OB Review, Is OB 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 4 graded products, OB averages Good (59/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from OB Good or better, safest first
OB
O.b Pro Comfort Super Plus 16 pad
rayon/viscose, cotton, and gelling polymers
Microplastic shedding or degradation
The polyacrylate gel polymer may shed microscopic particles during use and breakdown. No…
Irritation or allergic sensitization from adhesive or synthetic fibers
A small proportion of users report localized skin irritation or contact dermatitis from…
Bacterial growth or contamination from prolonged moisture
All absorbent period pads create a moist microenvironment that can support bacterial…
Lower concern. Typical period pad materials lack PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
OB
/ Maternity Pad Maxi Super Absorbency NON241279
cellulose, polyethylene, absorbent core (typical period pad materials)
Absorbent polymer (sodium polyacrylate) allergic sensitization
Sodium polyacrylate is used in nearly all modern pads for super-absorbency. Rare cases of…
Polyethylene microplastic shedding
The polyethylene backing may shed microfibers over time during handling and disposal…
Bacterial colonization from prolonged wear
Extended use (beyond 8 hours) creates warm, moist conditions that promote bacterial…
Lower concern, typical pad materials rarely require PFAS treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
OB
OC BON Ultra Thin Wings Sanitary Pads Medium 4P
Cellulose, nonwoven synthetics, adhesives
Adhesive contact sensitivity
Pressure-sensitive adhesives in pads are formulated for skin safety and undergo…
Bleaching residues in cellulose
OB pads are made from bleached cellulose to achieve whiteness and sterility. While bleach…
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone materials publicly identified.
⚠Risky category by default
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
OB
Capri Plus OB Pads - Mini
Cellulose/wood pulp core with adhesive; leak-guard likely polymer-based
PFAS
Industry testing has confirmed PFAS in period pad waterproof layers; OB's Capri Plus does…
Adhesive contact dermatitis or sensitization
Acrylate-based adhesives in pads can rarely trigger allergic contact dermatitis with…
Fragrance or cosmetic additives in the pad material
Capri Plus Mini pads are described as unscented on packaging, reducing fragrance allergen…
Typical pad construction; waterproof layer raises concern, no brand disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →