The Short Answer
Neither conventional tampons nor pads get a clean bill of health. If you are forced to choose between the two at a drugstore, pads are marginally safer because they eliminate the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and aren't inserted directly into your body.
However, both products carry serious chemical risks. A groundbreaking 2024 UC Berkeley study found lead in 100% of tampons tested, while recent 2024 and 2025 lawsuits revealed that popular synthetic pads leach toxic PFAS "forever chemicals." To truly protect your health, you need to ditch conventional brands entirely and opt for third-party tested organic cotton or medical-grade silicone alternatives.
Why This Matters
Vaginal tissue is highly permeable. Unlike the skin on your arm, the mucous membranes in your vagina and vulva absorb chemicals directly into your bloodstream. This means any toxins in your period products bypass your liver's natural filtration system entirely. Are Tampons Toxic
Tampons pose a massive internal exposure risk. Because they sit inside the body for hours at a time, any heavy metals, dioxins, or pesticide residues present in the cotton have a direct pathway into your circulatory system. Is There Dioxin In Tampons
Pads create a toxic microclimate. Conventional pads use plastic backings to prevent leaks, which effectively suffocates your skin. This traps heat and moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Is Plastic In Pads Bad
What's Actually In Period Products
- Heavy Metals — A 2024 study tested 30 tampons from 14 brands and found 16 toxic metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, in every single one. Are Tampons Safe
- PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — Used to make pads leak-proof. A recent lawsuit revealed that popular pads leach PFOA (a highly toxic PFAS) at a staggering 756 parts per trillion per hour. Are There Chemicals In Pads
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — Found in synthetic sanitary pads, VOCs are linked to reproductive issues, cellular damage, and menstrual irregularities.
- Synthetic Fragrance — Used in both scented pads and tampons, synthetic fragrance contains undisclosed phthalates that disrupt hormones and cause severe contact dermatitis. Are Scented Pads Bad
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Certified Organic Cotton — Reduces your exposure to agricultural pesticide residues like glyphosate.
- Chlorine-Free Bleaching — Look for "TCF" (Totally Chlorine-Free) to ensure no carcinogenic dioxins were created during manufacturing.
- Third-Party Testing — Transparent brands publish independent lab results proving their products are free of heavy metals and PFAS.
Red Flags:
- Rayon and Synthetic Blends — Highly absorbent materials that increase the risk of TSS and are heavily processed with harsh chemicals.
- "Leak-Proof" Claims Without Transparency — This often signals the use of PFAS chemical coatings or thick plastic barriers.
- "Odor-Control" or Fragrance — These are industry code words for chemical deodorizers and hormone-disrupting phthalates. Are Scented Tampons Bad
The Best Options
If you are choosing between products, always look for organic, plastic-free materials.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natracare | Organic Pads | ✅ | Plastic-free, TCF, and independently tested for purity. Is Natracare Pads Clean |
| Saalt | Menstrual Cup | ✅ | Made from 100% medical-grade silicone with zero PFAS or heavy metals. Is Saalt Cup Safe |
| Cora | Organic Tampons | ⚠️ | Organic cotton, but like all tampons, still carries a baseline TSS risk. Is Cora Tampons Clean |
| Tampax | Pearl Tampons | 🚫 | Rayon blend, conventional cotton, and potential heavy metal exposure. Is Tampax Safe |
| Always | Infinity Pads | 🚫 | Made with synthetic foams and plastics that trap moisture and harbor VOCs. Is Always Pads Safe |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the plastic. If you use pads, switch to 100% organic cotton options without synthetic backings to let your skin breathe and avoid PFAS exposure. Safest Pad Brand
2. Limit internal exposure. If you use tampons, never leave them in longer than 4-6 hours to minimize potential heavy metal leaching and TSS risk. Is Tss Still A Concern
3. Consider the cup. Medical-grade silicone menstrual cups are the safest period product on the market because they don't absorb natural moisture, harbor heavy metals, or leach PFAS. Are Menstrual Cups Safe
FAQ
Do organic tampons have heavy metals too?
Yes, organic tampons still contain heavy metals. The 2024 UC Berkeley study actually found that while conventional tampons had higher levels of lead, organic tampons contained higher levels of arsenic—likely due to the soil and water used to grow the cotton. Are Organic Tampons Safer
Is TSS still a real risk with tampons?
TSS is rare but still a medical emergency. While cases dropped significantly after highly synthetic super-absorbent tampons were regulated in the 1980s, leaving any tampon in for longer than 8 hours still puts you at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome. Is Tss Still A Concern
Can pads cause infections?
Conventional pads absolutely increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. The plastic backings and synthetic foams trap heat and moisture, disrupting your vagina's natural pH and allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. Are Pads Safe