Studies have found that 97% of the sanitary pads contain 70+ chemicals. Yes. You read that right. Most of the pads we use aren’t chemical-free sanitary pads. Now, “chemical” isn’t automatically a bad word, after all, the niacinamide in your skincare is a chemical too, but a good one! The concern comes in when we’re talking about specific types of chemicals, like potential irritants, allergens or hormone disruptors… especially in something that stays in close contact with your skin for hours.
And not just any skin, the vulval skin, which is one of the most delicate and absorbent areas of your body. It can react more easily to harmful chemicals and absorb more chemicals and toxins than, say, the skin on your arm. So when researchers find potentially harmful chemicals in pads, it’s worth paying attention to.
Think about it. For something you use for around 1,800 days (almost 5 years!) in your lifetime, you deserve better. You deserve an option that is free from unnecessary and potentially harmful additives because the wrong pad, filled with irritants, can be a fast track to skin and health issues.
So, let’s decode this a bit more and answer some of the most common FAQs about chemical-free sanitary pads to help you make a safer, more comfortable choice for your periods.
Can my sanitary pad have harmful chemicals in it?
Yes, your pads can have harmful chemicals in them. Many sanitary pads available in India contain chemicals used during the processing of the raw materials and manufacturing the product, or for added features like fragrance, whitening or absorbency. The tricky part is that you’ll rarely find this information on the pack.
While medicines and cosmetics are required by law to mention every ingredient on the pack, sanitary pads are grouped under medical devices, which don’t have that rule. So, brands aren’t legally required to print a full list of ingredients on the packaging. Therefore, pads can contain harmful chemicals without you even knowing.
Can sanitary pads with chemicals really harm my skin and health?
Yes, sanitary pads with chemicals can really harm your skin and health. And the concern is both short-term and long-term.
In the short term, pads with irritating chemicals can cause rashes, itching or a burning sensation down there. But the bigger concern is what happens over time. Chemical analyses of many mainstream pads have identified several groups of chemicals that could be problematic as they can be absorbed by the body from the pad. And since most women use over 10,000 pads in their lifetime, that’s a lot of exposure, even in small doses, and it can add up over the years. It can cause immunity and fertility-related issues with a high risk of infections.
What harmful chemicals are often found in sanitary pads, and how can they harm my health?
Here’s a breakdown of what harmful chemicals are often found in sanitary pads and why they’re a matter of concern:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) stay in your body permanently and can cause fertility issues.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, phenols and parabens mess with hormones and affect reproductive health.
- VOCs such as benzene and toluene are linked to cancer and menstrual irregularities, with up to 50 types found in most pads.
- Fragrances that make pads smell ‘feminine’ can have up to 24 skin-sensitising allergens that cause rashes and irritation.
- BPA (Bisphenol A) is present in 72% of pad adhesives and is known to disrupt hormones, increasing the risk for PCOS.
- Synthetic plastics like polyolefins, often used in the top sheet, can trap heat and moisture, causing bacterial infections.
- Chlorine is used to bleach the pad and make it look whiter, but this process creates toxins called dioxins that can harm the immune system and increase cancer risk.
How do chemical-free sanitary pads protect my skin and keep me safe?
Chemical-free sanitary pads are made with your skin and hormonal health in mind. It uses safe and gentle materials that keep you comfortable throughout your period while preventing irritation.
Let’s look at how chemical-free pads protect your skin and keep you safe.
Do chemical-free pads prevent rashes and irritation?
Yes, chemical-free pads prevent rashes by eliminating friction and chemical irritants. Unlike traditional pads that often use plastic top sheets and contain toxins, chemical-free pads use ultra-soft, toxin-free materials. This means there are no harsh substances to cause an allergic reaction and no rough plastics to cause chafing, creating a truly irritation-free experience.
Are chemical-free sanitary pads more breathable?
While most traditional pads use a plastic backsheet that blocks airflow and traps heat, chemical-free pads like Nua’s Sanitary Pads are made with airy layers and a breathable backsheet. This design allows air to circulate freely, helping your skin stay dry, cool and comfortable, which prevents that sticky, sweaty feeling.
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Are chemical-free pads safer for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. They are specifically made to be hypoallergenic and gentle. Traditional pads can contain several known irritants, like chlorine (from bleaching), artificial dyes and harsh additives. Chemical-free pads are made without any of these, making them a much kinder and safer option for all skin types.
Do chemical-free pads help with odour and infections?
Yes, they do. The warm, damp space created by a non-breathable traditional pad is a perfect breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria, which can also increase infection risk. Chemical-free pads, with their constant airflow, wick away moisture. This dry environment stops bacteria from multiplying, preventing odour from starting and helping maintain a healthier, more balanced vulval environment.
How do I know that my sanitary pads are truly chemical-free?
A truly chemical-free pad is one which is backed by certifications and research.
- It should be Made Safe Certified, which means it has been screened for thousands of known harmful substances.
- It should be Dermatologically Tested to be safe, even for sensitive skin.
- It should be confirmed toxin-free by third-party testing, following strict standards like ISO 14389.
Some brands take this transparency even further. Nua’s Zero Irritation Promise, for example, is based on the complete absence of harmful chemicals. In fact, it’s backed by clinical tests conducted by Cliantha Research and sensorial and friction tests done in globally accredited labs that follow ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Are organic sanitary pads free from harmful chemicals?
When buying chemical-free sanitary pads, you have to look a little deeper than the label. Fancy words like organic aren’t enough. A pad can have an organic cotton top sheet and still be processed with harsh chemicals or glued together using toxins. Look for a brand that is transparent about being 100% toxin-free and opens up about its testing, research and results.
What should I look for (and avoid) when buying chemical-free sanitary pads?
Here are the green flags to look for and the red flags to run from when buying chemical-free sanitary pads:
Green Flags
- 100% toxic-free materials
- Fragrance-free or unscented
- Free from dyes
- Free from phthalates
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)
- Clinically backed
- ISO 14389 certified
Red Flags
- Any kind of scent, fragrance or perfume
- Presence of any colourant or dye
- ECF or Elemental Chlorine Free, as it means only partially safe compared to TCF
- Fancy words like “Silky Weave” or “Cottony Soft” are often code for plastic tops
- Vague terms like “adhesive” may refer to potentially toxic components
Then why isn’t everyone already buying chemical-free sanitary pads?
Many people continue to buy the same chemical-laden pads simply because they’re cheaper and do the basic job. Also, most women don’t even know about the chemicals in them or the harm they can cause over time. As a result, chemical-free pads started to be seen as a luxury. Plus, them being a little too pricey or hard to find didn’t help the case.
But comfort, safety, and health aren’t luxuries. They’re basic needs.
At Nua, we believe everyone deserves irritation-free period care without having to break the bank. That’s why we created Nua MyWave Pads. These are affordable, chemical-free sanitary pads designed for real comfort and skin protection. Also, they’re easily available everywhere, so no one has to end up buying chemical-filled pads again.
If you’ve any more questions on choosing the right pad for you, we’ve a full blog here. And if that doesn’t answer your query either, drop it in the comments and we’ll get back to you.
