Rael · Period Pads
Rael Organic Cotton Cover Regular Menstrual Fragrance Free Pads - Unscented - 16ct
Lower concern, organic cotton pads lack typical PFAS applications, but core materials aren't disclosed.
Rael's menstrual pads use organic cotton covers, which do not require water-repellent or grease-resistant treatments that introduce PFAS. The absorbent core material is undisclosed, but modern pads typically use superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that are not inherently PFAS-containing.
Shop Rael on Amazon →Material
organic cotton cover, absorbent core (unspecified cellulose/SAP)
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
Rael uses certified organic cotton for the cover layer, which avoids synthetic dyes and pesticide residues common in conventional cotton pads. The absorbent core composition is not publicly disclosed by the brand, which is standard industry practice but limits full transparency. Organic cotton covers reduce exposure to azo dyes and formaldehyde-based finishing resins used in conventional textile production. The lack of fragrance eliminates synthetic fragrance allergens that can irritate vulvar and vaginal tissue in sensitive users.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rael markets sustainability and organic certification but provides minimal technical disclosure about core materials, adhesives, or manufacturing controls. The brand holds no published third-party safety certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, FDA review statements) and does not publicly address PFAS testing or restrictions. No safety recalls or regulatory actions are on record for Rael menstrual products. The company's silence on PFAS and proprietary core chemistry reflects broader industry norms rather than a red flag, but limits independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Organic cotton covers are a consumer preference tier above conventional cotton pads, with fewer documented chemical finishing hazards. Most major brands (Tampax, Always, Kotex) do not disclose core materials or PFAS status, making Rael typical rather than exceptional in transparency. Competitors like Cora, Lola, and Aunt Flow also use organic cotton but similarly withhold absorbent-core formulations. Rael's unscented variant removes a common irritant and allergen source that fragranced pads introduce.
If you buy it
Store pads in a cool, dry place away from high heat or humidity to prevent mold growth in the absorbent core. Replace any pad showing discoloration, odor, or packaging damage before use. If you experience itching, burning, or irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider; sensitivity is often idiosyncratic rather than product-wide. Disposal follows standard waste streams; menstrual products are not recyclable in most curbside systems.
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.”
Azo dyes and textile finishing agents
Organic cotton certification excludes many synthetic dyes and formaldehyde-based resins used in conventional pad manufacture. No azo dye or formaldehyde contamination has been reported for this product or brand.
Fragrance allergens and irritants
This product is unscented and fragrance-free, eliminating a common source of vulvar irritation and allergic contact dermatitis that affects a subset of menstruators. Fragranced pad variants carry higher irritation risk.
Synthetic polymer irritants and microparticles
The undisclosed absorbent core likely contains superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and/or rayon, both widely used in menstrual pads. While regulated for safety, SAP particles can theoretically migrate or cause local irritation in sensitive tissue; no confirmed harm has been documented in this brand specifically.
Chlorine bleaching residues
Organic certification typically restricts chlorine bleaching of cotton, though the brand does not explicitly confirm bleaching method. No dioxin or elemental chlorine contamination has been reported for Rael pads.
Adhesive and core-layer leachables
Pad adhesive composition is proprietary across the industry. Uncured adhesive or polymer oligomers could theoretically leach under warm, moist conditions; no incidents have been documented for this product, but long-term exposure testing of menstrual pad contact chemistry remains limited in public literature.
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.