Everything You Need to Know About PFAS and Period Underwear

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Have you been hearing a lot about PFAS lately? You might be wondering: "What exactly are these chemicals, and why should I care?" And in particular: “Are these chemicals in my period underwear?!” We're here to clear up the confusion so you can make an informed decision about your health and hygiene.


Is Saalt Period Underwear Safe?

Absolutely! As a certified B Corporation, we prioritize your health, wellbeing, and the environment. We do not use PFAS in any of our fabrics or finishes. Additionally, we rigorously test all materials for a wide range of hazardous substances, including PFAS.

Our commitment to transparency extends to our materials and production process. Being a team of individuals who experience periods, we wouldn’t put anything in our garments that we wouldn’t want in our own underwear. We're dedicated to doing the right thing for our customers and the planet.

Addressing PFAS in Our Fabrics

In early 2020, during our pre-launch testing for Saalt Wear, we discovered that one of our fabrics contained a PFAS chemical. We immediately contacted the supplier and began redeveloping the material with a new finish, free of PFAS and other harmful substances. We also reached out to all our suppliers to ensure no other materials contained PFAS. Once the fabric was redeveloped, we had it tested by a third-party lab to confirm the absence of PFAS. This thorough process delayed our product launch by almost five months, but it was worth it to ensure the safety of our period underwear.

Understanding PFAS

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down. They can accumulate in the human body and interfere with various systems. According to the EPA, the most studied PFAS chemicals can cause reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and immune system issues.

These chemicals are found in many common household products, including non-stick cookware, rain jackets, shampoo, dental floss, some food packaging, and even tap water. As more studies reveal their adverse health effects, the conversation around PFAS continues to evolve. For more information, check out resources from the CDC, EPA, and NIH.

PFAS and Period Underwear

PFAS are used in many consumer products for their ability to repel liquids like water and oil. Some period underwear brands have used PFAS as a stain- and water-resistant coating. However, repeated exposure to high levels of PFAS can be harmful.

The Science Behind PFAS Testing

Because PFAS do not degrade, they are becoming more prevalent. This means products can be inadvertently exposed to PFAS during shipping or manufacturing. At Saalt, we do not use PFAS in any of our fabrics or finishes. Third-party testing of our leakproof underwear has shown PFAS levels between 0 and 10 parts per million (ppm), well below the 100 ppm threshold generally considered intentional use. Levels under 10 ppm are considered “undetectable” by most testing facilities and suggest accidental exposure rather than intentional use.

You can find all the data on our testings here.

Making a Difference, One Period at a Time

Your choices and decisions about period care impact both your body and the planet. As a B Corp, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and responsibly produced period panties. We source materials from factories known for their commitment to safe, green textiles and continuous environmental improvements. The facility where Saalt period underwear and leakproof panties are made was the first in the world to be rated Platinum by the US Green Building Council. Some of our fabrics are OEKO-TEX or bluesign approved, recognized standards for environmentally friendly textiles.

At Saalt, we aim to provide you with trustworthy, accurate information so you can make informed choices about your period care. Our goal is to create products that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you have any questions, our Saalt Coaches are always here to help. Feel free to reach out at sayhey@saalt.com anytime.


About Saalt


Period care looks different to everyone, but to Saalt, it’s always sustainable, comfortable, and leak-free. Their modern period care products, including a cup for period flow, discs, and leakproof underwear, feature high-quality materials and innovative technology to make the first phase of your cycle flow smoothly. Saalt Cups and Discs feature medical-grade silicone and a unique design to keep you comfortable, while the Saalt Wear collection contains reusable period panties with an ultra-thin gusset that feels like any other pair of underwear in your drawer. The brand helps you reduce or eliminate single-use products from your period care, so it’s easy to limit period waste without sacrificing convenience. Using Saalt’s range of accessories, like the Saalt Steamer and Saalt Cup Wash, you can gently care for your products for a safe, healthy, and clean period.

Find period care products that suit you and your active lifestyle when you visit https://saalt.com/


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