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Reducing Chemical Exposure: Why Your Choice of Period Pads Matters

Curious about reducing daily chemical exposure? One easy place to start is by re-thinking your period care products, have a watch of my conversation with these two inspiring entrepreneurs, Maureen and Pamela of The Pad Company. We talk about what motivated them to start their business, the reasons to switch to natural fibre pads and why comfort and health should not be a compromise.

Unbleached bamboo period padsPRODUCT SUMMARY                               

Product: Chemical-free, natural fibre period pads

Made By: Maureen and Pamela at The Pad Company

How To Dispose/Recycle: wrap the pad in the wrapper sheet it came in or in toilet tissue and dispose in the general waste. The resealable packets the pads are packaged in are not yet recyclable. The packaging is designed to keep the pads in good condition because, as the pads are made of natural fibres, they require a little extra protection. Maureen and Pamela are looking at more sustainable options for the future.

How To Buy: visit The Pad Company website here*.

We live in a world where our bodies are continuously exposed to chemicals. From the air we breathe, the food we eat, the products we apply to our skin, and even the clothes we wear—our daily lives are full of invisible toxins. While our bodies are designed to naturally eliminate toxins, the sheer volume of exposure we face today often exceeds our body’s ability to cope effectively.

Many of us are unaware of just how many toxins we encounter every day. Synthetic fragrances, preservatives, plastics, pesticides, and various industrial chemicals are common in household cleaners, personal care products, makeup, and even our food. Regular exposure to these substances can lead to inflammation, weakened immune systems, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and skin conditions. Over time, the cumulative effect can significantly impact our long-term health.

Why Toxins In Period Pads Matters

When it comes to period care, the issue of chemical exposure becomes particularly crucial. Sensitive areas of our bodies are more permeable, meaning they absorb chemicals more readily than other skin areas. Unfortunately, conventional disposable period pads frequently contain chemicals such as fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleaching agents, and plastic polymers—all substances we wouldn’t willingly choose to put in contact with our skin.

The Pad Company chemical free sanitary pads
The Pad Company’s range of ultrathin unbleached, bamboo pads with wings. Available in the following sizes, from left to right: Day, Night and Mini

This hidden chemical exposure can cause immediate issues like irritation, rashes, and discomfort. Over the long term, repeated exposure may contribute to chronic health conditions, hormonal disruptions, and reduced immunity.

Why Disposable Pads Still Have A Place 

While reusable and washable period products have become popular for good reason—they’re eco-friendly and often chemical-free—there’s undeniably still a place for disposable pads and tampons. Many women, myself included, prefer a mix of products to meet varying needs and circumstances. Disposable options become particularly essential when we cannot guarantee access to private bathrooms, washing facilities, or practical spaces to comfortably manage reusable products.

Recognising this, it becomes even more critical to choose disposable products that prioritise your health. That’s why I am so enthusiastic about highlighting brands committed to reducing our chemical load. Enter The Pad Company, founded by two sisters, Maureen and Pamela, passionate about creating safer and healthier period products. They have developed period pads made from bamboo fibres, naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Critically, these pads contain no harmful chemicals or bleaching agents in the layer that touches your body. This makes them not only comfortable but also reassuringly safe. Maureen and Pamela are upfront about the fact that their products are not 100% plastic free because they haven’t so far found a good enough natural alternative to the waterproof backing to their pads, however, they are continually researching the latest developments to find an option that works effectively.

In addition to the being free from harmful chemicals, The Pad Company’s bamboo pads have a unique design feature—an innovative protective leakguard strip on the sides, significantly enhancing leak protection, even during heavy periods. The combination of natural fibres and thoughtful design makes these pads highly effective and trustworthy.

What We Talked About In The Interview

In my video interview with the co-founders of The Pad Company, we discussed:

  • how 70% of the women they surveyed are using disposable pads, which means that most women still view such pads as an indispensable part of their period care,
  • the types of toxins that conventional period pads products can contain and the impact on our comfort and health,
  • how The Pad Company designed their pads to be comfortable, effective at preventing leaks and chemical free,
  • the challenges of creating a business that is looking to drive positive change in the status quo and genuinely live up to health claims.
Closer look The Pad Company Day Time Pad
A closer look at the Day Pad. The Pad Company’s pads are a natural, beige colour as they are not bleached white like many other pads

In future articles, I’ll be reviewing other period care options to help you find the natural and eco-friendly solutions that best meet your personal needs and lifestyle.

One of my main reasons for doing these video chats with businesses like The Pad Company is to actually be able ask the businesses directly to explain their product and what they mean when they make certain claims. It’s also to champion all the wonderful businesses who are committed to natural ingredients and toxin-free materials.

I highly recommend trying these pads from The Pad Company. As someone who is perimenopausal and has very heavy days, I can personally attest that these pads felt comfortable, secure and effectively prevented leaks. And it’s reassuring to know that every effort has been made to make these pads as chemical free and safe to use as possible. Thanks Maureen and Pamela!

If you would like to try The Pad Company pads for yourself, visit The Pad Company website here*.

*Some links on my website are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you click and buy through such links.