Key Takeaways:
- Know What to Avoid: Learn about the potential toxins present in some period products and get tips on how to choose safer, non-toxic options.
- Safe Can Still Be Seamless: Period panties can offer both comfort and sustainability, providing reliable protection tailored to various needs and preferences.
- Support For First-Time Users: Switching to period panties is easier than ever for first-time users with our step-by-step advice.
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling, “Are period underwear safe?” It’s a valid concern. As reusable period care becomes more mainstream, so do questions about what’s really in the products we wear next to our most sensitive skin. It’s not just about comfort or convenience anymore; it’s about trust.
At Saalt, we believe that safety shouldn’t be a question mark. Our period underwear is designed with clean, consciously chosen materials, so you can feel confident about what’s touching your body. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for (and avoid), how to find options that align with your values, and what to expect if you're trying period underwear for the first time.
What Are Period Panties?
Period panties are a reusable, modern option for managing your cycle. They're designed to feel like regular underwear while delivering high-performance absorbency and leak protection. Unlike disposables, they’re made with layered fabrics that wick moisture, absorb flow, and help prevent leaks, all while staying soft and breathable.
How Do Period Panties Work?
Each pair of Saalt period underwear features a multi-layer gusset: a top layer that pulls moisture away from your skin, an absorbent middle core to contain flow, and a barrier layer to help prevent leaks without the crinkle or bulk of traditional products. They’re easy to wear, simple to wash, and a powerful part of a sustainable care routine. Whether you’re out and about or getting through a long night of rest, period underwear helps you stay comfortable and confident.
Safer Solutions For Every Body
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is period underwear safe?” You’re not alone. It’s an important question, and at Saalt, safety is never optional. That’s why our period underwear is made from high-quality materials that are not treated with PFAS, with no harmful coatings in our fabrics or finishes. Our designs prioritize your health and comfort, making Saalt one of the safest period underwear choices available. No unnecessary chemicals, no guesswork—just soft, body-friendly protection made for peace of mind.
For younger users just starting their period journey, teen period underwear offers all the same benefits in a fit designed specifically for growing bodies. It’s safe period underwear that supports confidence and independence from day one, with absorbency and comfort built right in.
A Simpler, Smarter Way To Period
So, is period underwear safe? With Saalt, the answer is yes, and then some. You’ll find thoughtfully engineered options designed to support your health, reduce waste, and help you move through each cycle with more ease and less stress. From daily movement to full-flow days, Saalt’s period underwear gives you the comfort, coverage, and clarity you need—no compromises required.
Potential Toxins In Menstrual Products
When you reach for a menstrual product, you expect it to support your body, not expose it to unwanted chemicals. Unfortunately, not all period care is created with your long-term health in mind. Pads, tampons, and even some period underwear may contain untested chemical treatments, harsh dyes, or chemical finishes that aren’t always disclosed. But when it comes to period panties, how safe they are depends entirely on what they’re made from and how much transparency a brand offers.
PFAS And Fabric Treatments
One of the most talked-about concerns in period underwear today is the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—synthetic chemicals often applied to textiles to make them water- or stain-resistant. However, PFAS are known to persist in the environment and have been associated with health concerns such as hormone disruption and immune system effects. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ongoing exposure to certain PFAS may contribute to a range of potential health risks.
At Saalt, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why our period underwear is made using fabrics that are never treated with PFAS, and why we regularly test our products as part of our commitment to safe, high-integrity care.
Other Ingredients To Watch For
PFAS aren’t the only concern. Here are other substances commonly found in mainstream menstrual care that may raise red flags:
- Fragrances: Often listed as a single ingredient, “fragrance” can be a mix of dozens of chemicals, some with known allergens or skin-irritating properties.
- Synthetic Dyes: These can introduce irritants or trace amounts of heavy metals, especially when used near absorbent, sensitive areas of the body.
- Adhesives And Absorptive Gels: Common in disposable pads, these materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and onto your skin.
- Pesticide Residues: Cotton that isn’t organically or responsibly sourced may contain trace pesticides, which can remain in the finished fabric.
Knowledge = Power
Scanning labels and researching product materials can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what to avoid (and what to look for) helps you make more confident, informed choices. Every Saalt product is designed and developed in-house, crafted from thoughtfully selected materials, and produced using ethical manufacturing standards. From our patented leakproof period underwear to our teen-friendly styles designed to support first cycles, our goal is simple: to make period care that supports your body and reflects your values. Because when you know what’s in your products, you reclaim the power to choose better—every single cycle.
Combining Period Panties With Other Products
Navigating your period is deeply personal. Your ideal routine may involve more than one product, and that’s okay! Saalt’s reusable solutions are designed to work together, giving you the flexibility to create a period care system that supports your body, your flow, and your lifestyle.
Build Your Base
Period panties offer a dependable foundation: comfortable, breathable, and thoughtfully designed for everyday movement. For many, Saalt’s period underwear is a go-to option throughout their cycle, providing reliable leak protection without the need for single-use products.
That said, as with all menstrual products, it’s important to follow safe hygiene practices. The CDC’s menstrual hygiene recommendations advise changing products regularly to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to irritation or infection. Listening to your body—and refreshing your protection as needed—helps ensure a comfortable cycle from start to finish.
