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It’s undeniable that sustainable period underwear and menstrual cups have transformed that time of the month. By replacing excessive plastic wrappers, applicators, and disposable pads, they have made Aunt Flo much more eco-friendly.
But before you go and stock up on all the period panties, let’s talk about something important: toxic chemicals. Some of the most well-known organic period underwear brands have been found to contain PFAS, which can seriously mess with your health.
Given that the skin around our lady parts is particularly absorbent, it’s crucial to find period underwear that will both prevent period leaks and protect you from these harmful chemicals. To help you have a safe and healthy period, we’ve done the research to find the best organic period underwear that’s PFA-free.
Read on for our top picks, plus a note about the problem (and prevalence) of PFAS in period panties.
What’s the Deal With PFAS in Period Underwear?
So, let’s talk about PFAS. Short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades to make surfaces like clothing and carpets resistant to stains, water, and grease.
PFAS are often referred to as forever chemicals, since they don’t break down over time and can build up in our bodies. These toxic chemicals have been linked to all sorts of problems, including reproductive and developmental issues and liver and kidney damage.
Needless to say, PFAS are the last thing we want all up in our lady business. However, some so-called organic period underwear has been tested and found to contain PFAS chemicals.
Thinx, for instance, recently settled a class action lawsuit after independent testers found these toxic chemicals in its period underwear. The levels of fluorine, which indicate the presence of PFAS, were especially high, with 3,264 parts per million (ppm).
Even brands that advertise themselves as sustainable may not be as safe as they appear. Don’t despair, though — now that the word is out about PFAS, there have been a number of third-party reports testing these period undies for chemicals.
As long as you do your research, you can find organic period underwear that’s PFAS-free.
8 Best Organic Period Underwear Without PFAS
Despite the scary finding about toxic chemicals in period underwear, you don’t have to forgo them completely. There are a number of natural and sustainable options for PFAS-free period underwear that will keep you feeling safe, secure, and sustainable. Here are our top recommendations.
1. ModiBodi
- Materials: Bamboo viscose, spandex, Tencel, merino wool, polyester, polyamide
- Sizes: XS = 3XL
- Absorbency: Up to 250 mls
- Price: $16 – $35
Modibodi makes organic period underwear for women and teens in a variety of styles, including bikini, briefs, and boyshorts. The main material is bamboo viscose, though the gusset part of the underwear may contain some polyester. However, Modibodi has a line of period underwear that’s 97% biodegradable.
Modibodi does not use PFAS and does regular health and safety compliance checks on its products, including fluorine tests to look for PFAS. It tests its materials to make sure they’re bluesign® APPROVED and ZDHC compliant and meet the Oeko-tex Standard 100, which tests for toxic chemicals.
2. Wuka
- Materials: GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel Modal
- Sizes: XXS – 5XL
- Absorbency: Up to 60 ml (or 12 tampons)
- Price: $11 – $28
Wuka is a British brand offering non-toxic period underwear for girls, teens, and women with a wide range of inclusive sizing. You can find a bunch of styles, including midi brief, bikini, hipster, and high waist. The company also has a number of accreditations, including certification from GOTS, the Carbon Footprint Standard, and Oek0-Tex Standard 100.
Wuka regularly tests for PFAS to ensure their period underwear is free of these chemicals. They also don’t add any silver treatments or anti-bacterial treatments to their products.
3. Aisle
- Materials: Truetex™
- Sizes: XXS – 5X
- Absorbency: Up to 8 tampons
- Price: $34 – $48
Aisle sells organic period underwear in addition to pads, liners, menstrual cups, and other accessories. It comes in a wide range of sizes and absorbency levels. Styles include bikinis, hipsters, and boxer briefs.
Aisle’s organic period underwear is made of Truetex, the company’s Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified proprietary material that blends hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers to create an inherently wicking and absorbent material – without the need for added chemical finishes.
According to Aisle, its period underwear and other products contain no detectable levels of PFAS and is regularly tested by SGS, a testing and inspection company.
4. Boody
- Materials: Cotton, bamboo viscose, modal, seaweed fiber, nylon, spandex
- Sizes: XS – XL
- Absorbency: Up to 3 tampons
- Price: $25.95 – $35.95
Boody crafts all of its clothes primarily from bamboo viscose, which is a soft and breathable fabric known for its sustainability. Its period and leak-proof underwear comes in bikini and full brief in two absorbency levels, light to moderate and moderate to heavy.
