Always Review, Is Always Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 9 graded products, Always averages Poor (25/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. None of its products grade Good or better yet. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Does Always have PFAS, by category
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Always
Infinity FlexFoam Pads
Absorbent core with unspecified waterproof backing layer
PFAS
Waterproof backing composition is undisclosed; fluorochemical water repellents are common…
Absorbent-core additives (dioxins, dyes, residual bleach)
Cellulose cores are typically bleached and may contain trace dioxins or dyes; Always does…
Fragrance allergens (if fragmented version used)
Always Infinity products include fragrance and alcohol additives; contact dermatitis and…
Skin irritation from backing material or adhesive
No widespread reports specific to FlexFoam, but synthetic polymer backings and adhesives…
Skip until Always discloses waterproof layer composition; period products warrant PFAS transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Ultra Thin Super Pads
Cellulose/synthetic layers with undisclosed water-resistant treatment
PFAS
PFAS contamination has been documented in menstrual pads by independent testing (MIT…
Skin sensitization or allergic contact dermatitis
No specific allergic incidents tied to Always Ultra pads are established in public…
Fragrance or dye reactions
Always Ultra Thin scented variants (some regional versions) use fragrance additives.…
Period pads need water-repellency; Always discloses nothing about PFAS treatment.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Radiant Regular Pads With Wings
cellulose/SAP absorbent core with waterproof plastic backing
Plastic backing composition and leaching
The waterproof plastic layer's full chemical identity is not disclosed by Always or P&G.…
Synthetic dyes and fragrance in top sheet
Always Radiant pads may contain synthetic dyes for visual branding and undisclosed…
Lower concern but opaque; waterproof backing likely uses water-repellent coating, brand silent.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Ultra Thin Long Super Pads
Cellulose/rayon core with synthetic polymer backsheet and absorbent gels; waterproof layers likely water-repellent coating-treated
PFAS
The waterproof backsheet of Always Ultra Thin pads almost certainly relies on…
Sodium polyacrylate gel and skin irritation
Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) in this product can draw moisture from surrounding tissue…
Rayon production and environmental contamination residues
Rayon (viscose) is derived from wood pulp and can carry trace residues from bleaching and…
Fragrance or additive sensitivities
Always Ultra Thin pads are typically unscented, reducing fragrance allergen risk compared…
High-risk category; Always hasn't disclosed PFAS testing or commitment.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Infinity Flexfoam Pads with Wings
synthetic polymer core with water-resistant topsheet (composition unspecified)
PFAS
Water-resistant synthetic pads almost certainly use fluorinated compounds (PFAS) on the…
Synthetic polymer skin irritation and allergen potential
Flexfoam core and topsheet polymers, adhesives, and undisclosed additives can trigger…
Microplastics
Synthetic foam and topsheet layers can degrade or shed microfibers during use and…
Adhesive and tackifier chemical composition unknown
The adhesive used to attach wings and secure the pad to underwear is not disclosed. Some…
Waterproof pads pose moderate PFAS concern; Always doesn't disclose coating chemistry.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Ultra Thin Long Super Pads with Wings
cellulose/synthetic polymer core with waterproofing layer
PFAS
The synthetic waterproof layer used in Always Ultra Thin is a typical application point…
Skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis from synthetic polymers
Cellulose and polyethylene/polyurethane backings are generally well-tolerated, but…
Adhesive residue and skin barrier disruption
Wings-style adhesive strips (present on this product) can cause localized irritation or…
Microplastics
Polyethylene and polyurethane backings can fragment into microparticles if degraded…
Higher concern due to waterproof backing; consider alternatives with explicit PFAS-free claims.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Infinity Pads
Nonwoven absorbent core with polymer layers; waterproof backing composition not disclosed
PFAS
Waterproof layers in period pads often use perfluorinated compounds (e.g., Teflon-type…
Skin sensitization or contact dermatitis from undisclosed additives
Nonwoven and polymer layers may contain residual monomers, dyes, or processing chemicals.…
Microplastic shedding from nonwoven layers
Polypropylene nonwoven fabrics can degrade and release microfibers, particularly at…
Skip unless Always discloses waterproof coating chemistry or independent testing.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Ultra Thin Regular Pads
nonwoven cellulose/polyester blend with waterproof backing coating (unspecified)
Microplastic shedding from waterproof backing
Unspecified plastic coating may degrade under friction, moisture, and body temperature…
Teflon-type coating (Teflon) fume risk from waterproof coating
If the backing contains Teflon-type coating-based polymers, thermal degradation is…
Skin sensitization from undisclosed adhesives or coatings
User reports of genital itching, irritation, and allergic reactions attributed to Always…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nonwoven textiles are often bonded using formaldehyde-based resins; Always does not…
Skip if PFAS concerns you; limited brand transparency on water-resistant coatings.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always
Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads
cellulose, absorbent core, plastic backing with unspecified waterproof coating
Waterproof coating composition (unspecified)
The plastic backing's waterproof coating is not disclosed by Always; it may contain…
Microfiber and plastic backing degradation
Menstrual pads shed microfibers from the plastic backing, particularly during use and…
Adhesive leachables
The adhesives binding the pad layers may contain unreacted monomers or plasticizers that…
Contact dermatitis from undisclosed additives
Always Extra Heavy does not disclose whether the cellulose or plastic layers contain…
Waterproof coating unspecified; PFAS risk unclear without transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →