2 Pack Libresse Maxi Non Wings 28cm X 16s For Women Pads
Skip until brand discloses waterproof backing treatment details.
Libresse provides no public disclosure of PFAS or waterproofing chemicals in this pad. The waterproof backing layer composition and treatment remain undisclosed, raising concern without lab testing or brand transparency.
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
cellulose/absorbent core with waterproof backing layer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What 2 Pack Libresse Maxi Non Wings 28cm X 16s is made of, ingredients and materials
Libresse Maxi pads use a cellulose-based absorbent core (standard in period pads) with a waterproof backing layer. The backing material is not publicly specified by the brand, which is the core concern, waterproof backings in menstrual products often rely on PFAS or other synthetic polymers to repel moisture. Cellulose itself is low-hazard, but the chemical identity and durability of the backing determines exposure risk during extended wear (up to 8 hours per pad, in direct contact with skin).
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
PFAS
Waterproof backings in menstrual pads commonly use PFAS-based coatings or laminates; Libresse does not disclose backing chemistry. Skin contact during 4-8 hour wear could result in dermal or systemic exposure, particularly in users with barrier-compromised skin.
Source, ATSDR ↗PFAS
If the backing uses non-PFAS synthetic polymers (PE, PP, PU), microplastics or plasticizer leachates are theoretically possible under prolonged skin contact and moisture, though human exposure data from menstrual pads is limited.
Source, ATSDR ↗Cellulose core microbial growth
Absorbent cellulose cores can support bacterial or fungal growth if pads are worn beyond recommended intervals (4-8 hours) or stored in humid conditions. This is a maintenance and usage issue, not a formulation defect specific to Libresse.
What’s reassuring
Fragrance or adhesive allergens
Libresse Maxi pads are not marketed as scented, and no fragrance or adhesive-related allergic reactions are documented for this product. Standard hot-melt adhesives in pads are low-sensitization risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence that Libresse uses formaldehyde-releasing resins in cellulose binders or backing. However, brand does not publicly rule this out, consistent with general industry non-disclosure.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Libresse (Essity AB, Sweden) does not publicly disclose the specific chemical composition of the waterproof backing or whether PFAS is used. The brand has no published sustainability or chemical transparency reports addressing period-product formulation. No recalls or regulatory violations are on record for this product in major markets (EU, US, Canada), but silence on waterproof treatment is inconsistent with competitor transparency standards set by brands like Seventh Generation and Natracare, which explicitly state PFAS-free status.
How it compares in its category
Most mass-market period pads (Kotex, Tampax, Always) similarly do not disclose waterproof backing chemistry, placing Libresse in the industry norm for opacity. However, certified organic or eco-branded alternatives (Seventh Generation, Natracare, Cora) now routinely specify PFAS-free backing or use PE films without PFAS. This product offers no stated advantage in ingredient transparency compared to competitors and no third-party certification (organic, dermatological, or chemical safety).
If you buy it
Change pads every 4-8 hours as recommended to minimize skin contact duration with the backing material. Discontinue use if rash, irritation, or odor develops, as sensitization to backing polymers or microbial overgrowth in the absorbent core is possible with prolonged wear. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or bacterial growth in the cellulose core. If seeking to avoid PFAS exposure in period care, request written confirmation from Libresse or switch to a brand with explicit PFAS-free certification.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Libresse has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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- Bleach residues and processing chemicals in cellulose
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
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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.