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Best Non-Toxic Feminine Pads in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic feminine pads on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Feminine Pads
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Pads Ultra with Wings - Natracare
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.99
Product Details
- Soft certified organic cotton cover
- Absorbent cellulose core to keep you dry
- Waterproof plant-based back
- Wings to help them fit securely
- Individually wrapped in biodegradable purse packs for convenience
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Absorbent
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Short
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Certified Organic Cotton, Ecologically Certified Cellulose Pulp, Plant Starch, Non-Toxic Glue
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads - Organyc
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.49
Product Details
- Made with 100% certified organic cotton, free from chemicals, pesticides, or toxic materials.
- Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Made Safe Certified.
- Designed to reduce skin irritation, making it suitable for women with sensitive skin.
- Hypoallergenic, featuring biodegradable and compostable cotton bleached without chlorine, free from latex, parabens, perfumes, super absorbent polymers (SAP), and plastics.
- Offers ultra absorbency with a textured design for added fiber strength, comparable to mainstream brands.
- pH balanced for added comfort during use.
- Sleek and discreet design with each pad individually wrapped for convenience.
- Promotes a healthy lifestyle with environmentally conscious, biodegradable, and compostable materials.
- Respects both the user’s body and the environment, aligning with earth-conscious choices.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
- Organic
Cons Mentioned
- Flimsy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 100% Certified Organic Cotton
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Ultra Thin Period Pads with Wings - Cora
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$10.99
Product Details
- Features smart channels that pull liquid into the center for up to 10 hours of leak protection.
- Includes side barriers for enhanced leak protection.
- Made with a breathable and moisture-wicking 100% organic cotton topsheet.
- Dermatologically tested and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Ultra-thin and flexible design allows for comfortable movement.
- Hypoallergenic, made without chlorine, fragrance, or dyes.
- Offers a variety of absorbency options, including Regular, Super, Overnight, and Maxi Overnight.
- Each purchase supports the provision of period products and body literacy resources to those in need.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Absorbent
- Soft
Cons Mentioned
- Tricky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Elemental Chlorine-Free Wood Pulp (Absorbent Core, Release Paper), Organic Cotton (Topsheet, Wings), Polyethylene (Backsheet), Polyethylene, Polyester (Acquisition Layer), Polypropylene (Wings), Super Absorbent Polymer (Absorbent Core), Thermoplastic Polymer (Adhesive), Silicone (Release Paper)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic Cotton Cover Pads - Rael
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.98
Product Details
- Made with 100% certified organic cotton top sheet, grown without toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals.
- Features a super absorbent core for ultimate comfort and prolonged protection, helping to prevent overflowing and leaks while keeping you dry.
- Utilizes Leak Locker Technology with unique channel designs to trap fluids and include side panels for added security.
- Constructed with hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable sheets that alleviate odors and irritation, ensuring comfort and protection.
- Suitable for all women, all skin types, and all menstrual conditions.
- Designed by women, for women, made to meet dynamic lifestyle needs.
- Crafted to maximize air flow, promoting breathability and reducing discomfort or irritation.
- Products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Absorbent
- Soft
Cons Mentioned
- Adhesive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Top Sheet: 100% Certified Organic Cotton From Texas (OCS And Non-GMO), Absorbent Core: Chlorine-Free Natural Wood Pulp, Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs), Backsheet: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Wing Paper: Coated Paper And Adhesive: Non-Toxic Adhesive
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Ultra-Thin Absorbent Day Pads - Veeda
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$8.54
Product Details
- Made with a 100% natural cotton top sheet to ensure contact with only pure, irritation-free ingredients
- Free from chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, dyes, rayons, and bleach
- Features a blend of highly absorbent cellulose fluff with a furrowed design for effective liquid trapping
- Anatomical design enhances body-friendliness and safety for daily use
- Customers reported experiencing less discomfort and shorter periods
- Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin
- Includes winged pads for ultra-absorbent and reliable protection
- Uses a European Dioxin-free manufacturing process and oxygen-based cleansing
- Equipped with a super absorbent core and channel technology for leak-proof protection
- Committed to combating period poverty, having donated over 4 million feminine hygiene products globally through an IRS registered charity
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Absorbent
- Soft
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 100% Natural Cotton Top Sheet
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic Cotton Pads with Wings for Women - Tampon Tribe
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.99
Product Details
- Made from 100% organic cotton, ensuring a non-toxic and chemical-free composition.
