The Truth About Chemicals in Period Products: Debunking Misinformation and Exploring Their History and Impact

For many, menstrual products are as essential as food and water. Yet, many people are uneasy about what lurks within these everyday essentials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies menstrual products as "medical devices," which means they don’t require the same strict labeling as other consumer items. As a result, many people remain largely unaware of the substances hidden in their tampons and pads.

Background

The deep-rooted belief that periods are 'unhygienic' affects not just societal norms but also how period products are marketed. Ads from the past have used fear and shame as key themes. For example, a Kotex ad from the 1920s claimed that “Kotex brings peace of mind at a time when most women lose it!”

In addition, advertisements often lean on euphemisms to avoid directly stating that women have vaginas that bleed..

I mean I get sick at the sight of blood… but it didn't phase me when less than 3 years ago, a period product company made headlines JUST by using red liquid in a TV commercial to demonstrate their pads' absorbency, marking the first time a U.S. brand swapped blue liquid for blood.

But not actually… the tests for absorbency didn’t utilize actual blood. Instead, manufacturers used saline—a mixture of water, salt, and bicarbonate. A recent study by Oregon Health and Science in 2023 revealed that when real blood was used, the absorbency capacity was significantly lower than advertised. This discrepancy can lead women to misjudge their menstrual flow, potentially resulting in serious health issues like anemia, which affects about 3-5% of women, and conditions like uterine fibroids, which impact nearly 80% of women by age 50.

These marketing campaigns from the early 20th century sought to sell the idea that menstruation was something to hide or be ashamed of—and that these products could save women from that embarrassment. It was a culture of concealment, one that continues to be echoed today in modern ads that silence a natural bodily function.

If Promoted with Misinformation, How Well Do Companies Understand Women's Bodies?

I can personally conclude that period blood is red, but if you're a man who has only seen media portrayals, you might not believe that. It seems like menstrual product companies run by men might not understand a women's body either. For instance, looking at the Playtex Sport’s tampon packaging, it claims “up to two times more odor protection.” However, a period doesn't have an odor unless it's exposed to air. So why do tampons need fragrances? Companies have marketed tampons with added fragrances to solve a non-existent problem for profit, and this practice has been ongoing for ages.

Companies like Procter & Gamble—whose leadership was male for decades—rushed to dominate the market by designing products that weren’t necessarily better, but more convenient for mass production. They introduced the Rely tampon inspired by bandages in WW1 made from cellulose, a highly absorbent material. They introduced this super absorbent tampon with the slogan “it even absorbs the worry.” Little did they know that their product would cause a whole lot more than just worry: death. Rely was made with the new highly absorbent material carboxymethylcellulose. This also happened to be a highly toxic material that dried out the vagina, leading to the infamous toxic shock syndrome outbreak in 1980, which resulted in the death of 38 women. The Rely tampon was pulled from the market, but the incident marked a turning point for tampon production, with other companies starting to experiment with their own chemicals.

Rise in Independent Studies Uncovering Harmful Chemicals

Since businesses aren't telling us, numerous independent studies have investigated the contents of period products. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame examined whether brands used safe materials and tested for harmful chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). PFAs are synthetic chemicals found in items like fast food packaging and firefighting foam. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not decompose in the environment or the human body. Their accumulation can lead to significant health risks, including cancer and hormonal disruptions.

How did these toxic chemicals make their way into our period underwear? A recent review by Better Goods, analyzed by Dr. Lindsey St Mary (PhD), examined over 14 brands of period underwear for safety and non-toxic claims. PFAS are used to make the fabric waterproof, leading many brands to add them intentionally during production. For example, Thinx panties were found to contain 3,264 parts per million of PFAS, indicating intentional use of these chemicals. Other brands, like Saalt, showed much lower levels, suggesting contamination during manufacturing. Thinx, in particular, has faced legal action due to PFAS in their underwear. As of January 2023, they settled a class-action lawsuit for $5 million. But hey! Consumers who purchased Thinx are eligible for a 35% discount on future purchases!

Billboard in New York City, September 2021 - Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Thinx

The First Step: We Deserve More Regulations

What's intriguing about Saalt manufacturing near a production site with PFAs is that it's entirely legal for them not to label their menstrual products with something like "Manufactured near firefighting foam." However, if it were food packaging, it would likely lead to another class action lawsuit. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandates the FDA to require food manufacturers to disclose if their products are made in facilities that process common allergens, such as peanuts. Yet, when it comes to products used directly on external organs, there is no such law.

And remember just because they advertise them being PFA free does not mean it's true. In the case of Thinx, they advertise their products as “nontoxic, harmless, sustainable, organic, and otherwise safe for women and the environment.” And yes.. that is very much allowed. Only three states—California, Nevada, and New York—have passed laws requiring menstrual product brands to disclose ingredients. The Right To Know Act, a bill that establishes ingredient labeling requirements for menstrual products, was introduced in the 2022 Congress session, but as of March 2024, there’s been no progress. This lack of regulation is a huge concern, as it allows harmful chemicals to go unnoticed in products that many women use every day. Until stronger laws are passed, it’s up to consumers to stay informed and demand more transparency from the brands they trust.

Closing Thoughts

For too long, companies have exploited our biology, using fear and marketing tactics to sell products that claim to protect us but instead put us at risk. With only a few states requiring transparency and no federal action in sight, it’s clear that the responsibility lies with us to demand better. We must push for stronger regulations that require brands to disclose every ingredient. The safety of the products we trust with our bodies should never be in question. Until stronger laws and greater transparency become the norm, we all must stay informed and hold these companies accountable.