This company doesn’t offer as many options for sizing or styles as some others on this list of the best organic period underwear. However, it’s B-Corp certified, meaning it meets high standards for social and ecological impact.
Plus, a third-party clinic, TUV Rheinland, confirmed that Boody’s period underwear is free of PFAS.
5. Lilova
- Materials: Organic cotton, elastane, nylon, microfiber
- Sizes: XS – 3X
- Absorbency: Up to 5 tampons
- Price: $24 – $36
Lilova makes a variety of stylish period underwear for teens and women that can hold up to five tampons’ worth of period blood. According to Mamavation, an EPA-certified laboratory tested Lilova underwear for PFAS and found no detectable fluorine, so you can rest easy knowing your Lilova undies are PFAS-free.
6. Revol Cares
- Materials: Bamboo, organic cotton, spandex, breathable cotton PUL
- Sizes: XXS – 7X
- Absorbency: Light, regular, super, super plus, and ultra
- Price: $24.99 – $55
Revol Cares sells black period underwear made primarily of bamboo. You can shop by flow, anything from light to super to ultra, and also purchase the underwear in bundles.
Revol Cares was tested by Mamavation, and no PFAS were detected in its products. According to the company, they test their fabric regularly to make sure nothing gets contaminated within the supply chain.
7. TomboyX
- Materials: OEKO-TEX Certified cotton, spandex, polyester
- Sizes: 3XS – 6X
- Absorbency: Up to 4 tsps of liquid
- Price: $25 – $36
TomboyX is a B-corp certified company that sells period underwear that can fit all body types. Styles include hipster, bikini, and boxer briefs. TomboyX doesn’t add any PFAS to its products and got them tested in 2020 by a third-party lab, which detected zero of these chemicals.
8. AWWA
- Materials: Organic cotton, spandex, recycled nylon, Tencel
- Sizes: 2XS – 6XL
- Absorbency: 1 – 5 regular pads / tampons
- Price: $25 – $51
AWWA is a B-Corp Certified, indigenous-owned, female-founded company that sells organic cotton period underwear that’s free from PFAS. The company shares its PFA-free certifications on its website, so it gets top marks for transparency. According to AWWA, their underwear can last for up to two years with proper care.
Opt for Non-Toxic Period Underwear During That Time of the Month
With these sustainable organic period underwear choices, you don’t have to let the concern about toxic chemicals cramp your style (pun intended). You can use safe and sustainable menstrual products that reduce waste and are healthy for your body and the planet.
If you’re looking for other safe options for the next time you’re riding the crimson wave, check out our guides to the best organic tampons and the best organic pads.
PFAS-Free Period Underwear FAQ
Have some questions about organic period underwear? We’ve got you covered! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about period undies.
Why go with organic period underwear?
Materials are considered organic if they’ve been grown in soil that had no prohibited substances, such as synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, for three years before harvest. Opting for organic period underwear made from organic cotton or another natural, sustainably sourced material can be safer for your health and better for the earth.
Is all period underwear safe?
Not necessarily. Some period underwear has been found to contain PFAS (forever chemicals) that can be hazardous to our health. Fortunately, there are plenty of brands out there that have been verified to make PFAS-free period underwear. It’s also worth noting that some period underwear brands use synthetic, non-biodegradable fibers like polyester and petroleum-based materials, which are not so great for the environment. However, you can find eco-friendly options that rely on organic cotton, bamboo, and other sustainable materials.
What’s the best material for period underwear that doesn’t contain PFAS?
One of the best materials for period underwear is organic cotton. Organic cotton period underwear is breathable, comfortable, and hypoallergenic and can absorb your period without any leaks. Look for organic cotton that’s Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified, meaning it meets high standards for ecological and toxicological safety. Two other sustainable materials that are good for period underwear are bamboo viscose and merino wool.
What are some non-toxic period underwear brands?
Some of the best non-toxic period underwear brands are Modibodi, Wuka, Aisle, and Boody. They use organic, sustainable material and an ethical production process. Plus, they frequently test their products to ensure that they’re PFAS-free. These companies sell period underwear in a a range of styles and inclusive sizing, so there’s a fit for every body.
