PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic compounds commonly used in everything from nonstick cookware to water-resistant fabrics. But they’re also turning up in some menstrual products, including period underwear, to repel moisture. But their potential risks outweigh any benefit. These chemicals are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down, meaning they can linger in the body and environment for years.
Why We Don’t Use PFAS In Our Period Products
Research has linked PFAS exposure to several serious health concerns, including higher levels of cholesterol, immune suppression, fertility issues, and increased cancer risk.¹ For something worn in close contact with the most absorbent part of your body, any intentional use of PFAS is a violation of trust. This is especially important in products designed for frequent, prolonged wear, like period underwear. Safety should never be compromised when your menstrual care is meant to be both protective and comfortable.
Why Period Products Made Without PFAS Matter
For anyone who menstruates, the idea of something potentially harmful sitting against one of the body’s most sensitive areas is understandably unsettling. Choosing period panties without PFAS used in their manufacturing process isn’t just about protection; it’s a kind of self-care that prioritizes transparency, safety, and sustainability.
At Saalt, we believe you should never have to question what’s in your underwear. That’s why all Saalt Wear is made without PFAS, including our moisture-wicking underwear and high-absorbency styles for heavy flow or bladder leaks. Instead, we source thoughtfully sourced materials with your health and the environment in mind. This isn’t just a better choice for your body. It’s a better choice for the planet. Safer products mean less chemical pollution in our water and soil, and a future with fewer toxins for the next generation to inherit.
Choosing to Avoid PFAS Is About Reclaiming Control Over Period Care
Your period care should work for you, not against you. The growing demand for safer period underwear isn’t a trend; it’s a shift toward accountability and empowerment. When you choose period products that are clean, sustainable, and high-performing, you’re making a statement. One that says: I deserve better. My body deserves better. And the planet does, too.
Benefits Of Choosing Underwear Made Without PFAS
When you put on period underwear, you want to have full confidence that what’s touching your skin is safe, effective, and supports your well-being. Opting for period underwear made without PFAS will help you get closer to this goal. Here’s why making the switch matters:
Prioritizing Your Body’s Health
PFAS chemicals, sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down, have been linked in scientific studies to a range of health concerns.¹ By choosing period underwear made without PFAS, you’re minimizing unnecessary exposure to substances that simply don’t belong near one of the most sensitive and absorbent areas of your body.
Supporting A Cleaner Planet
Every decision we make about what we wear and use, especially when it comes to disposables and items that touch our skin, has a ripple effect. PFAS don’t just linger in our bodies; they persist in the environment, contaminating water and soil. Making period underwear without using PFAS means less pollution and fewer toxic chemicals ending up in the places we live, work, and play. It’s a small step, but multiplied across millions of menstruators, it’s a move toward a cleaner, greener world.
Reducing Waste, Not Performance
One of the most powerful features of our purposefully engineered period underwear? Innovation makes them just as reliable, without relying on PFAS-laden finishes. High-quality, responsibly made period underwear proves you don’t need toxic substances for unbeatable leak protection, breathability, and comfort. You get all the function, no tradeoffs required.
Empowering Your Choices
There’s something innately empowering about making a choice that aligns with your values. When you opt for period underwear made without PFAS, you’re taking a stand — not just for yourself, but for your community and future generations. You’re sending a message: safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible period care matters, and you deserve nothing less.
Saalt period underwear is a movement toward safer, cleaner, and more conscious period care. It’s about rewriting the script on what’s possible for our bodies and the planet, one cycle at a time.
How To Care For Your Period Underwear
Even with all the technology inside period underwear, the great news is that they’re super low maintenance. Saalt Wear is designed to last, but with a bit of mindfulness, your undies will perform their best throughout their entire lifespan. Here’s how to take care of them:
- Rinse Soon After Wearing: As soon as you can, rinse your underwear in cool water. This helps prevent staining and makes the full wash cycle more effective. Cold water is key — hot water can set stains and shorten the lifespan of your absorbent layers.
- Wash With Gentle Detergent: Machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle or hand wash if that’s your style. Always use mild, fragrance-free detergent that’s safe for both your skin and the environment. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners; those can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency over time.
