The Period Company · Period Underwear
The Thong Period. in Sporty Stretch For Light Flows
Lower concern. Fabric-based period product unlikely to contain PFAS.
Period thongs are typically cotton or cotton-blend textiles without water-resistant coatings that require PFAS. No brand disclosure found, but material composition suggests minimal PFAS risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Organic cotton, elastane blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What The Thong Period. in Sporty Stretch is made of, ingredients and materials
This thong uses organic cotton for the absorbent layers, which avoids synthetic fiber microplastics and reduces pesticide residue compared to conventional cotton. Elastane (spandex) is blended in for stretch and fit; elastane itself has a stable chemical profile when kept below 60-70°C and is not known to leach harmful compounds into skin during normal wear. Organic certification means the cotton was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, lowering dermal exposure risk during extended contact.
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.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
Product color (if dyed) sourcing is not disclosed by brand. Organic cotton does not automatically mean that azo dyes are absent; azo dyes remain in use in some organic textile production. Pre-wash is standard practice to reduce dye leaching to skin.
Elastane (spandex) degradation and microfiber release
Elastane fibers can shed microplastics during washing and wear, especially at high temperatures or with mechanical stress. This is a known property of all elastane blends, not specific to Highlight, but relevant to reusable period products. Lower washing temperatures and gentle handling minimize this risk.
Residual processing chemicals on fabric
Even organic cotton undergoes finishing steps (softening, water-repellency treatment) that may leave trace chemicals. No test data published by Highlight; pre-wash in cool water before contact wear is prudent to clear any residues.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Organic cotton certification typically excludes formaldehyde-based dyes and fixing agents. No public record of formaldehyde detection in Highlight products; unlikely given organic material base, but pre-wash still recommended as precaution.
Source, ATSDR ↗Dermal irritation from fragrance or antimicrobial additives
Product description does not mention added fragrance or antimicrobial coatings. No irritation complaints documented for this brand; low risk if plain fabric. Individuals with sensitive skin should patch-test after first wash.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Highlight maintains silence on broader chemical or sustainability disclosures; no public safety certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS) are advertised for this product. No documented recalls, legal actions, or safety complaints appear in public records for Highlight period products. The brand's lack of transparency on manufacturing or testing is typical for emerging period-care labels but limits independent verification of production standards.
How it compares in its category
Organic cotton period thongs show lower concern for pesticide residues compared to conventional cotton alternatives, and lower concern for microplastic shedding compared to synthetic-heavy alternatives. Reusable period products (fabric thongs) generally avoid single-use bleaching and chemical processing cycles that disposable pads and tampons undergo. This product sits between comfort-focused mainstream brands and ethically certified competitors like Aisle, Thinx, or Kora Organics, which publish third-party test results.
If you buy it
Wash before first use in cool water to remove any manufacturing residue. Launder after each wear in cool to warm water (under 60°C) with mild detergent; hot water and high heat can degrade elastane and may increase microfiber release. Replace when elastic loses shape, seams fray, or absorbency declines (typically 1-2 years of regular use). Air-dry to extend lifespan and avoid heat damage to the elastane fibers.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- The Period Company has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Period Underwear
Ruby Love
Rubylove First Period Kit +teen Period Underwear
- organic cotton, waterproof backing layer
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Lunapads
3-Pack BOOST Brief
- organic cotton blend, water-resistant gusset
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Microplastic shedding from water-resistant barrier
Aisle
Super Hipster
- Organic cotton, wood pulp fiber
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Azo dyes and synthetic dyes
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More period underwear 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.