Louloucup PFAS-free period underwear: healthy, organic, eco-friendly, and durable
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Time to read 11 min
A very recent study published in the American scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters is quite concerning. Reusable period products, such as period underwear and menstrual cups, may also contain PFAS.
A real issue for all teens and women who have turned away from pads and tampons because of their questionable and harmful ingredients!
These forever chemicals pose a major health risk for everyone. So what should you do if even your supposedly safe, sustainable menstrual products turn out to be dangerous?
What about Louloucup period protection—panties, cups, and their ingredients? How do you find good period products with clean, transparent ingredients?
Here’s a reminder of what matters most: Louloucup’s commitment and the quality of our products. All our period products are tested by independent labs, made with GOTS organic cotton and PUL/TPU membranes. They are PFAS-free. We also share tips and advice to help you decode labels and prioritize brands that care about your health and the environment—like Louloucup—so you can find and wear PFAS-free period underwear.
In this article
PFAS in menstrual products: alarming revelations 🌷 PFAS, or “forever chemicals”: what exactly are they? 🌷 The Environmental Science & Technology Letters study 🌷 Why is their presence in your intimate protection products such a real problem? Choosing PFAS-free period underwear: Louloucup’s advice 🪷 Labels and certifications: your best friends for non-toxic period underwear 🪷 A closer look at the composition: the important criteria What you should check on the label ⚠️ Our selection of PFAS-free menstrual underwear Louloucup’s promise: safe period underwear, tested and approved 🌼 Complete transparency about our components 🌼 Proof in testing: zero PFAS detected in Louloucup panties 🌼 Louloucup’s stance on PFAS To sum up: avoid PFAS with Louloucup FAQ: PFAS-free period underwear Learn more PFAS-free period underwear?
PFAS in menstrual products: alarming revelations
🌷 PFAS, or “forever chemicals”: what exactly are they?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s. Their strength lies in the extremely stable carbon-fluorine bond, which gives them unique properties: resistance to water, stains, heat, and chemicals.
Waterproof and stain-resistant properties that are especially appealing to manufacturers (particularly those who make menstrual products). You’ll find them in technical clothing, food packaging, carpets, cookware, and even cosmetics. In short, over time, PFAS have been used just about everywhere, in all sorts of products.
🌷 The Environmental Science & Technology Letters study
A few weeks ago, the news broke. Did you know that PFAS have been found on washable and reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups and period underwear?
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University in the United States found PFAS in 30% of the 59 products they tested. The levels were so high that their presence could only be intentional and deliberately added by manufacturers.
🌷 Why is their presence in your intimate protection products such a real problem?
After the scandal over the ingredients in disposable tampons and sanitary pads, many menstruating women started looking for healthier, safer alternatives for their bodies and health.
Reusable and washable menstrual products seemed like an excellent, practical, healthy, effective, comfortable, economical, eco-friendly, and organic alternative. Underwear, briefs, cups, discs, and swimsuits—these options had it all!
In July 2025, with this American scientific study showing the presence of PFAS, the image of menstrual products took a real hit.
Why exactly is it so serious?
These virtually indestructible substances persist in the environment and build up in the human body, as highlighted by ANSES. Because they last so long, it’s almost impossible to get rid of them, which is why they’re called “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are recognized as endocrine disruptors: they can cause hormonal imbalances that may affect your cycle, fertility, or even puberty.
With prolonged skin contact in the sensitive vulvar area, PFAS can enter the body, with effects that are still not fully understood. But the known risks are already concerning.
PFAS are linked to an increased risk of cancer: PFOA is classified as a carcinogen by the IARC, and PFOS is suspected to be one.
PFAS weaken the immune system.
They also affect reproduction: risks of preeclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy, or low birth weight.
Finally, forever chemicals are thought to cause metabolic issues: high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, or even links to autoimmune diseases.
Their danger doesn’t stop there. These substances contaminate wastewater during washing and accumulate in the soil after disposal. Destroying them requires temperatures above 1100°C, making their management complex. Worse, they end up in the food chain through fish and crops, eventually making their way back to your plate.
The cycle never ends—pollution is total and infinite. So what can you do? Avoid them whenever possible. Develop the right habits, take time to read ingredient lists, and stay informed. And for that, Louloucup can help you!
Choosing PFAS-free period underwear: Louloucup’s advice
Fortunately, PFAS-free period underwear exists! You just need to look carefully, take time to read the labels, and do your research. Here are all our tips!
🪷 Labels and certifications: your best friends for non-toxic period underwear
With no strict regulations on PFAS, certifications become your secret weapon. Did you know that a simple "waterproof" label can hide harmful chemical treatments? So, which certifications should you look for?