- Features ultra-thin and lightweight design, enhancing comfort by creating a barely-there feeling.
- Equipped with wings and glue-free biopolymer adhesives to securely stay in place during daily activities.
- Designed to control odor effectively, allowing for extended freshness.
- Hypoallergenic, vegan, dye-free, and fragrance-free, catering to sensitive skin.
- Sustainable packaging includes individual wrapping in starch film and a recyclable jute bag.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Organic
- Eco-Friendly
Cons Mentioned
- Adhesive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 100% Certified Organic Cotton Absorbent Core And Top Sheet
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic Cotton Pads - Lola
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$44.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Discreet
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 100% Organic Cotton, Plant-Based Bioplastic, Non-Toxic Adhesives
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Reusable Pads Menstrual - Rael
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$36.99
Product Details
- Cover made of 100% certified organic cotton, grown without toxins, chlorine, pesticides, or fragrance.
- Features a 5-layer moisture wicking design to reduce odors and irritation, with high levels of protection and breathability.
- Hourglass shape and patented snap closure ensure a secure and comfortable fit, preventing pad shifting.
- Incorporates Leak Locker Technology with unique channel designs and side panels for increased security and to trap fluids effectively.
- Machine washable and reusable, designed for easy care as part of regular laundry routines.
- Product is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Environmentally friendly as a reusable and sustainable alternative to disposable menstrual products.
- Designed to be washed and reused up to 120 times.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Comfortable
- Absorbent
- Soft
Cons Mentioned
- Bulky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: 100% Organic Cotton Top And Absorbent Layers, Backing: 99% Cotton, 1% Polyurethane, Snap Closure: 100% Cotton With Nickel Snaps
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Feminine Pads
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Fluorine
Fluorinated compounds, including Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are used in cosmetics like foundation, powder, mascara, and anti-aging products. These compounds are known for their stability and are challenging to break down in the environment, with some found in remote regions. PTFE, often used for its smooth finish, can be derived from perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA), which might leave residual PFOA in the final product. PFOA has been associated with cancer, mammary cancer, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and environmental concerns. While research on PTFE's direct cancer-causing potential is inconclusive, PFOA, a contaminant in PTFE-containing products, has health implications. PFOA has been detected in adults' body fluids worldwide and has links to mammary gland changes, endocrine disruption, delayed puberty in girls, and reproductive toxicity, including low birth weight. Additionally, it may affect the carcinogenicity of other chemicals when exposed together.
Phthalate
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.
Sources:
What Is 1,4-Dioxane in Laundry and Cleaning Products?, Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation, Final Risk Evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane, Ongoing and Completed Chemical Risk Evaluations under TSCA, Preliminary Information on Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution, Use, and Disposal, TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEW OF 1,4-DIOXANE, 15th Report on Carcinogens, 1,4-Dioxane, Determination of residual 1,4-dioxane in surfactants and cleaning agents using headspace single-drop microextraction followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics: A Manufacturing Byproduct, An integrated assessment of the 1,4-dioxane cancer mode of action and threshold response in rodents, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic raw materials and finished cosmetic products, Chemical Profile: 1,4-dioxane
Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)
Perfluoroalkyls are synthetic chemicals known for their ability to resist oil, grease, and water, primarily used in surface protection products and fire-fighting foams. The two most abundant perfluoroalkyls are perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Studies have observed liver enlargement and elevated cholesterol in animals given high doses, and the presence of PFOS in various populations has raised environmental and health concerns, leading to the phase-out of some PFOS-based chemicals. Tests have shown a range of health effects in animals, including eye irritation, liver changes, teratogenic effects, and more, with no evidence of mutagenicity. However, no substantial link has been found between PFAS concentrations and increased cardiometabolic risk measures in human studies, and there are no known health effects from exposure when used as intended.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is primarily used to create salts that aid in the processing of producing fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. It also acts as a surfactant in firefighting foams, an intermediate in creating fluoroacrylic esters, and a crucial aspect in manufacturing Teflon and similar chemicals. However, exposure to PFOA can lead to adverse health effects, including alterations in thyroid hormone levels, lower fertility, an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a possible link to ADHD, smaller abdominal circumference and birth length in infants, an increased risk of common cold and gastroenteritis in children, and potentially prostate cancer mortality. Studies on animals have indicated possible liver and brain dysfunction, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Ecotoxicity studies found alterations in genes linked to lipid metabolism, hormone action, immune responses, and mitochondrial functions in rare minnows exposed to PFOA.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.
Sources:
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