Disposable pads and tampons have long been marketed as convenient solutions for menstrual care, but their environmental footprint is significant.
What The Statistics Say
According to the Bulletin of the World Health Organization (WHO), a person can expect to use around 10,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime, with many of these made of over 90% plastic. In the EU alone, 49 billion single-use items are consumed each year, contributing to more than 200,000 metric tons of waste in the UK annually. Take a moment to imagine the sheer scale: billions of pads and tampons used every year, destined for a single-use journey from the bathroom to a dump. Most used products end up in landfills, where they may take 500–800 years to decompose, or are flushed, entering water systems and worsening pollution.
The Move Towards Sustainable Period Care
As awareness grows, global efforts are calling for a shift toward sustainable alternatives like reusable period panties. Still, WHO emphasizes that while sustainable products can significantly reduce waste, they are not universally accessible, and no one should be stigmatized for using single-use products. Reducing the impact of menstrual waste calls for systemic solutions, including better access, education, and innovation in non-toxic period products.
Saalt’s Impact
At Saalt, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, dignified period, no matter where they live or what resources they have. That belief has powered a global movement of change. Together with our community, we’ve donated over 148,000 Saalt products, served more than 600,000 periods, and funded over 1.3 million days of school for menstruators around the world. Because when period care becomes a right instead of a privilege, girls stay in school, confidence rises, and communities thrive.
Our impact goes beyond access. It’s about sustainability, education, and empowerment. From repurposing over 4.4 million water bottles into reusable period wear to diverting more than 30.3 million disposable products from landfills, we’re redefining what responsible period care looks like. As a certified B Corp, we commit 1% of our revenue to donate period care to regions with the most need, and help fund initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability. Your choice to support Saalt helps create lasting change — one cycle, one conversation, one community at a time.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Period Products?
Imagine starting your cycle without second-guessing what’s touching your skin or what’s entering your local landfill after you flush. Safe period underwear offers a simple shift with a powerful impact: an eco-conscious, responsible alternative to conventional pads and tampons that puts your comfort and peace of mind first.
Why PFAS Doesn’t Belong In Your Period Care
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in everything from stain-resistant fabrics to food packaging — and yes, sometimes even in period products. The concern? These chemicals break down extremely slowly, which means they can build up in our bodies and in the environment over time.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to reproductive harm, developmental delays in children, hormone disruption, and a higher risk of certain cancers. They’ve been detected in drinking water, soil, and household dust. Unfortunately, most of us have been exposed. That’s why at Saalt, our moisture-wicking underwear is never treated with PFAS, and we rigorously test our products for safety. Your period care shouldn’t come with a side of question marks. It should feel good, work well, and support your well-being from the inside out.
Gentle Materials, Real Protection
Traditional period products often contain fragrances, dyes, plastics, and other additives that may irritate sensitive skin. Saalt’s period underwear is made from thoughtfully chosen fabrics, and no PFAS is used in our manufacturing processes. Each pair is tested for safety and designed to offer leak protection you can trust without compromising softness or breathability.
If you’re looking for a reliable favorite, the Leakproof Comfort Brief in Super absorbency delivers cloud-soft comfort and powerful coverage, especially on heavy days or overnight. It can replace up to 7 pads or 10 tampons, plus it comes in an inclusive size range that goes from XXS to 4XL. So, bodies of all shapes and sizes can feel secure and free to move through their day.
Built For Real Life
Whether you’re at work, at school, or curled up on the couch, Saalt Wear moves with you. Unlike pads that can bunch or shift, the best period underwear stays in place without rolling or pinching. There’s no learning curve, either! If you’re wondering, “How do period panties work?” They look and feel just like your favorite pair of panties. Just slip them on, and you’re all set. Our multi-layered, absorbent gusset is engineered to wick away moisture, lock in leaks, and keep you dry without needing a pad or liner. For maximum coverage on your heaviest days or overnight, our Leakproof Comfort Boyshort offers extended gusset protection in a cozy, buttery soft fit.
A Choice That Gives Back
Opting for period underwear made without PFAS doesn’t just protect your body; it helps protect the planet and uplifts global menstrual health efforts. From diverting disposables from landfills to supporting access to safer period care through our Saalt Mission, every pair of underwear you choose supports a bigger shift toward dignity, equity, and sustainability.
How To Care For Your Period Underwear
The best non-toxic period underwear should be simple to care for. With Saalt, a proper washing routine is a small act of self-care that helps your favorite pairs last longer and continuously perform their best.
- Rinse After Use: As soon as you change out of your Saalt Wear, give them a quick rinse in cold water to help prevent staining and remove excess flow.
- Skip Harsh Chemicals: Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent — no bleach, fabric softener, or ironing. These can break down the absorbent tech over time.
- Use A Laundry Bag (If You Have One): For extra protection in the wash, pop them in a mesh bag on a cold or delicate cycle with the rest of your laundry.
- Air Dry With Love: Proudly hang dry your underwear. High heat from the dryer can wear down elastics and fabrics, so line drying keeps them stronger and ready for your next cycle.
By following these easy steps, you’ll keep your Saalt Wear feeling fresh, functioning at its best, and ready to support you — cycle after cycle.
Tips For Transitioning To Reusable Period Care
Shifting to reusable period care is more than a product swap; it’s a lifestyle shift rooted in empowerment and knowledge. If you’re curious or ready to take the leap, here’s how to make the transition feel seamless and positive:
1. Give Yourself Grace
Change doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s entirely normal to feel hesitant or uncertain as you leave behind old habits. Start by wearing period underwear on lighter flow days, or as backup with your preferred products, and allow yourself to ease in.
2. Know Your Flow
Understanding your cycle (its length, patterns, and flow intensity) will help you select the right styles and absorbency levels. Keep a journal or use an app to track your period, so you know exactly what your body needs each day.
3. Build Your Confidence
Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, it can take a few cycles to adjust. Try wearing your new period underwear at home first, so you can gain confidence without the distractions or stress of being out and about.
4. Prepare For On-The-Go
Bring a fresh pair plus a wet bag with you for easy storage of used underwear when you’re at work, school, or traveling. Planning ahead makes reusables as convenient as disposables, and helps you create a worry-free routine wherever life leads.
5. Remember Why You Started
Every time you reach for your period underwear, you’re choosing a future that values your body, your well-being, and the planet. Celebrate your progress, knowing that your small changes add up to a big impact.
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