The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 guarantees the absence of 100 harmful substances. Since 2024, the total fluorine (TF) limit of 100 mg/kg has prohibited any intentional use of PFAS in certified textiles. This threshold even eliminates traces, as any detected fluorine comes exclusively from banned PFAS.
All Louloucup period underwear is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified✅
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is even stricter: it strictly bans PFAS throughout the entire production chain. In addition to ensuring your cotton is organic, this certification also protects the environment by reducing pesticide use. One square meter of organic cotton saves 80% water and 60% CO2 compared to conventional cotton.
Louloucup lines all its underwear with GOTS-certified organic cotton inside ✅
The best proof? An independent lab test like those done by SMT or QUIMA. These analyses detect even the tiniest PFAS residues. QUIMA’s test follows the "US States Requirement" method, a benchmark in textile toxicology. Unlike non-transparent manufacturers, committed brands voluntarily share these results online.
That’s the case with Louloucup—you can find our online textile analysis report ✅
🪷 A closer look at the composition: the important criteria
Decode the ingredients in your washable period underwear like you would read a food label. This is a product you’ll use every month for several years, so it needs to be safe and risk-free for your health!
| Selection criteria | The safe choice | What to watch out for |
| Certification(s) | OEKO-TEX® 100 + GOTS + Tested in an independent lab |
No certification or generic “safe” claim |
| Main fabric | GOTS organic cotton (certified pesticide-free), organic bamboo, etc. |
Conventional cotton, not certified, accounts for 11% of global pesticide use. |
| Waterproof membrane | PUL or TPU without fluorinated treatment |
"Waterproof" label without technical details |
| The promise to check | Full transparency on laboratory testing |
Claims like “magical leak-proof” with no proof |
What you should check on the label ⚠️
GOTS-certified organic cotton is your first line of protection. In direct contact with your skin and intimate areas, it helps prevent the absorption of pesticides. At Louloucup, all our models—without exception—are lined with GOTS-certified organic cotton, free from pesticides, harmful, or toxic substances. They’re also tested PFAS-free by SMT.
The waterproof membrane also deserves special attention. PUL and TPU (polyurethane and polyester fabrics) are safe alternatives only if made without fluorine. Both are safe and BPA-free. Our partner uses a heat-bonded PUL, without chemical solvents and with no fluorinated water-repellent treatment at all.
Watch out for "anti-stain" or "water-repellent" treatments: 90% use PFAS. A true PFAS-free panty doesn’t need these additives. It protects naturally thanks to its innovative structure. FoodSAFE® PUL is certified free of lead, BPA, phthalates, PFAS, and PFOA, ensuring maximum safety.
By choosing Louloucup, you’re choosing:
- certified period panties with no PFAS, made from GOTS organic cotton or with waterproof PUL/TPU membranes, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified,
- completely transparent ingredients, always available on every product page.
- products tested and analyzed by independent labs, with textile reports available online.
Our selection of PFAS-free menstrual underwear
Louloucup’s promise: safe period underwear, tested and approved
Reusable intimate protection should never sacrifice safety for comfort. At Louloucup, every component of our underwear is carefully chosen to protect your health, preserve the environment, and give you the best possible experience.
Transparency and high standards guide our process, from raw materials to final inspections. Discover a safe and responsible alternative for your feminine hygiene—where every detail matters. Because your body deserves more than just "safe"—it deserves excellence. And you’ll find it at Louloucup!
🌼 Complete transparency about our components
GOTS-certified organic cotton: Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, this cotton meets strict environmental and social standards. The GOTS certification guarantees organic cotton that’s traceable from seed to finished product while protecting field workers. Organic cotton is the first layer of fabric in contact with your intimate areas.
Waterproof PUL or TPU lining: These materials, tested without fluorine treatments, provide both leak protection and breathability. PUL (polyurethane laminate) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are not only reliable, but also flexible and durable.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification: Renewed annually, it excludes over 100 harmful substances, from heavy metals to phthalates, with extremely low residue limits. Materials are chosen for their effectiveness, durability, and compliance with health and environmental standards.
Unlike other brands that use chemical water-repellent coatings, we reject PFAS—those so-called "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment and build up in living things. Our preventive approach eliminates all risks to your body and the planet.
Our period underwear is PFAS-free, non-toxic, free from harmful substances, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, PUL and TPU with no fluorinated water-repellent treatment, and tested in independent labs (SMT).
All our suppliers are OEKO TEX 100 certified (we wouldn’t be able to work with them otherwise).
