What ingredients are typically used in sanitary pads and tampons?

Sanitary pads and tampons are everyday essentials for millions of people who menstruate. Until recently, however, manufacturers in many regions were not legally required to disclose the ingredients used to make these products.

That changed in 2020, when New York became the first U.S. state to pass legislation requiring manufacturers to list the ingredients used in menstrual pads and tampons. Since January 1, 2021, manufacturers selling these products in New York must disclose their ingredients on product packaging and indicate whether any are known to pose health risks.

What Ingredients Are Commonly Found in Pads and Tampons?

Manufacturers use a variety of natural and synthetic materials to produce menstrual products. While many ingredients are considered safe when used appropriately, some have raised questions among consumers and researchers.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most common materials used in sanitary pads and tampons. It is soft, breathable, highly absorbent, and naturally derived. Some manufacturers use 100% cotton, while others combine it with synthetic fibers.

Rayon

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber valued for its absorbency and softness. Historically, concerns were raised because rayon was often bleached using chlorine-based processes. Today, many manufacturers use chlorine-free bleaching methods.

Synthetic Materials

Materials such as polyester and polypropylene are commonly used to improve absorbency, durability, and leak protection. Products may also contain adhesives, fragrances, and colorants to enhance comfort or appearance.

Ingredients That Have Raised Consumer Concerns

Some menstrual products may contain ingredients that have been questioned by consumer advocacy groups or researchers.

Ditallowethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database, this ingredient has been associated with concerns about skin irritation and allergic reactions. Some environmental assessments have also classified it as a persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially toxic (PBT) substance.

Petrolatum

Petrolatum is widely used as a moisturizing and protective ingredient in personal care products. While generally considered low to moderate risk by the EWG, concerns have been raised about possible contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) if not properly refined. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation.

Fragrance

Fragrance ingredients are often protected as trade secrets, meaning manufacturers are not always required to disclose their exact composition.

For sensitive individuals, certain fragrance ingredients may contribute to:

• Skin irritation.
• Allergic reactions.
• Respiratory irritation.
• Potential endocrine-disrupting effects for some synthetic fragrance compounds.

Colorants and Dyes

Dyes give products a more appealing appearance but may contain impurities or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive users. Some synthetic colorants have also been studied for potential environmental and health impacts.

Glycerin

Glycerin is sometimes used as a lubricant in tampons to improve insertion comfort.

Although it is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some researchers have suggested that glycerin may contribute to yeast overgrowth in susceptible individuals by providing a source of nutrients for yeast.

Other Ingredients Sometimes Found in Menstrual Products

Additional ingredients that may appear in some pads or tampons include:

• PEG-100 Stearate.
• PEG Hydrogenated Castor Oil Trilaurate.
• PEG Sorbitol Hexaoleate.
• Titanium Dioxide.
• Ethoxylated Fatty Acid Esters.
• Paraffin.
• Methyldihydrojasmonate.
• Ethylene Brassylate.
• Dipropylene Glycol.

The safety of any ingredient depends on factors such as its concentration, formulation, frequency of use, and individual sensitivity. If you have concerns about specific ingredients, consult your healthcare provider or seek advice from a qualified professional.

Why Ingredient Transparency Matters

Ingredient disclosure allows consumers to make informed choices about the menstrual products they use.

By understanding product composition, consumers can choose products that align with their health preferences, avoid ingredients they may be sensitive to, and support brands that prioritize transparency and product safety.

The Bottom Line

Laws requiring manufacturers to disclose menstrual product ingredients represent an important step toward greater transparency and consumer awareness.

Reading ingredient lists, choosing products made from high-quality materials, and selecting brands committed to safety and independent certification can help you make more informed decisions about your intimate health.