Pairing With A Menstrual Cup Or Disc
The best thing about period panties is that they are versatile enough to be paired with other reusable options like a menstrual cup or period disc. This way, you have layered support that gives you additional peace of mind on light days, heavy days, and everything in between. The internal product does the primary job of collecting flow, while your period underwear serves as a soft, breathable backup. It catches any leaks for extra overnight reassurance.
New to this internal period care? We’ve got you covered! It’s easier than ever to get started with our step-by-step guide on how to insert a menstrual disc.
Flexible Options For Lighter Days
When your flow is light or tapering off, period underwear alone might be exactly what you need. For those in-between days, some choose to layer with cloth pads or reusable liners for just a little extra coverage. It’s all about finding what feels right for you.
Your Cycle, Your Way
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to period care, and that’s the point. Whether you mix and match Saalt products or build a kit that evolves with your needs, the most important thing is that you feel supported, secure, and in control every step of the way.
Tips For First-Time Users
Stepping into the world of period underwear for the first time can be exciting, but also a little unfamiliar. That’s okay. Like any new habit, finding your rhythm takes a little practice. Here are a few helpful tips as you make the switch to safer, more sustainable period care:
- Start With The Right Fit: Use a flexible measuring tape to measure your waist (at your belly button) and the widest part of your hips. Then, refer to our Size Chart, which is located on every product listing. A good fit is essential for leak protection as you move through your day.
- Ease Into Your Flow: Try your period underwear on lighter days at first, or pair it with a menstrual cup or period disc while you get to know your flow. This helps you understand how the product feels, how much it can absorb, and how often you’ll want to change.
- Pay Attention To Materials: Choose period underwear made with materials that support your body and peace of mind. At Saalt, all fabrics are carefully selected and not treated with PFAS, because safety starts with what touches your skin.
- Know Your Routine: After wearing, give your underwear a cold-water rinse to help prevent stains and keep things fresh. Then wash on a gentle cycle with fragrance-free detergent. Skip the fabric softener, and hang to dry whenever possible to help maintain performance.
- Trust The Process: Like any new period care product, there may be a short adjustment period. Be kind to yourself as you figure out what works best for you. You're making a choice that supports your body and the planet, and that’s worth celebrating.
- Reach Out And Ask: Everyone is different, and your experience is valid. If you have questions, lean on product guides, community reviews, or educational resources. Sometimes the best advice comes from a stranger who has the same questions you do.
Make the Switch
Choosing period underwear is more than just a switch in products. It’s a shift toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable care. From understanding materials to exploring combinations that fit your unique routine, every decision you make supports your well-being and reflects your values.
At Saalt, we're here to help you feel confident in your choices with intentionally designed products that prioritize safety, comfort, and transparency. According to UNICEF, women menstruate for an average of about 7 years during their lifetime. So, let us help you make those years count. Choose non-toxic underwear that enables you to focus less on your period and more on living fully, every day of your cycle.
Read also:
- How to Prevent TSS
- What Are The Drawbacks Of Period Underwear?
- How Hard Is Reusable Period Care Maintenance?
Frequently Asked Questions About Whether Period Panties Are Safe
What materials are used in period panties?
At Saalt, our period underwear is intentionally made with your safety and comfort in mind. We use premium, high-performance fabrics like breathable TENCEL™ Modal and recycled fibers, layered with a thin yet mighty absorbent gusset. Our materials are not treated with PFAS, and we never use harmful coatings or additives in our fabrics or finishes. It’s period care that’s clean, thoughtfully sourced, and designed to support your body.
How often should I replace my period panties?
Saalt period underwear is designed for long-term use when cared for properly. We recommend monitoring for signs like reduced absorbency, fabric thinning, or overstretched elastics. If any of those appear, it might be time for a refresh. With consistent care, Saalt Wear offers durable, reusable performance you can count on, cycle after cycle.
How do I care for my period panties?
Caring for your Saalt underwear is simple. Just rinse it in cold water after use to remove excess flow. After that, machine wash it on cold, using a gentle cycle with mild, fragrance-free detergent, and then allow it to air dry by laying flat or hanging. Throughout the process, avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and high heat. These steps help preserve absorbency and extend the life of your leakproof layers—no extra effort required.
What are the environmental benefits of using period panties?
Choosing Saalt period underwear is a small step with a big impact. Reusable products help divert thousands of single-use pads and tampons from landfills. And because we manufacture using ethical, low-waste processes and certified plastic-negative practices, every pair supports both people and the planet. You’ll reduce your footprint without having to drastically change your lifestyle or your laundry routine.
Is it safe to wear period panties overnight?
Absolutely! Saalt’s period underwear is designed for extended wear and overnight protection. The absorbent gusset helps you stay supported while you rest, so you can wake up feeling clean and dry. As always, changing your products regularly, especially if they become saturated, is important to support healthy hygiene.
What is the absorbency level of period panties?
Saalt period panties come in various absorbency levels, from light to super, to match your flow. For extra coverage, you can also mix and match them with a menstrual cup or period disc. No matter your cycle, we’ve got your back (and your backside)—leak-free, worry-free.
