looking period underwear of all the brands I tried and for that reason they are one of my top choices.
- They are not bulky and fit really well.
- Use sustainable bamboo, merino wool and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton.
- Packaged in compostable materials.
- Committed to sustainable material sourcing and ensuring they work with ethical manufacturers.
- Come in a variety of sizes and styles.
- Have high absorbency options.
Cons:
- They ship from Australia so shipping to Canada was quite expensive.
2. Saalt
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.
Pros:
- Their underwear is so soft! I love how it feels and often find myself wearing it even on my non-period days because it feels so good. Because of this they are one of my overall top picks!
- Comes in many different styles and many different colours.
- Offer a variety of absorbency levels.
- I also love the look of their period underwear compared to some of the other brands in this review.
- They offer thong styles which not all brands do and the thongs are so comfortable. I wear them all the time!
- Saalt is a registered B corporation.
Cons:
- Is more expensive than some of the other brands in this review.
- Don't offer any patterned underwear, just solid colors.
- The higher absorbency underwear is a bit bulky.
3. The Period Company
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
Pros:
- They’re the most affordable brand of period underwear in this review and for that reason are one of my top choices.
- Made with 95% OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton and 5% polyester.
- Are made without antimicrobial chemicals.
- They offer period underwear for light flow days, medium flow days and heavy flow days.
- Come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Cons:
- They have limited color options.
- The fabric isn't as soft as some of the other brands in this review.
- Do use synthetic fabric.
- The heavy flow days do feel bulky when wearing them.
4. Revol Cares
Materials: Bamboo, organic cotton, laminated organic cotton
Style Range: Bikini, bikini brief, boy-shorts, shortie, sleep shorts
Sizes: XXS-7X - this brand offers the most inclusive sizing options and offers curve-hugging fit for curvier bodies.
Absorbency Level: Up to 10 tampons
Price: $24.99-$55
Pros:
- Offer the widest size range of any brand in this review.
- Their underwear is soft and comfortable.
- Ethically-made, and environmentally sustainable.
- Uses responsible production methods including 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.
- Offer high absorbency options.
- Revol Cares has been kind enough to provide me with a 15% discount code for you (details below).
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the others in this review.
- No patterns and limited colour options compared to some other brands.
5. Aisle
Materials: Tencel, comfy 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
Pros:
- Their period underwear comes in six styles and a wide range of sizes and different colours.
- Is made of sustainable and recycled materials.
- This brand is best for heavy flows, maximum absorbency, and the heaviest days of a period.
- Each pair comes with a bonus absorbency booster for heavier flow days, so it can hold up to an additional four tampons’ worth.
- They are a certified B Corp.
Cons:
- They are more expensive than most other brands.
- I personally don't love the feel of the elastic waistband and find it a little restrictive.
- No pattern options.
- Not as many styles as some other brands offer.
6. Bambody
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.
Pros:
- Bambody period underwear is OEKO-TEX certified.
- Their underwear is very comfortable.
- Comes in a variety of style options.
Cons:
- No pattern options.
- I didn't find these ones as soft as some of the others in this review.
- No thong option.
- Some reviewers have commented that the waistband is uncomfortable (I didn't find this personally).
7. Lilova
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
Pros:
- Their period underwear fits really well.
- Each 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.
- They offer a variety of styles and fits.
- They do not use silver nano particles in their underwear.
- Use OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials such as organic cotton.
Cons:
- Not as absorbent as some other brands.
- No pattern options.
- More expensive than some other brands in this review.
- The fabric isn't as soft as some of the other brands I tried.
8. June
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.
Pros:
- Their period underwear can also be used to absorb sweat and bladder leaks too. They are so comfortable they can be worn even when you don't have your period.
- Has been tested for fiber content and flammability and proven to be free of formaldehyde, AZO dyes, colorants, and PFAs.
- They are very comfortable.
- More affordable than some of the others in this review.
Cons:
- They only offer one style of period underwear and only two colors (black and nude) so for that reason they are not my top choice.
9. Neione
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.
Pros:
- Come in many different styles that fit like everyday underwear.
- 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.
- Come in many different colors and patterns.
- Offer inclusive sizing.
Cons:
- Don't have any high absorbency options so not great for heavy flow days.
- More expensive than some of the other brands in this review.
Brands I didn't love as much:
- Innersy - 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. For this reason they are not one of my top choices as they really don't help cut down on waste or the risk of using other menstrual products (but they did test negative for PFAS).
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 run independent lab tests for the presence of fluorine on numerous period underwear options 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). Unfortunately, some of the most popular period underwear brands were found to have high levels of fluorine. I would personally not recommend purchasing any of these period underwear products.
- Thinx period underwear
- Knix
- Proof Hipster
- Cora
- Joyja
- Maxim Hygiene
- Panty’s
- RAEL Period Underwear
- Red Ruby Box
- Sustain Natural
- Thinx Speak High Waist
- Victoria’s Secret
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 as we have no way of knowing if they are free from harmful substances. This list of brands includes:
- Love Luna
- Dear Kate
- Tom Organic
- Get Rael
Frequently asked questions:
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.
As long as you care for your period underwear properly, and wash it after each use it should remain odour free.
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.
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.
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.
The most affordable period underwear that is PFAS free is made by The Period Company.
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!
Other health info you will want to read:
- The best non-toxic mattresses
- The best non-toxic air fryers
- The best non-toxic dry shampoos
- The best non-toxic mascaras
Our expertise:
Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about preventative healthcare including nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living.
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