🌼 Proof in testing: zero PFAS detected in Louloucup panties
Certifications and labels alone aren’t enough for our standards. OEKO-TEX® or GOTS labels exclude toxic substances, but don’t always guarantee the absence of PFAS—which is why specific testing is so important.
We commissioned independent analyses conducted by the SMT laboratory, which specializes in textile testing. Our panties were thus certified as "PFAS-free." This process, rare in the industry, demonstrates our commitment to exceeding market standards.
Certifications and labels alone aren’t enough for our standards. OEKO-TEX® or GOTS labels exclude toxic substances, but don’t always guarantee the absence of PFAS—which is why specific testing is so important.
We commissioned independent analyses conducted by the SMT laboratory, which specializes in textile testing. Our panties were thus certified as "PFAS-free." This process, rare in the industry, demonstrates our commitment to exceeding market standards.
No PFAS detected (LC-MS/MS analysis according to CEN/TS 15968 – detection threshold: 0.025 mg/kg).
No trace of toxic solvents or controversial substances like DMF, benzene, NMP, or triclosan.
No nonylphenol, octylphenol, or ethoxylates detected.
Key takeaway: A transparent brand shares its reports, like our SMT certificate. This shows a proactive approach, unlike brands that only make vague statements.
These results confirm that our panties are free from any detectable concerning substances according to current standards.
🌼 Louloucup’s stance on PFAS
We are firmly opposed to the use of PFAS in period products. While zero risk doesn’t truly exist in the textile industry, we do everything we can to minimize it:
- selection of certified materials,
- no use of fluorinated treatments,
- regular testing and active scientific monitoring.
We remain committed to this issue, with complete transparency. By refusing PFAS, our underwear avoids the microplastic pollution associated with these chemicals. Our certified PFAS-free period underwear collections combine comfort, durability, and safety for responsible, uncompromising hygiene. Because your well-being—and the planet’s—deserves nothing less.
To sum up: avoid PFAS with Louloucup
PFAS are everywhere: 93% of household dust contains them. By choosing PFAS-free period underwear, you reduce your exposure to these "forever chemicals" found in 100% of European blood samples.
Some studies link PFAS to hormonal disruptions and reduced vaccine effectiveness. PFAS disrupt the immune system, affect fertility, and contaminate soil and water. Their persistence in ecosystems makes them a major environmental threat: they pollute groundwater and accumulate in the food chain. By banning them, we reduce risks to both our health and the environment.
By choosing products tested by SMT, you’re protecting your health and the planet. Each reusable panty prevents 11,000 disposable waste items over a lifetime. It’s also a concrete step towards a healthier—and greener—menstrual cycle.
FAQ: PFAS-free period underwear
Are there any health risks related to PFAS in period underwear?
Period underwear may contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals," which persist in the environment and the human body. A study from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana found high PFAS levels in some period products, increasing the risk of absorption through mucous membranes. Remember, PFAS can impact the immune, reproductive, and hormonal systems, among others.
However, some brands are more transparent than others and offer PFAS-free period underwear with certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or GOTS, ensuring a certain level of quality. That’s the case with Louloucup, a French brand offering quality, PFAS-tested menstrual products.
Do conventional menstrual products contain PFAS?
Yes, an American scientific study published in July 2025 highlights the contamination of certain period products by forever chemicals. PFAS are especially used by manufacturers for their waterproofing properties.
However, there are alternatives: committed brands now intentionally avoid PFAS, choosing safe materials like organic cotton or TPU instead. That’s the case with Louloucup.
When should you replace your menstrual underwear?
The average lifespan of a pair of period panties is about 5 years. This depends greatly on how carefully they’re maintained. To maximize their lifespan, rinse them in cold water after each use, machine wash at 86°F (30°C) with a mild detergent, and avoid using a dryer. If waterproofing decreases or you notice signs of wear (rough fabric, leaks), it’s time to replace them. At Louloucup, we offer a custom bundle with sliding prices so you can replace your period panties at a great price!
What are the safe, healthy hygiene alternatives?
Certified medical-grade silicone menstrual cups, organic cotton washable pads, or underwear certified PFAS-free are all safe alternatives. OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certifications guarantee no toxic substances. At Louloucup, you’ll find panties, swimsuits, and menstrual cups without PFAS or harmful substances!
How can you detect the presence of PFAS in a product?
Only independent lab testing can guarantee a PFAS-free product. At Louloucup, our menstrual products are tested by independent labs and the textile analysis report is available online on our website.
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PFAS-free period underwear?
