This post reviews 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 underwear?
- Non-toxic period underwear brands:
- Period Underwear Brands to Avoid (have PFAS)
- Other brands I don't recommend (no details on PFAS)
- Non-toxic period underwear FAQs:
- Other health info you will want to read:
- Our expertise:
What is period underwear?
Period underwear is underwear that is designed to be extra absorbent and leak proof so that you can wear it during your period instead of, or in addition to using products such as tampons, pads or menstrual cups.
Pros of period underwear:
Period underwear is an eco-friendly and sustainable option because you 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 single use.
Another great thing about menstrual underwear 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 overnight pads 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 accidental leaks or stains.
Period underwear is also more affordable than traditional menstrual products. It is estimated that women typically spend about $6000 on menstrual products such as pads and tampons in their lifetime. Period underwear significantly decreases this cost because the products can be reused for years, which saves money in the long run.
Risks of period underwear:
Unfortunately, Thinx and many other period underwear brands have been found to contain high amounts of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). In recent testing, 65% of the period underwear on the market were found to contain PFAS.
PFAS are a class of chemicals that provide stain and water resistant coatings. 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 break down and 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 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.
In other words, you 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 - and it has been shown that certain PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can be absorbed through the skin, which would go directly to the genital tissues. 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.
How do PFAS get into period underwear?
PFAS can get into period underwear in a couple ways: one is that the brand intentionally adds PFAS to the 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.
However, no matter how PFAS end up in the underwear, any amount of PFAS is not safe, and I would not recommend any period underwear containing PFAS.
Non-toxic period underwear brands:
The good news is that there are many brands that make safe menstrual underwear without PFAS. Below I share a number of different brands for you to choose from. These underwear have all been third party tested for PFAS and the test results found them to be PFAS free.
1. 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)
Saalt is a registered B corp and they make a variety of menstrual products including menstrual cups and menstrual underwear. They offer a variety of absorbency levels and their underwear comes in a variety of style and colours. I also love that they offer thong options which many other brands don't.
My review: of all the period underwear I have tried this brand is the softest. I love how this underwear feels and often find myself wearing it on my non-period days because it feels so good. I love all the colours they come in and have never had any leaks. I have about 10 pairs of Saalt period underwear and most of them have all held up well for over a year. I had one pair that ripped at a seem after about 6 months of use but the other pairs have all held up well.
Shop for Saalt period underwear and use the code PURENSIMPLE to get 20% off at checkout.
2. 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
Modibodi makes period underwear that comes in many different styles, patterns and colours. They use sustainable bamboo, merino wool and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and package their products in compostable materials. They offer high absorbency options and are committed to sustainable material sourcing and ensuring they work with ethical manufacturers.
My review: of all the brands I have tried, Modibodi makes the best looking period underwear. I really like their fun and colourful designs and they even have some with lace to make it look like you are wearing regular underwear. They are not bulky and fit really well and I have never had issues with leaks. My only complaint about this brand is that shipping to Canada where I live is quite expensive.
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
The Period Company makes their period underwear with 95% OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton and 5% polyester and they don't use any antimicrobial chemicals. They’re the most affordable brand of period underwear in this review and their underwear comes in a variety of sizes and styles.
My review: This underwear works well but the fabric isn't as soft as some of the other brands in this review. They also have limited colour options compared to other brands and I did find that the heavy flow options do feel a bit bulky when wearing them. However, this brand is the most affordable brand that I tried so it's still a great option to consider.
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
Revol Cares offers the widest size range of the brands in this review. Their underwear is soft and comfortable, ethically made and eco-friendly. They use OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified materials as well as CPSIA certified, GOTS certified and California Proposition 65 approved fabrics and materials.
My review: I like how soft this underwear is but I do wish they had more color and pattern options. I never had any issues with leaks and so far the underwear has held up well.
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
Aisle period underwear is made from sustainable and recycled materials and is great for heavy flows and offers the highest absorbency options of any of the brands in this review. The company is also a certified B corporation.
My review: I do like the high absorbency of these underwear but I didn't love the feel of the elastic waistband and found it restrictive feeling. I also wish they had a few more styles and patterns.
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.
Bambody was created in Queensland, Australia in 2018. They started out with a mission to reduce the environmental impact of menstrual products and their period underwear is OEKO-TEX certified. It also comes in a variety of styles depending on your preference.
My review: I have not yet tried this brand of period underwear but if you have I would love to know what you think.
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
Lilova period underwear can also be used for postpartum bleeding and light bladder leaks or incontinence. They offer a variety of styles and fits and do not use silver nano particles in their underwear. The brand also uses OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials such as organic cotton.
My review: I haven't tried this brand yet but if you have please let me know what you think of them.
8. June
Materials: Not disclosed on their website
Style Range: Mid rise full coverage
Sizes: S-XXL
Absorbency Level: light to medium flow.
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. In addition to PFAS this underwear has been tested for other chemicals and has been shown to be free of formaldehyde, AZO dyes, and colorants.
My review: I have not yet tried this brand but I have heard that this period underwear is very comfortable but they do only offer one style of period underwear and only two colour options (black and nude). I also couldn't find any information about what materials are used to make this underwear on their website.
9. Neione
Materials: Modal, Spandex, Cotton, Polyester, Polyurethane Laminate
Style Range: Hipsters, Bikini, Boyshorts, Briefs
Sizes: XXS - 4XL
Absorbency Level: Up to 3 tampons
Neione was founded in 2012 and was formerly branded under the brand Intimate Portal. Their period underwear comes in a variety of 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. They also offer inclusive sizing and a variety of colours and patterns.
My review: I haven't tried this brand because they don't offer any high absorbency options but if you have a lighter flow this should not be an issue for you.
10. Innersy
Innersy 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).
Period Underwear Brands to Avoid (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 brands of period panties that have been tested by the Mamavation team and found to contain fluorine (an indication of PFAS). I would not recommend purchasing any of these period underwear products.
- Thinx
- Knix
- Proof Hipster
- Cora
- Joyja
- Maxim Hygiene
- Panty’s
- RAEL Period Underwear
- Red Ruby Box
- Sustain Natural
- 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
Non-toxic period underwear FAQs:
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.
Other health info you will want to read:
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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