Are the fabrics used in Cheeky period pants safe?

Updated 6th November 2024

We've had a few queries from customers over the weekend looking for reassurance after articles in the Guardian and Which Magazine.  This referred to the use of 'antimicrobial silver' in period pants and pads which was at levels which could be unsafe.

The fabric used in Cheeky Period Pants is Oeko-tex certified. We have NEVER used fabrics containing PFAS, PFOS, PFOA or silver and our materials have been tested and certified safe and clear of all of these products.   In addition, we have our pants independently lab tested by High St Textile Testing Services Ltd (HTTS) and SGS who report that our pants and pads are PFAS free.

If you would like to see a copy of our certificates, just drop us a line.

Our Period pants are made from the same materials that wear in your knickers every single day, however with two distinct differences. 

For lots of us, including myself we've chosen cloth sanitary pads and period pants because we want less chemicals in and around the sensitive skin on our vulva, not more.  That's one reason that we've steered away from using 'special' fabrics containing silver or infused unicorn horn or any other anti-microbial / anti-bacterial properties because it's just not necessary and feels gimmicky.  

Absorbency

Against your skin, in the gusset area is either cotton jersey or bamboo. Both of which are exactly what you would have against your skin in your everyday knickers.  What makes period pants different is that they have an extra absorbent layer inside the gusset of the pants.  On our pants, this runs from the front to rear waistband as standard.  This material is simply cotton / elastane which gives them good stretch for a snug fit and is absorbent without being bulky.

Waterproofing

The outer layers of period pants need to be waterproofed because that's what stops blood leaking through the pants onto your clothes.  This layer is furthest away from your skin and doesn't ever come in contact with your skin.   We use 'Oeko-Tex' certified TPU for our waterproofing, which is very similar to PUL but it's bonded using heat rather than chemically.  It's for this reason that you shouldn't tumble dry period pants because it can damage the heat bonding on your waterproofing.  It's also softer with more stretch and less crunch which means that the pants feel and fit better too.

What is Oeko-Tex certification? 

Oeko-tex is a globally renowned testing standard.  Our fabrics carry the Oeko-tex 'standard 100' which means that it has been tested for harmful substances and also proven to be 'harmless in human ecological terms'.  They don't just test for regulated substances but non-regulated ones too.  In addition, our pants have been tested to meet UK & EU REACH safety standards.

In summary our pants continue to be a 'gamechanging',  providing freedom from annoying sanitary products which chafe, itch and rub.  That's our customers words, not ours!  We've had loads of reviews from you telling us how much more comfortable and easy to wear you've found wearing period pants and how much better you sleep and can get on with life.   Don't be put off by this.  Embrace the greener, more comfortable alternative to disposable sanitary products, and do your bit for the planet too.

Want to know more?   Feel free to contact our customer services team, via email or on chat.  They all use the products themselves and can answer any questions you might have, nothing is TMI!

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.