There has been growing concern in recent years regarding sanitary pads harmful chemicals and their effect on female health. From menarche to menopause, a woman may use more than 11,000 period items in her lifetime. Given how frequently they are used, the question arises: What is being put inside the products that come into intimate contact with some of the body’s most absorbent parts?
Vaginal and vulval tissues are very permeable. They absorb easily, and by that we mean anything that might be present within period items. Therefore, the presence of harmful chemicals in sanitary pads poses a significant health hazard that cannot be overlooked.
Key Harmful Chemicals in Sanitary Pads
Some manufacturers may produce substandard sanitary products that contain harmful substances. This is often driven by the incentive to cut costs and simplify production, even at the expense of safety. The following chemicals are among the most concerning:
- Phthalates: Used in plastics to increase flexibility, phthalates may be present in adhesives or liners of sanitary pads. Long-term exposure is linked to hormonal disruption and impaired reproductive health.[1]
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): Often introduced through fragrances or bleaching, VOCs can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Prolonged exposure is associated with headaches, lung irritation, and potential organ damage.[2]
- PFAS: PFAS are sometimes used to make pads leak-proof, but do not break down in the body or environment.Research has tied exposure to PFAS to immune suppression, infertility, and some cancers.[3]
- Dioxins: Produced as by-products of chlorine bleaching, dioxins are recognized endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, posing long-term health risks.
- Heavy Metals: Some pads contain trace amounts of nickel, arsenic, and lead, which can accumulate in the body. Over time, these metals are linked to toxicity, immune dysfunction, and reproductive system disorders.
Eco Sanitary Pads: The Better Alternative
Given these health concerns, it has become increasingly important to explore safer and more sustainable menstrual products. Eco-friendly sanitary pads offer a healthier choice for individuals while also reducing environmental harm. The options are prepared from natural elements, refrain from extra fragrances, and reduce chemical treatments, posing lesser threats to both the body and nature. As a step towards ensuring safety for those who desire that, a transition towards items that are prepared with sustainability and body health at their core is essential.
Shuya: Quality Wholesale Sanitary Pads
Among the brands dedicated to this shift, Shuya stands out as a trusted provider of safe and reliable sanitary products. We appreciate that providing trustworthy sanitary products for women is essential. We have been a premier sanitary products maker for over 40 years and have been providing high standards of feminine hygiene products. Shuya sanitary napkins have high absorbency and leak-proof protection and are formulated to ensure safety without the use of unsafe additives.
What makes Shuya unique is our adherence to international standards for human health. All items are ISO, CE, FDA, and SGS certified to ensure that they meet the safest standards. Unlike mass-market pads that often have chemical-laced sanitary pads, Shuya items are designed with healthy-minded materials and constructions.
Apart from sanitary pads, the company offers panty liners, baby diapers, adult diapers, wet wipes, tissues, insoles, and face masks — all made with similar emphasis on safety and comfort. Shuya has been exporting to more than 60 nations and has tie-ups with companies that are members of the Fortune Global 500. This fully demonstrated that we are trusted globally.
Conclusion
The discussion surrounding sanitary pads’ dangerous chemicals is greater than a fad; it is a matter of public health. Women are worthy of items that help safeguard their well-being, not threaten it. Shuya distinguishes itself by pairing decades of experience, sophisticated production facilities, and globally accredited quality to provide sanitary items that are as effective as they are safe. For users and distributors looking for a trusted ally, Shuya presents something more than items: confidence. By partnering with us, you can confidently provide your customers with products that are both safe and comfortable.
References
[1]Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7559247/ (Accessed: September 16, 2025)
[2]Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7914726/ (Accessed: September 16, 2025)
[3]Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-024-00742-2 (Accessed: September 16, 2025)