Stayfree Maxi All-in-one Regular Pads
Skip until brand discloses waterproofing methods and materials.
Stayfree provides no public information on PFAS or waterproofing treatments used in this pad. Menstrual products often receive water-resistant coatings, but their chemistry remains undisclosed by most brands.
The better-graded swap
Aunt Flow
Aunt Flow 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 core with synthetic polymer backsheet and adhesive
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Stayfree Maxi All-in-one Regular Pads is made of, ingredients and materials
Stayfree Maxi All-in-one Regular pads use a cellulose absorbent core (wood pulp) paired with a synthetic polymer backsheet and pressure-sensitive adhesive. The backsheet provides leak resistance but its exact polymer composition is not disclosed on packaging or Stayfree's public materials. Without confirmation of waterproofing agent, it is unknown whether PFAS, silicones, or other water-repellent chemistry is used in the backsheet or adhesive layer.
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
The backsheet polymer and its water-repellent treatment are not named by Stayfree. While PFAS is flagged separately, other water-resistant chemistries (silicones, acrylates, or reactive polymers) may be present and could trigger contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Source, ATSDR ↗Adhesive residue or skin sensitization
Pressure-sensitive adhesives used in menstrual pads are common sources of allergic contact dermatitis and reported in medical literature. Stayfree does not disclose adhesive type (e.g., acrylate vs. rubber-based), making it impossible to predict individual risk; some users report rash or irritation attributed to pad adhesive.
Microorganisms if moisture retention exceeds change interval
Extended wear (beyond 8 hours) in a moist, occluded environment can promote bacterial and fungal growth, independent of material composition. This is a use-dependent risk, not a material defect, but cellulose cores with sealed plastic backsheets create an ideal microenvironment for microbial proliferation if not changed promptly.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public reports or recalls cite formaldehyde in Stayfree pads. However, synthetic polymers and pressure-sensitive adhesives can occasionally contain trace formaldehyde or slow-release donors; Stayfree has not tested or disclosed this information publicly.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Stayfree Maxi pads typically feature white or off-white backsheets with minimal visible dyes. No testing or regulatory action has been recorded for heavy metal contamination in this product; however, formulation changes are not publicly announced, so ongoing testing history is not available.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Stayfree (Edgewell Personal Care) does not publicly disclose component chemistry, manufacturing certifications, or PFAS use policies for this product line. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this pad model are on record. The brand has not responded to third-party requests for material transparency regarding waterproofing agents, leaving consumers without confirmation of chemical safety for a product in direct contact with skin for extended periods.
How it compares in its category
Among mass-market menstrual pads, Stayfree Maxi is a conventional offering with standard cellulose-polymer construction. Competitor brands (e.g., Always, Kotex) use similar material profiles without greater transparency. Organic or plastic-free alternatives (e.g., Seventh Generation, Cora) typically disclose materials more openly and often avoid undisclosed waterproofing chemistry, though they may carry higher cost or availability barriers.
If you buy it
Change pads every 4-8 hours to minimize bacterial overgrowth and skin irritation, regardless of absorbency rating. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct heat or moisture to prevent adhesive degradation or mold. Discontinue use if rash, irritation, or odor develops; these may signal sensitivity to adhesive or polymer residues. If skin sensitivity occurs, consider switching to brands with disclosed, simpler adhesive or backsheet materials as a diagnostic step.
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
- Stayfree has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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Organyc
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- Cardboard applicator structural integrity over time
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