Always Maxi Review, Is Always Maxi 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 3 graded products, Always Maxi 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.
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Always Maxi
Pads With Wings
cellulose/polyethylene with waterproof coating
PFAS
Coating chemistry is proprietary and undisclosed. PFAS are common in menstrual product…
Microplastics
Polyethylene backing may shed microscopic particles during normal flexing, stretching…
Undisclosed synthetic additives in coating
Proprietary waterproof coatings often contain plasticizers, adhesion promoters, or…
Adhesive and fragrance sensitization
Always Maxi pads contain adhesive and optional fragrance (in some variants). Fragrance…
Unknown waterproof coating; brand silent on PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always Maxi
Size 3 Extra Long Super Pads with Wings
absorbent core, adhesive, waterproof backing (unknown treatment)
PFAS
Waterproof polymer coatings on period pads commonly use fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to…
Adhesive leachables and skin contact sensitivity
The adhesive strip in Always Maxi comes into direct contact with vulvar skin, one of the…
Fragrance allergens in scented variants
Always offers scented versions of Maxi pads; fragrance formulations are not disclosed.…
Unknown waterproof backing treatment; PFAS risk unspecified by brand
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Always Maxi
Overnight Pads with Wings
cellulose, polypropylene, adhesives with undisclosed water-resistant coatings
PFAS
Always does not disclose the chemical identity of water-resistant finishes on the backing…
Undisclosed adhesives
The adhesives bonding cellulose, polypropylene, and nonwoven layers are not itemized on…
Polypropylene microparticle shedding
Polypropylene backing and wings can degrade, fragment, or shed microparticles during…
Contact dermatitis from coating or adhesive compounds
Scattered consumer reports online describe skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions…
Waterproof period pads often use PFAS-treated materials; brand provides no transparency.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →