Which pads are safe and not harmful? The safest sanitary pads are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, chlorine, and synthetic materials. They should be made of skin-friendly, breathable fabrics like cotton and designed to be hypoallergenic to prevent irritation and rashes.
If you’ve ever wondered this while standing in a store’s feminine care section (or while scrolling through this section on a delivery app), you’re not alone. Here’s the complicated truth: not all pads are created equal. Some contain synthetic fragrances, chlorine, and even plastic-based materials that can be rough on sensitive skin. Others contain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (a.k.a. PFAS) that are linked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to health concerns like decreased fertility, hormonal disruption, high cholesterol, and even increased risk of certain cancers.
Research shows that the average woman will use around 11,000 to 17,000 sanitary pads in her lifetime. Considering this, it is crucial to be informed about the composition of these products, and which ones are safe and which could be harmful.
So, what makes a non-toxic period pad truly safe? How can you make the right choice for your lady bits? Let’s break it down.
A pad is not harmful if it…
Is non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals.
A chemical-free menstrual pad is one that avoids the harsh additives like synthetic perfumes, artificial dyes, and chlorine bleach. These substances can cause skin rashes, irritation, and even disrupt your vagina’s natural pH.
Safe pads should be made without these, keeping only the skin-friendly materials instead. Take Nua’s safe sanitary pads, for example—they’re completely free of harmful chemicals and designed to work with your body, not against it.
Doesn’t contain plastics
Many mainstream pads contain plastic-based top layers. That’s not just uncomfortable—it can trap heat and moisture, leading to bacterial growth and irritation that increases the risk of vaginal infections.
A safe pad for sensitive skin should have a breathable, cottony-soft top layer that allows air circulation while absorbing effectively. Nua’s pads use a super-soft, rash-free top layer that makes wearing them feel like second nature—no sweaty discomfort, no itching.
Is absorbent without being too bulky
A good pad shouldn’t just be safe – it should actually work. The right non-toxic period pad provides high absorbency without feeling like a diaper. Look for pads that are designed to absorb quickly, wick moisture away, and keep you feeling dry. Nua pads feature a 3-layer design – a super-soft top layer, a distributive layer for fast absorption, and an absorbent core layer that traps period blood by converting it into a gel, which locks in flow without expanding and becoming bulky.
Is hypoallergenic and gentle on skin
For those with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic pads are a must. Many women experience irritation from synthetic fibres and artificial additives commonly found in mainstream period products. That’s why safe pads for sensitive skin are free from known allergens, ensuring your most delicate areas stay rash-free.
Nua pads are a dream for anyone with reactive skin because they’re dermatologically tested and free from toxins.
Is fragrance-free
One of the biggest concerns when choosing a pad is odour control. Many brands add synthetic fragrances to mask smells, but these chemicals can cause irritation, disrupt your vaginal pH, and trigger allergic reactions.
The truth is, your body doesn’t need artificial scents—it needs breathability and proper moisture control to keep odours at bay naturally. Nua’s safe sanitary pads are completely fragrance-free, relying instead on superior absorbent technology and breathable materials to prevent unwanted smells.
Which Pads Are Safe?
To wrap it up, safe sanitary pads should be free from harmful chemicals, use breathable and absorbent materials, and be gentle on the skin. At Nua, we don’t just create products—we evolve them with the help of our community of over 4 lakh members. Through product feedback and real conversations, we’ve refined our pads to meet your safety needs, introducing a more absorbent core and a completely toxic-free, fragrance-free design. These pads aren’t just made for you, they’re made with you. If you’re looking for comfort, protection, and safety, switching to non-toxic period pads is an easy decision.
Ready to give your period care an upgrade? Check out Nua’s safe sanitary pads and experience a healthier, irritation-free cycle. Because you deserve better—period.
