What is actually in the period products you use every month? Materials, testing, manufacturing standards and ingredient transparency can vary between products, which is why it is worth knowing what questions to ask before choosing period care.

Period products are used intimately and repeatedly, so it makes sense to want clearer information about what they are made from, how they are tested and how they are manufactured.

The goal is not to create fear around conventional period products. It is to make more informed choices based on the information that is available.

Why Period Product Materials and Transparency Matter

Consumers are becoming more interested in what goes into the products they use on and in their bodies.

That includes questions about:

• the materials used
• added fragrances or dyes
• manufacturing standards
• independent testing
• certifications
• how clearly brands disclose product information

Research has also contributed to growing interest in the composition of some menstrual products.

For example, a 2019 study examined selected sanitary pads and diapers and measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates in the products tested. The study found that concentrations varied considerably between samples. It did not establish that using these products causes health problems, but it highlighted the value of continued research and greater transparency around product composition.

You can read more about the study through Environmental Health News and the original research linked below.

What Should You Look for in a Period Product?

There is no single “perfect” period product for everyone. Comfort, flow, lifestyle and personal preference all matter.

But there are a few useful questions you can ask when comparing products.

1. What Materials Are Used?

Look for brands that clearly explain what their products are made from.

For reusable pads, this might include information about the fabric against the skin, absorbent layers and waterproof backing.

For menstrual cups, it should include the type and grade of material used.

At Inoya, our reusable pads use GOTS-certified organic cotton in the top and inner layers, while the Inoya Period Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Our product testing and standards are also explained publicly so customers can understand what sits behind the claims we make.

2. Is the Brand Transparent About Testing?

Testing can help provide useful information about material quality, product performance and safety.

Look for brands that explain:

• what has actually been tested
• whether testing was conducted independently
• which standards or methods were used
• what certifications apply

Be cautious with vague phrases such as “safe”, “clean” or “non-toxic” when there is no explanation of what those terms mean.

3. Are Certifications Relevant and Clearly Explained?

Certifications can be useful, but only when they are relevant to the material or product being discussed.

For example, GOTS certification relates to organic textiles and covers requirements across processing, environmental criteria and social standards.

The important question is not simply whether a brand displays a logo, but whether it explains what the certification actually applies to.

4. How Is the Product Manufactured?

Manufacturing standards can provide additional confidence about how a product is produced.

Useful information may include:

• where the product is made
• the manufacturing environment
• quality-control processes
• material sourcing
• relevant production standards

Inoya works with our manufacturing partners selected for their experience in period care and product quality.

5. Does the Brand Explain What It Does Not Know?

Transparency also means acknowledging limits.

No brand should imply that every competing product is harmful, or that one material is automatically safer simply because it is described as natural or organic.

A credible brand should be clear about what is known, what has been tested and what remains uncertain.

What About Ingredient Disclosure in Australia?

Australian requirements differ depending on the type of period product.

Tampons and menstrual cups are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and must comply with relevant Australian standards. Menstrual pads are treated differently and are not regulated by the TGA in the same way.

That makes voluntary transparency from brands particularly important for customers who want to understand materials, testing and manufacturing in more detail.

Does Organic Cotton Automatically Mean Better?

Not necessarily.

Organic cotton can be a thoughtful material choice, particularly for customers who value certified textile standards and a soft natural fibre against the skin.

But “organic” alone does not tell you everything about the finished product.

You should still consider:

• how the product is constructed
• what other materials are used
• how it performs
• how it has been tested
• whether the brand provides meaningful transparency

At Inoya, material choice is one part of the picture, not the entire claim.

Why Inoya Takes a Transparency-First Approach

Inoya was created around a simple belief: period care deserves more thought.

That means being clearer about:

• what our products are made from
• why those materials were selected
• how products are tested
• where they are manufactured
• what certifications apply

For example, the Inoya Period Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and independently tested. Our reusable pads use GOTS-certified organic cotton in the top and inner layers.

You can also review our Product Testing & Standards page for more detail on how different Inoya products are tested and made.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy

Before choosing a period product, it can help to ask:

• What is this product made from?
• Are the materials clearly disclosed?
• Has the product been independently tested?
• What certifications actually apply?
• Where is the product manufactured?
• Does the brand explain its claims clearly?
• Does the product suit my comfort, flow and lifestyle?

You do not need to become an expert in every material or standard.

But asking a few thoughtful questions can make it much easier to compare products with confidence.

The Bottom Line

Choosing period care should not be about fear.

It should be about having enough information to make a choice that feels right for your body, your needs and your values.

Materials matter. Testing matters. Manufacturing matters. And transparency matters too.

That is the standard Inoya is working to bring to period care.

About the Author

Helena Uhm
Founder of Inoya | RN, MPH

Helena is the Founder of Inoya, an Australian period care company focused on raising the standard of period care through thoughtful product design, better material choices, transparency and a science-informed approach. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse and public health practitioner, Helena is passionate about helping women make informed decisions about their menstrual health and the products they use on and in their bodies.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Reference

[1] Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products