Just · Period Pads
Always Pure Cotton Pads with Wings
Lower-concern choice; cotton pads rarely require PFAS treatments, but brand transparency is absent.
Always Pure Cotton Pads appear to use natural cotton as the primary absorbent material, which typically does not require fluorochemical coatings. However, the brand makes no public disclosure about PFAS in manufacturing or adhesives. No third-party testing or certification is evident.
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cotton absorbent core with adhesive
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Always Pure Cotton Pads use a cotton absorbent core, which is inherently low-risk for chemical leaching compared to synthetic polymer blends. The adhesive securing the pad to underwear is a proprietary formulation not publicly disclosed; adhesives in period pads are typically acrylate-based and applied in minimal quantities. Cotton fiber itself does not require heavy processing in modern menstrual pads, though the crop may carry pesticide residues if not organically grown. The "wings" are likely a polyester-reinforced cotton blend for structural integrity, a standard practice across the category.
The brand's record and disclosure
Procter and Gamble (Always's parent company) does not publicly disclose material composition, processing standards, or chemical testing for this product line. No third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle) are listed on packaging or marketing materials reviewed. The brand has faced historical criticism over menstrual product ingredient transparency, though no recalls or safety violations specific to Always Pure Cotton are on record. The silence on PFAS and other chemical use is standard for the conventional period-pad industry but represents a transparency weakness relative to smaller certified alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Cotton-core pads occupy a mid-tier safety position: better than fully synthetic gel-polymer blends (which carry microplastic and potential chemical leaching risks) but less transparent than certified organic or independently tested brands. Most mass-market pads (Kotex, Tampax, Always) share similar disclosure gaps; Always Pure Cotton's emphasis on cotton is marketing-driven rather than a regulated claim. Specialty brands (Cora, Seventh Generation, Aunt Flow) typically provide third-party testing or organic certification, which this product lacks. For consumers seeking conventional convenience without premium pricing, this is an average choice.
If you buy it
Change pads every 4-8 hours to minimize bacterial growth risk, especially during heavy flow days; leaving pads in place longer increases moisture and microorganism proliferation. Do not expose opened pads to humidity or light for extended periods before use, as cotton can absorb moisture and support mold. Discard any pad that shows visible discoloration, odor, or packaging damage. If you experience itching, rashes, or allergic reactions, discontinue use and consider patch-testing a different brand, as adhesive sensitivity is possible though rare.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Pesticide residues (non-organic cotton)
Always Pure Cotton pads do not specify organic sourcing; conventional cotton is treated with pesticides and insecticides during farming. Direct skin contact during menstruation may pose marginal risk, though residues are typically minimal in finished absorbent products.
Adhesive toxicity (proprietary formula)
No adverse events or chemical composition disclosures are on record for Always pad adhesives. Standard acrylate-based adhesives are considered safe at typical application levels, but P&G does not publish formulation details for independent review.
Bacterial or fungal growth (moisture retention)
All absorbent period pads create warm, moist conditions favorable to microbial growth if worn too long. This is a use-behavior risk, not a manufacturing defect, but cotton's high moisture-retention capacity increases this risk relative to synthetic alternatives.
Fragrance allergens (if scented variants)
Some Always variants include fragrance; unscented versions are available. Fragrance can trigger contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals, particularly during menstruation when skin barrier is compromised.
Microplastics (polyester wing reinforcement)
The polyester-blend wings may shed microfibers during wear or laundering of underwear, though the quantity per pad is minimal. No industry data quantifies microplastic shedding from period-pad wings specifically.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Period Pads
Organyc
Corman Organyc Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads
Certified organic cotton, no synthetic coatings disclosed
Lower-concern choice; organic cotton without disclosed coatings reduces PFAS risk, though brand offers no explicit assurance.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Organyc
Feminine Pads
Organic cotton, cellulose
Lower-concern choice; organic cotton base + explicit PFAS-free positioning + third-party certs.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Organyc
The Honey Pot Company Organic Herbal Regular Pads
organic cotton, cellulose core
Lower-concern period product; organic cotton pads unlikely to contain PFAS, though brand remains silent on testing.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More period pads grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.