Always Infinity Flexfoam Pads with Wings
Waterproof pads pose moderate PFAS concern; Always doesn't disclose coating chemistry.
Water-resistant topsheet typically achieves leakproof function through PFAS-based water repellents. Always doesn't disclose coating composition or PFAS status.
The better-graded swap
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Maxi Pads
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
synthetic polymer core with water-resistant topsheet (composition unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Always Infinity Flexfoam Pads with Wings is made of, ingredients and materials
Always Infinity Flexfoam pads use a synthetic polymer core (likely polypropylene or polyethylene) with an unspecified water-resistant topsheet and adhesive backing. The 'water-resistant' designation almost certainly involves fluorinated chemistry (PFAS) applied to the topsheet to repel menstrual fluid and prevent leaking, though Always does not disclose the specific compounds used. Flexfoam refers to an absorbent foam layer designed to distribute moisture; the exact polymer blend and additives are proprietary. Without transparency, the presence and concentration of PFAS in the topsheet coating cannot be independently verified.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Water-resistant synthetic pads almost certainly use fluorinated compounds (PFAS) on the topsheet. Always does not disclose this chemistry, and PFAS in close contact with sensitive vulval skin poses potential bioaccumulation and endocrine disruption risk with repeated long-term use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Synthetic polymer skin irritation and allergen potential
Flexfoam core and topsheet polymers, adhesives, and undisclosed additives can trigger contact dermatitis, vulvovaginal irritation, or allergic reactions in sensitive users. No widespread safety alerts exist, but individual sensitivity to synthetic materials in menstrual products is documented.
Microplastics
Synthetic foam and topsheet layers can degrade or shed microfibers during use and disposal, contributing to microplastic ingestion (if fragments contact food or water) and environmental persistence. Always does not test or report shedding rates.
Source, EPA ↗Adhesive and tackifier chemical composition unknown
The adhesive used to attach wings and secure the pad to underwear is not disclosed. Some menstrual pad adhesives contain acrylates, silicones, or other resins that may leach into skin or cause irritation; transparency is absent.
Absorption gel or additives not listed
Modern pads often use superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) like sodium polyacrylate and fragrance or odor-control additives; Always does not itemize these. SAPs have not been linked to PFAS in available public information, but undisclosed additives prevent full risk assessment.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Always (owned by Procter and Gamble) does not publicly disclose the chemical composition of its period pads, including the identity of water-resistant coatings or the presence of PFAS. The brand has faced criticism from menstrual health advocates and environmental groups for lack of ingredient transparency, but has not issued formal statements addressing PFAS use or committed to phasing it out. P&G has made limited sustainability commitments on plastics but has not specifically addressed 'forever chemicals' in feminine hygiene products. No recalls specific to chemical hazards in this product line are on record.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional pads (Kotex, Tampax, store brands) use similar water-resistant synthetic topsheets and likely contain PFAS, making Always comparable to the mainstream market rather than a leader. Organic cotton pads (Seventh Generation, Cora, Rael) avoid synthetic topsheets and typically disclose ingredients more openly, reducing PFAS exposure. Reusable cloth pads eliminate synthetic polymers and PFAS entirely but require washing and upfront cost. Always Infinity positions itself as high-absorbency and leak-prevention focused, prioritizing performance over chemical transparency, which reinforces the PFAS concern.
If you buy it
Use pads as directed without heating or microwaving (though not typical for pads, polymer breakdown accelerates heat exposure). Replace pads regularly during use; do not reuse or extend wear beyond recommended intervals, as prolonged skin contact with synthetic materials and adhesives may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. If you experience rash, itching, or odor changes after switching to or using Always pads regularly, discontinue and switch to organic or cotton-based alternatives. Consider rotating between pad brands or mixing with reusable pads to reduce cumulative PFAS and synthetic exposure.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Always has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Always Infinity Flexfoam Pads with Wings?
- organic cotton, wood pulp
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergen content
- cellulose, cotton blend, absorbent core
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bleach residues and processing chemicals in cellulose
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Cotton, wood pulp absorbent core, plastic backing
- Pesticide residue
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.