Always Ultra Thin Long Super Pads
High-risk category; Always hasn't disclosed PFAS testing or commitment.
Waterproof backsheets and absorbent polymers may contain legacy PFAS coatings. Always hasn't published PFAS data or made commitment claims.
The safe swap
Playtex
Playtex Sport Super+5
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
Cellulose/rayon core with synthetic polymer backsheet and absorbent gels; waterproof layers likely water-repellent coating-treated
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
The waterproof backsheet of Always Ultra Thin pads almost certainly relies on water-repellent coating chemistry; independent lab testing of mainstream period pads has documented PFAS presence, and Always has not disclosed testing or committed to PFAS-free formulations. Long-term dermal exposure to PFAS from daily pad use remains understudied but raises bioaccumulation concern.
Source: ATSDR ↗Sodium polyacrylate gel and skin irritation
Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) in this product can draw moisture from surrounding tissue and occasionally trigger localized irritation or allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Clinical reports of contact dermatitis from period pads are rare but documented, and the risk may increase with prolonged wear or in humid conditions.
Rayon production and environmental contamination residues
Rayon (viscose) is derived from wood pulp and can carry trace residues from bleaching and processing chemicals (chlorine, sodium hydroxide). While regulatory limits exist, rayon-based absorbent layers in pads may contain trace chlorinated byproducts or residual alkali, though this rarely causes acute toxicity in normal use.
Fragrance or additive sensitivities
Always Ultra Thin pads are typically unscented, reducing fragrance allergen risk compared to scented variants. However, adhesive residues and any antimicrobial or odor-control additives (if present) could trigger sensitivity in a small subset of users; the brand does not disclose the full additive list.
What’s reassuring
Synthetic polymer off-gassing and skin contact
Polypropylene backsheets do not off-gas VOCs under normal body temperature, and no specific health complaints linked to Always pad polypropylene have been established in public records. However, polymer degradation under heat or humidity could theoretically release trace monomers.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Always Ultra Thin Long Super Pads use a cellulose/rayon absorbent core, synthetic polymer (likely polypropylene) backsheet, and water-absorbing gels (usually sodium polyacrylate). The waterproof topsheet and backsheet are typically treated with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings to prevent leakage. water-repellent coating treatments on period products frequently rely on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to achieve water resistance, though Always has not publicly disclosed whether their products contain PFAS or have committed to phasing them out.
The brand's record and disclosure
Always, owned by Procter & Gamble, has not made public commitments to PFAS elimination in menstrual products or published safety testing data for PFAS content. The brand has not pursued third-party certifications (such as Made Safe, Cradle to Cradle, or GOTS) that would verify chemical safety. P&G's broader corporate disclosures on PFAS have been limited, and Always maintains a silent stance on the presence or absence of these chemicals in period pads specifically.
How it compares in its category
Period pads as a category carry widespread PFAS risk because waterproof barriers almost always require water-repellent coating treatment; independent testing of major brands (including Always) has detected PFAS in pads. Brands with transparent testing, PFAS phase-out commitments, or certifications (such as Cora, Aunt Flow, or some organic/cotton alternatives) currently offer lower documented chemical risk. Always' mainstream market position and lack of transparency put it in the higher-risk zone relative to brands that have made public safety pledges.
If you buy it
Change pads regularly (every 4-8 hours) to minimize skin contact time with potential chemical residues and reduce infection risk. Store pads in a cool, dry location away from heat and sunlight, as polymer and gel components can degrade in high temperatures. If you experience skin irritation, rash, or allergic reactions after switching products, discontinue use and consider patch-testing alternatives. Consider rotating Always with PFAS-transparent brands or exploring organic/natural alternatives if you have concerns about long-term PFAS exposure, especially for heavy-flow days when pad contact duration is longest.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% 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.