- Skip The Dryer: Instead of machine drying, lay your undies flat or hang dry them in a well-ventilated area. High heat can damage the elastics and the leakproof barrier that makes these undies so reliable. Air drying is not only better for longevity; it’s more energy-efficient, too. Your underwear and the planet will thank you.
- Treat Stains Gently: For any stubborn spots, a small amount of natural stain remover (like baking soda paste or gentle enzyme cleaners) can help. Just steer clear of harsh chemicals or scrubbing, which can wear down the delicate tech that keeps leaks at bay.
- Store With Love: Once fully dry, tuck your underwear away in a clean, dry drawer or breathable pouch. Keeping them protected and ready ensures they’re in top shape for your next cycle.
How Saalt's Period Underwear Provides Leakproof Protection
No more glancing at the clock, wondering when you’ll need to make a bathroom break. Our period underwear is made for busy lives, not just light days. From school drop-offs to long-haul flights, this is period care that adapts — quietly resilient, comfortably powerful, and rooted in real-world needs.
Multi-Layered Protection That Works Hard (So You Don’t Have To)
Leak-proof protection starts from the inside out. Saalt’s patented gusset features ultra-thin, high-performance layers that wick away moisture, lock in leaks, and stay dry against your skin. The result? A barely-there feel that can handle anything from light spotting to heavy flows, without plasticy liners or bulky padding.
This same commitment to comfort and confidence applies across the product line. Whether you're pairing your underwear with a menstrual cup or using them as a standalone option, you’ll get coverage that moves with you and protection that never holds you back.
Freedom You Can Feel
Whether you're sweating through a morning workout or curled up on the couch, Saalt’s leakproof layers have your back(side). No leaks, no waste, no worries. Just powerful, breathable protection that helps you move through your day feeling confident and covered.
Saving Money And The Planet With Reusable Products
Think about every trip to the store for pads or tampons — the plastic wrap, the receipts, the expense that never seems to end. Now picture a different reality: a drawer stocked with just a few thoughtfully designed reusables that support you every month. It’s not just possible; it’s sustainable. Reusable period products not only help you save money, but they also make a measurable difference for the planet.
Reducing Waste, One Cycle At A Time
The environmental impact of disposable period care is immense. Millions of pads and tampons are discarded daily, many of which contain plastic components that can take hundreds of years to break down. Multiply that over decades of use, and the waste adds up fast. Replacing those with reusable period underwear means eliminating hundreds of disposables from landfills throughout your lifetime.
Each pair of period underwear from Saalt is engineered to last, replacing dozens (even hundreds) of single-use products that you’ll use throughout your lifetime. That means fewer trips to the store, less packaging waste, and a drastically reduced carbon footprint. It’s a smart move for your wallet, and a gentle one for the planet.
Built To Last, Designed To Empower
Reusables don’t just reduce waste; they redefine what period care can feel like. Whether it’s a no-panic, overnight-ready pair of leakproof underwear or an internal option that stays in place for up to 12 hours, these tools are designed to give you peace of mind and freedom. No more last-minute runs to the drugstore. No more guilt about what you're throwing away. Just clean products and a clean conscience.
Internal Reusables That Work With You
Prefer internal options? Our period disc is a flexible, reusable alternative that’s especially handy on heavier days or for anyone who wants a minimalist routine. It sits comfortably at the base of your cervix, collecting flow rather than absorbing it, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours (yes, even overnight or during physical activity). Plus, it’s BPA and latex free, and you can use it for up to 10 years. What’s not to love?
If you’ve never tried one before and you’re scared to start, we’ve got you. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to insert a menstrual disc with visual and written instructions — because the more you understand your body and your options, the easier it is to find what works for you.
Choosing reusable products is about more than savings and sustainability. It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that’s intentional, informed, and aligned with your values. With every cycle, you’re not just managing your period; you’re reshaping the future of period care.
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Sources:
- Brennan, N. M., Evans, A. T., Fritz, M. K., Peak, S. A., & von Holst, H. E. (2021). Trends in the Regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(20), 10900. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010900