Most people assume period products are safe.
The reality is less clear.
Over 20+ years of testing has found a mix of substances in tampons, pads, cups and period underwear - including heavy metals, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), pesticides, phthalates and dioxins.
On their own, the levels might seem small.
But that’s not the point.
These products are used monthly, for decades, and often in highly absorbent parts of the body. That changes how exposure works - and why it matters.
The bigger issue: no one’s really checking
Despite this, regulation hasn’t kept up.
In the UK and EU, period products are still treated like everyday consumer goods - more like coat hangers than something used internally.
That means:
- No consistent requirement to list ingredients
- No product-specific safety standards
- No clear way of assessing long-term exposure
So most people simply don’t know what they’re using.
Why this matters
This isn’t about panic.
It’s about exposure.
- Regular use adds up
- Internal use increases absorption
- Small amounts, over time, can matter
And without transparency, people can’t make informed choices.
The direction of travel
Awareness is growing.
People want to know what’s in their products.
Campaigners are pushing for better regulation, testing, and full ingredient disclosure.
Because this shouldn’t be a guessing game.
The bottom line
You don’t need to overhaul everything.
But you should be able to answer one simple question:
What am I putting in my body - every month?
Right now, most people can’t.
