Search Crunchy

Search for categories and articles

Is Saalt Period Underwear Clean?

📅 Updated February 2026⏱️ 4 min read
⚡

TL;DR

Saalt period underwear is clean, safe, and highly recommended. Unlike many competitors, they test completely non-detect for PFAS in independent labs and use OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. If you want a non-toxic alternative to disposable pads, this is one of the safest choices you can make.

🔑 Key Findings

1

2023 independent lab tests showed non-detectable levels of fluorine (PFAS).

2

Saalt delayed their initial launch by 5 months to eliminate a 10ppm trace PFAS contamination.

3

Fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they are free from heavy metals and toxic dyes.

4

They do not use migratory nanosilver, which can disrupt the vaginal microbiome.

The Short Answer

Saalt period underwear is clean, safe, and highly recommended. They are one of the most transparent brands in the period care industry, boasting entirely PFAS-free fabrics and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.

Unlike older brands that sparked class-action lawsuits, Saalt tests completely non-detect for fluorine in independent third-party lab tests. If you want a non-toxic alternative to disposable pads and tampons, this is one of the safest choices you can make.

Why This Matters

The period underwear industry has a massive "forever chemical" problem. In recent years, independent lab testing revealed that up to 65% of popular period underwear contained fluorine, a key indicator of PFAS. These chemicals are used for their moisture-wicking properties, but they are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive harm. Is There Pfas In Period Underwear

Your vaginal tissue is highly absorbent. Wearing PFAS-laden fabrics pressed against this sensitive area for up to 12 hours a day allows chemicals to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly. Which Period Underwear Has Pfas

Saalt actually puts their money where their mouth is. During pre-launch testing in 2020, they discovered a supplier used a chemical categorized as PFAS. Instead of selling it anyway—like many brands do—they delayed their launch by five months and took a massive financial hit to completely reformulate their fabric.

What's Actually In Saalt Period Underwear

Saalt relies on high-quality, heavily tested materials rather than cheap chemical shortcuts. Period Underwear No Pfas

  • TENCEL™ Modal — A breathable, sustainable fabric made from beech wood pulp that naturally resists odor and bacterial growth.
  • OEKO-TEXÂŽ Certified Cotton — Their cotton is third-party certified to be completely free from a long list of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic dyes.
  • Elastane (Spandex/Lycra) — Used in small amounts (usually around 5%) to give the underwear stretch and help it maintain its leak-proof shape.
  • PFAS-Free Absorbent Core — Instead of relying on toxic "forever chemicals" for waterproofing, Saalt uses mechanical fabric layers that trap liquid naturally.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

  • Non-Detect Lab Tests — Mamavation's 2023 independent EPA-certified lab testing showed Saalt had absolutely zero detectable fluorine (PFAS).
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — This strict third-party certification ensures every single thread, button, and fabric layer is tested for toxic substances.
  • B-Corp Certification — Saalt is a certified B-Corp, meaning they meet rigorous, verifiable standards for social and environmental transparency.

Red Flags:

  • Nanosilver — Some brands use migratory silver particles to combat odor, which can kill healthy bacteria and disrupt your vaginal microbiome. Is Silver In Period Underwear Safe
  • Undisclosed "Proprietary" Treatments — If a brand won't tell you exactly how they make their underwear leakproof, they are almost certainly hiding chemical treatments. Is Thinx Safe

The Best Options

If you are building your clean period care routine, Saalt offers a few standout options depending on your flow. Safest Period Underwear

BrandProductVerdictWhy
SaaltComfort Brief (Super)✅Holds up to 7 pads worth of flow without bulky toxic materials.
SaaltSeamless Thong✅Perfect for spotting or light days with a discreet, breathable fit.
ThinxClassic Briefs🚫Settled a $5 million lawsuit over allegations of PFAS contamination.

The Bottom Line

1. Choose Saalt for a clean alternative. They have proven their commitment to non-toxic materials through rigorous, ongoing third-party testing.

2. Wash them carefully to preserve the fabric. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and high heat in the dryer, as these can ruin the clean mechanical leakproof layers.

3. Pair with a clean cup for heavy days. If you have a very heavy flow, wearing a cup alongside period underwear gives you double the protection with zero toxins. Is Saalt Cup Safe

FAQ

Does Saalt period underwear contain PFAS?

No, Saalt is completely PFAS-free. Independent testing by Mamavation in 2023 confirmed that Saalt period underwear had non-detectable levels of fluorine, ensuring they do not contain toxic "forever chemicals." Does Thinx Have Pfas

Does Saalt use silver in their underwear?

Saalt does not use migratory nanosilver. Many older period underwear brands used silver treatments for odor control, which experts warn can kill good bacteria and disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Saalt relies on fabric technology and safe odor control. Is Silver In Period Underwear Safe

Can period underwear replace traditional pads and tampons?

Yes, absolutely. Depending on the absorbency level you choose, a single pair of Saalt underwear can hold the equivalent of 3 to 7 regular tampons, making them a safe, non-toxic replacement for conventional products. Period Underwear Vs Pads

🛒 Product Recommendations

✅
Comfort Brief (Super Absorbency)

Saalt

Holds up to 7 pads worth of flow using clean, PFAS-free mechanical layers.

Recommended
✅
Seamless Thong

Saalt

A discreet, highly breathable option for light days or spotting.

Recommended
🚫

Thinx Period Underwear

Thinx

Subject to a major class-action settlement over PFAS contamination.

Avoid

💡 We don't accept payment for recommendations. Some links may be affiliate links.

📖 Related Research

🌸

Explore more

More about Feminine Care

Your body deserves better