The Short Answer
The winner depends entirely on which specific brands you buy. Conventional pads are chemical traps disguised as cotton, while period underwear is a sustainability hero that frequently hides a toxic secret.
If you choose the right brand, period underwear is the ultimate choice for both your body and the planet. You avoid the phthalates and VOCs found in disposable pads, and you save thousands of plastics from entering landfills. But you must verify your brand is completely PFAS-free. Safest Period Underwear
Why This Matters
Conventional pads are an environmental nightmare. The average person uses about 11,000 menstrual products in their lifetime. Because traditional pads are made of up to 90% plastic, every pad you've ever used will take 500 to 800 years to decompose. Is Plastic In Pads Bad
Disposable pads are also loaded with hormone disruptors. A startling 2026 study found bisphenols in 100% of sanitary pads tested, alongside parabens and phthalates. Even worse, a late-2024 lawsuit revealed that Carefree pads were actively leaching PFOA—one of the most dangerous forever chemicals—directly into users' skin. Are There Chemicals In Pads
But period underwear isn't automatically safe. To make the fabric leakproof, many brands treat their underwear with synthetic chemical coatings. A 2025 University of Notre Dame study found that 33% of period underwear tested contained intentionally added PFAS. Which Period Underwear Has Pfas
You have to be a skeptical shopper. Whether you are buying organic disposables or reusable tech fabrics, transparency is your only defense against greenwashing. Are Organic Pads Worth It
What's Actually In These Products
Comparing these two options means comparing two entirely different chemical profiles. Here is what you are actually putting against your most absorbent skin:
- PFAS (Forever Chemicals) — Used heavily in period underwear to create a waterproof barrier. These chemicals are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reduced fertility. Is There Pfas In Period Underwear
- Polyethylene & Polypropylene — The standard plastics used in conventional pad backings to prevent leaks. They trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Are Pads Safe
- Silver Nanoparticles — Often added to period underwear for antimicrobial odor control. Silver can disrupt the natural, healthy bacterial flora of your vagina. Is Silver In Period Underwear Safe
- Phthalates & Bisphenols — Found in the adhesives and synthetic layers of disposable pads. These endocrine disruptors migrate easily from the pad directly into your bloodstream.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — Frequently detected in scented pads. These synthetic fragrances cause contact dermatitis and chronic vaginal irritation. Are Scented Pads Bad
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Third-Party PFAS Testing — The brand should publicly post recent lab results showing "Non-Detect" (ND) for total fluorine.
- 100% Organic Cotton — For pads, both the core and the topsheet should be certified organic, meaning no pesticide residues.
- OEKO-TEX Certification — For period underwear, this ensures the fabric has been tested for a wide range of harmful substances.
Red Flags:
- "Stain-resistant" claims — In period underwear, this is usually a code word for PFAS coatings.
- "Odor-locking technology" — In pads, this means synthetic fragrances and mystery chemicals that cause irritation.
- Mystery core materials — If a pad brand just says "absorbent core" without listing the exact materials, it's bleached wood pulp and plastic polymers.
The Best Options
If you are building a non-toxic routine, you can safely use either product format—provided you buy from clean brands.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saalt | Saalt Wear | ✅ | Publicly posts non-detect PFAS testing. Is Saalt Period Underwear Clean |
| Rael | Organic Cotton Pads | ✅ | 100% organic cotton without synthetic plastics. Is Rael Pads Clean |
| Thinx | Period Underwear | ⚠️ | Settled a massive PFAS lawsuit in 2023. Is Thinx Safe |
| Always | Ultra Thin Pads | 🚫 | Made entirely of synthetic plastics and petroleum. Is Always Pads Safe |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the plastic pads. Conventional brands like Always and Carefree expose your body to bisphenols, phthalates, and microplastics. Safest Pad Brand
2. Demand PFAS testing for reusables. Period underwear is an amazing sustainable alternative, but you should only buy from brands that publish recent, third-party "Non-Detect" fluorine tests. Period Underwear No Pfas
3. Use organic pads as a backup. If you don't want to wash period underwear on heavy days, keep 100% organic, chlorine-free cotton pads on hand. Is Cora Pads Clean
FAQ
Is period underwear more hygienic than pads?
Yes, if you change them appropriately. Because period underwear breathes better than plastic-backed conventional pads, it creates less trapped heat and moisture. Just make sure to change them every 10-12 hours to prevent bacterial overgrowth. Period Underwear Vs Pads
Does period underwear actually save money?
Absolutely. While the upfront cost is higher ($20-$35 per pair), a high-quality pair of period underwear lasts 2 to 3 years. You will break even on the cost of disposable pads and tampons within the first 6 to 8 months.
Are organic pads safer than regular pads?
They are significantly safer. Organic pads eliminate exposure to pesticide residues like glyphosate, and they usually skip the synthetic fragrances and harsh chlorine bleaching used in conventional wood-pulp pads. Are Organic Pads Worth It