Always Infinity FlexFoam Pads
Skip until Always discloses waterproof layer composition; period products warrant PFAS transparency.
Waterproof backing for leakproof function often uses fluorinated chemistry. Always doesn't disclose specific coating materials or PFAS status.
The safe swap
OB
OB / Maternity Pad Maxi Super Absorbency NON241279
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Good.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Absorbent core with unspecified waterproof backing layer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Waterproof backing composition is undisclosed; fluorochemical water repellents are common in period-pad backings and known to contain PFAS. No specific test results for Always Infinity FlexFoam are publicly available.
Source: ATSDR ↗Absorbent-core additives (dioxins, dyes, residual bleach)
Cellulose cores are typically bleached and may contain trace dioxins or dyes; Always does not disclose whether FlexFoam uses chlorine bleaching. Industry standard is low enough that regulatory concern is minimal, but transparency is absent.
Fragrance allergens (if fragmented version used)
Always Infinity products include fragrance and alcohol additives; contact dermatitis and irritation are reported by users sensitive to synthetic fragrances. FlexFoam variants without fragrance are available and reduce this risk.
Skin irritation from backing material or adhesive
No widespread reports specific to FlexFoam, but synthetic polymer backings and adhesives can cause contact dermatitis or rash in sensitive individuals. Reaction risk is lower than with highly fragranced or dyed products.
What’s reassuring
Microfiber shedding or material degradation
No documented cases of FlexFoam backing shedding microplastics during use. Pads are discarded intact under normal use, so exposure to degradation products is unlikely.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Always Infinity FlexFoam pads use a cellulose-based absorbent core (standard for period products) paired with an unnamed waterproof backing layer, likely a thermoplastic polymer or polyethylene film. The specific composition of that backing is not publicly disclosed by the brand, which is the core issue for PFAS risk assessment. Period pads require waterproof layers to prevent leakage, but manufacturers rarely specify whether these contain PFAS or fluorochemical water repellents, making informed choice difficult.
The brand's record and disclosure
Always (Procter & Gamble) has not published ingredient lists or material transparency statements specific to FlexFoam's backing layer composition. The brand has faced criticism from period-product safety advocates for declining to disclose PFAS use in menstrual products, despite disclosing fragrance and other additives. No recalls or major safety incidents have been reported for Always Infinity pads, and the brand holds no third-party certifications (such as FDA approval) that would independently verify material safety.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream period pads (Kotex, Tampax, Playtex) share the same waterproof-backing transparency gap; few brands fully disclose whether their backings contain PFAS. Some smaller brands (Cora, Rael) market themselves with PFAS-free or plastic-reduced positioning, though independent verification is limited. Organic cotton pads (Seventh Generation, Aunt Flow) typically avoid synthetic backings or specify their materials, offering a clearer alternative if PFAS avoidance is a priority.
If you buy it
Always Infinity pads are designed for single use and disposal; no maintenance or reuse is involved, reducing long-term exposure risk compared to reusable alternatives. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to avoid any potential material breakdown. If concerned about PFAS, contact Always/P&G directly requesting waterproof-layer composition before committing to regular use. Consider rotating with PFAS-transparent brands or switching to certified organic options if this is a priority for your health profile.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Always has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Period Pads
OB
O.b Pro Comfort Super Plus 16 pad
rayon/viscose, cotton, and gelling polymers
Microplastic shedding or degradation
Limited concern
Irritation or allergic sensitization from adhesive or synthetic fibers
Moderate concern
Bacterial growth or contamination from prolonged moisture
Limited concern
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
Limited concern
Polyethylene microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Bacterial colonization from prolonged wear
High concern
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
Limited concern
Bleaching residues in cellulose
Limited concern
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone materials publicly identified.
⚠Risky category by default
More period pads grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.