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Disposable tampons on a blue background illustrating plastic, PFAS and chemical transparency in period products.

What Is Really in Period Products? Plastic, PFAS and Safer Choices Explained

11 min read

What Is Really in Period Products? Plastic, PFAS and Safer Choices Explained

Quick answer: Many disposable period products contain plastic, even when the part that touches the skin looks and feels like cotton. Pads can include plastic backings, synthetic topsheets, adhesives, superabsorbent polymers and release films. Tampons may contain cotton, rayon, polyester thread and plastic applicators or wrappers. Reusable products can reduce waste, but period underwear and reusable pads may still contain polyester, elastane, polyurethane waterproof layers or chemical finishes. Studies have detected PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, volatile compounds and other plastic additives in some menstrual products, although products vary considerably.

Period products are used repeatedly, for hours at a time, against some of the most sensitive and permeable tissues in the body.

Yet most of us have never been shown exactly what they are made from.

The front of a packet may say “cotton-feel”, “fresh”, “breathable”, “ultra-dry”, “organic” or “leak-proof”. Those words describe how a product feels or performs. They do not necessarily tell you what sits underneath the surface, what creates the waterproof barrier, what makes the product absorbent, or what has been added to control odour.

A sanitary pad that looks soft and white can contain several layers of fossil-fuel-derived plastic. A tampon may be made partly from rayon and wrapped in plastic. A pair of period pants may rely on polyester, nylon, elastane and a polyurethane waterproof membrane.

The concern is not that every product contains every chemical ever found in menstrual-product research. It is that these products are used repeatedly against the body, while complete ingredient and material disclosure remains surprisingly limited.

Are period products safe?

Most people use pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear without an obvious immediate health problem. Regulators generally consider legally marketed menstrual products suitable for their intended use when they are used correctly.

But “safe to sell” is not the same as “fully transparent”, “plastic-free” or “free from every chemical of concern”.

Research has detected a wide range of chemicals in menstrual products, including phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, volatile organic compounds, fragrance chemicals, metals, plasticisers and PFAS. The amounts vary substantially between products, and the presence of a chemical does not automatically prove that enough is transferred into the body to cause harm.

However, the route of exposure deserves serious attention. Pads sit against the vulva for hours. Tampons are inserted into the vagina. Period underwear is worn closely against warm skin and may remain damp during use.

These are not products that briefly touch the hand and are thrown away. They are repeated, intimate-contact products used monthly across decades of a person’s life.

The most reasonable position is not panic. It is that menstrual products deserve stricter ingredient disclosure, more independent testing and fewer unnecessary plastic layers, fragrances and chemical finishes.

What are sanitary pads made from?

A disposable sanitary pad is usually a layered product rather than one single material.

The exact construction varies by manufacturer, but a typical pad may contain:

Part of the pad	What it may contain	What it does
Topsheet	Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, cotton or a blend	Sits closest to the skin and allows fluid to pass into the absorbent core.
Acquisition layer	Synthetic fibres or treated cellulose	Moves fluid away from the surface and spreads it through the pad.
Absorbent core	Cellulose pulp, rayon and super-absorbent polymers	Absorbs and holds menstrual fluid.
Backsheet	Polyethylene or another waterproof plastic film	Stops fluid leaking through onto underwear.
Adhesive	Synthetic adhesive compounds	Attaches the pad and wings to underwear.
Release strip	Silicone-coated paper or plastic film	Protects the adhesive before the pad is used.
Wrapper	Plastic film or laminated paper	Keeps each product individually wrapped.

This explains why the word “cotton” on the front of a packet does not always mean the whole product is cotton.

A pad may have a cotton topsheet while still containing a synthetic acquisition layer, plastic waterproof backing, superabsorbent polymer, plastic adhesive strip and individual wrapper.

“Cotton-feel” is not the same as cotton. “Cotton top layer” is not the same as a plastic-free pad.

Do sanitary pads contain plastic?

Many conventional disposable sanitary pads contain plastic in several layers.

Plastic may be used because it is lightweight, waterproof, flexible, inexpensive and capable of creating a dry-feeling surface. It can also be used in adhesives, wings, wrappers and the absorbent system.

Superabsorbent polymers are another important part of the discussion. These materials can absorb many times their weight in liquid and help modern pads remain thin. But they are synthetic polymer materials, not cotton or paper.

This means a product marketed as soft, breathable or cotton-like may still be substantially plastic-based.

Disposable pads also create a waste problem because blood, adhesives, mixed fibres and multiple plastic layers make them difficult to recycle through normal household systems.

Once used, they are generally sent to landfill, incineration or sewage systems when incorrectly flushed.

The plastic is not only in the wrapper. It may be built into the product from the surface layer to the waterproof backing.

What are tampons made from?

Tampons are absorbent products designed to be inserted into the vagina. They may be made from:

cotton;
rayon, which is a regenerated cellulose fibre;
a blend of cotton and rayon;
polyester or cotton withdrawal cord;
polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene components in the string or covering;
plastic or cardboard applicators;
plastic individual wrappers.

Rayon begins with plant cellulose, but it is chemically processed into a manufactured fibre. It is not the same material as unprocessed cotton.

Tampons are regulated as medical devices in the United States, while regulatory treatment differs across jurisdictions. Product safety testing generally focuses on absorbency, fibre shedding, microbiology, irritation and toxic shock syndrome risk.

Consumers should still follow safe-use instructions closely:

Choose the lowest absorbency needed.
Change tampons regularly according to the product instructions.
Do not leave a tampon in for longer than recommended.
Wash hands before and after insertion.
Seek urgent medical help for symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome.

Do tampons contain plastic?

Some tampons contain plastic components even when the absorbent core is cotton or rayon.

The plastic may be in:

the applicator;
the individual wrapper;
the withdrawal cord;
the protective fibre covering;
polyester or polypropylene components.

A non-applicator organic cotton tampon in a paper wrapper is likely to use less plastic than a conventional tampon with a plastic applicator and individual plastic film.

But packaging claims need to be read carefully. “Organic cotton core” does not necessarily describe the wrapper, cord, applicator or every component of the finished product.

When comparing tampons, look beyond the absorbent fibre. Ask about the applicator, string, covering, wrapper and any fragrance or deodorising treatment.

Which chemicals have been found in menstrual products?

Scientific studies have tested sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, period underwear, reusable pads and menstrual cups for a range of substances.

Chemicals and material groups detected across different studies include:

phthalates, used as plasticisers or in some manufacturing processes;
bisphenols, including BPA and related chemicals;
parabens, used as preservatives in some consumer products;
volatile organic compounds, or VOCs;
fragrance chemicals;
PFAS, associated with water-, oil- or stain-resistant properties;
organophosphate esters, used as plasticisers or flame retardants;
alternative plasticisers used as replacements for restricted phthalates;
metals, found at varying trace levels in some products;
dyes, adhesives and processing residues.

A systematic review of menstrual-product studies found measurable levels of several endocrine-disrupting chemical groups, including phthalates, phenols and parabens.

More recent research has also identified plastic additives in both single-use and reusable menstrual products. This is important because reusable does not automatically mean chemically simple.

The key scientific gap is exposure.

Detecting a chemical in a product does not automatically show how much leaves the material, reaches the skin or vaginal tissue, enters the body or produces a health effect.

But that uncertainty should lead to better testing, not complacency.

When products are used against intimate tissue for hours each month, manufacturers should be expected to demonstrate what is present, what can migrate during use and why every added chemical is necessary.

Have PFAS been found in period products?

Yes. PFAS have been detected in some menstrual and personal-hygiene products, including certain pads, sanitary napkins, period underwear, reusable pads and menstrual cups.

But the findings are not uniform.

Some testing has found indicators of intentionally added PFAS in a proportion of reusable period underwear and reusable pads. Other products showed little or no evidence of fluorinated treatment. Tampons have generally shown lower PFAS signals in some screening studies.

Why might PFAS be present?

PFAS can be used to create water-, oil- or stain-resistant properties. In period underwear, manufacturers need the product to absorb fluid in one layer while preventing leaks through another. That technical challenge can involve waterproof or repellent membranes and textile finishes.

However, PFAS-free period underwear and reusable products already exist, showing that fluorinated chemistry is not essential to the entire category.

The practical question is not whether every pair of period pants contains PFAS. It is whether the brand clearly confirms that the finished product has been tested and is free from intentionally added PFAS.

Read more about this chemical group in our guide to PFAS and forever chemicals in everyday products.

Why fragrance in period products matters

Some pads, liners and tampons are marketed as scented, deodorising, fresh or odour-control.

That framing suggests that menstruation is something that needs to be perfumed or disguised.

But menstrual blood does not need synthetic fragrance added to the products used to manage it.

Fragrance can introduce additional scent chemicals into a product used against sensitive vulval or vaginal tissue. Fragrance mixtures may also be difficult for consumers with allergies, eczema, vulval irritation or fragrance sensitivity to assess because every component may not be clearly disclosed.

Scent can also mask a health symptom that deserves attention. A strong or unusual vaginal odour may sometimes indicate an infection or another medical issue; covering it with fragrance does not address the cause.

Choose unscented period products. Fragrance is not needed for absorption, leak protection or hygiene.

Is period underwear plastic-free?

Usually not.

Period underwear may look like ordinary underwear, but the absorbent gusset often contains several technical layers.

Common materials include:

cotton, modal or bamboo viscose next to the skin;
polyester or nylon absorbent layers;
elastane for stretch;
polyurethane or polyester waterproof membranes;
antimicrobial or odour-control treatments;
water-repellent or stain-resistant finishes.

Even period underwear marketed as organic cotton may contain synthetic leak-proof backing or elastane.

This does not make reusable underwear automatically worse than disposable pads. Reusable products can significantly reduce monthly waste and may be cost-effective over time.

But the “reusable” label should not stop the questions.

Ask:

What is every layer made from?
Is the waterproof membrane polyurethane or another plastic?
Is the finished garment independently tested for PFAS?
Does it use antimicrobial or odour-control chemistry?
Does the manufacturer disclose the complete fibre composition?
How long is the product expected to last?
What happens to it at end of life?

Are reusable period products always safer?

No product category is automatically the safest in every respect.

Reusable products reduce waste, but their materials still matter.

Product	Potential advantages	Questions to ask
Period underwear	Reusable, convenient and can replace many disposable pads or liners	Does it contain PFAS, polyurethane, polyester, antimicrobial finishes or undisclosed waterproof coatings?
Reusable cloth pads	Can be made from cotton and reused for years	What creates the waterproof layer? Is it PFAS-free? Is the fabric organic or conventionally treated?
Menstrual cup	Long-lasting, low waste and requires no absorbent fibre	Is it made from medical-grade silicone or another clearly disclosed material? Has the finished product been tested?
Menstrual disc	Reusable options can hold more fluid and reduce disposable waste	What material is used? Is it reusable or disposable? How should it be cleaned and replaced?

Medical-grade silicone cups and discs can be lower-waste choices when they suit the user and are cleaned, stored and replaced correctly.

But reusable products are not suitable or comfortable for everyone. Disability, pain, heavy bleeding, age, access to clean water, work conditions, school facilities and personal preference all matter.

The aim is not to prescribe one “perfect” menstrual product. It is to give people enough information to choose a product with fewer unnecessary materials and chemicals that works safely for their body and circumstances.

Are organic cotton pads and tampons safer?

Organic cotton period products are not automatically perfect, but they can reduce several common concerns.

Unlike many conventional products, certified organic cotton pads and tampons are less likely to rely on synthetic fibres touching the skin and are grown without many of the pesticides used in conventional cotton farming.

However, "organic cotton" does not necessarily mean the entire product is organic or plastic-free. A pad may still include a polyethylene waterproof backing, synthetic adhesives or plastic packaging. Likewise, an organic tampon may still have a plastic wrapper or applicator.

Read the entire materials list, not just the headline claim on the front of the packet.

How to choose period products with fewer unnecessary materials

You do not have to overhaul everything overnight. Start by asking a few simple questions before you buy.

Is the product fragrance-free?
Does the manufacturer clearly state whether it has been tested for PFAS?
How much of the product is actually plastic?
Is organic cotton available?
Does the brand disclose every layer of the product?
Can the packaging be recycled?
Is there a reusable option that genuinely suits your lifestyle?

The more transparent a company is about its materials, the easier it becomes to make an informed decision.

The bigger issue is transparency

The debate around period products is no longer simply about comfort or absorbency.

Women are asking the same questions consumers now ask about food, cosmetics and drinking water:

What is this product made from?
Why are these materials being used?
Have they been independently tested?
Can I see the results?
Are safer alternatives available?

Those are reasonable questions.

No woman should have to search through scientific papers simply to understand the product she uses every month.

The bottom line

Period products have improved enormously over the last few decades, but transparency has not always kept pace.

Plastic, synthetic polymers, PFAS concerns, fragrance, plasticisers and other chemicals have all become part of the conversation—not because every product has been proven unsafe, but because women increasingly expect brands to explain exactly what is in products designed for intimate use.

That expectation is entirely reasonable.

The future of menstrual care should not simply be thinner, more absorbent or more discreet.

It should be simpler, more transparent and built around ingredients and materials women can actually understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sanitary pads contain plastic?

Yes. Most conventional disposable pads contain plastic in several layers, including the waterproof backing, adhesives, wrappers and often the topsheet.

Do tampons contain plastic?

Many do. Plastic may be present in the wrapper, applicator, string or other components, even if the absorbent core is cotton or rayon.

Have PFAS been found in period products?

Yes. Independent studies have detected PFAS in some menstrual products, particularly certain reusable period underwear and some reusable pads. Not every product tested contained PFAS.

Are organic cotton period products better?

Organic cotton can reduce exposure to some pesticides and synthetic fibres, but it does not automatically mean the entire product is plastic-free or free from every chemical of concern.

Are reusable products always safer?

No. Reusable products reduce waste, but they may still contain polyester, polyurethane waterproof layers, elastane or chemical treatments. Materials should always be checked.

Glossary

PFAS: A large group of synthetic chemicals used to repel water, oil and stains. Often called "forever chemicals" because many persist in the environment.

Phthalates: Plasticisers used to make plastics softer and more flexible. Some are known endocrine disruptors.

Bisphenols: A family of chemicals including BPA that can interfere with hormone signalling.

Superabsorbent polymer: A synthetic material capable of absorbing many times its own weight in liquid.

Rayon: A regenerated cellulose fibre made by chemically processing plant material.

Polyurethane (PU): A plastic commonly used to create waterproof layers in textiles.

Keep reading

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