When it comes to period products, what your pad is made of matters just as much as how well it works. Your vulva and inner thighs are some of the most absorbent, sensitive skin on your body, which means anything in contact with that area can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. That's why at Herplum, we use OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified fabrics.
But what does that actually mean? And why should you care?
What Is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is one of the world's most well-known and rigorous textile safety certifications. It's issued by the OEKO-TEX® Association, an independent international organization that has been testing textiles for harmful substances since 1992.
To earn this certification, every component of a textile product, including threads, buttons, dyes, and fabric, must be tested and verified to be free from a comprehensive list of harmful substances. This includes:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Heavy metals (like lead, cadmium, and mercury)
- Formaldehyde
- Allergenic dyes and azo colorants
- Phthalates and other plasticizers
- pH levels outside the safe range for skin contact
The testing is conducted by independent OEKO-TEX® partner institutes, not by the manufacturer, which means the certification is genuinely third-party verified, not self-reported.
Why Does This Matter for Period Products?
Conventional disposable pads and tampons are not required to disclose their full ingredient lists in the US. Studies have found traces of pesticide residues, dioxins (a byproduct of chlorine bleaching), and synthetic fragrances in some conventional period products. These chemicals can be irritating, disruptive to your natural pH balance, and potentially harmful with long-term repeated exposure.
Reusable cloth pads eliminate the single-use waste problem but only if they're made with safe materials. A reusable pad made with toxic dyes or chemical finishes isn't actually better for your body, even if it's better for the environment.
That's the gap OEKO-TEX® certification fills: it gives you independent, verified proof that the fabrics touching your most sensitive skin are free from harmful substances.
What's in Herplum Pads?
Every Herplum pad is made with carefully chosen fabric blends that prioritizes both comfort and safety:
- Top & middle layers: Rayon from Bamboo, Cotton, and Spandex, which are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking
- Bottom layer: Polyester, and Spandex for leak resistance and durability
All of these materials are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. No synthetic fragrances. No harsh chemical finishes. Nothing that could throw off your natural pH balance or cause irritation over time.
Bamboo and Cotton: Why These Fabrics?
Bamboo rayon is naturally soft, highly absorbent, and has moisture-wicking properties that help keep you feeling dry. It's also a fast-growing crop, making it a more sustainable choice than conventional cotton.
Cotton is a time-tested fabric for sensitive skin, breathable, gentle, and familiar. Combined with bamboo, it creates a top layer that's both effective and comfortable for all-day wear (but the pads should be changed/cleaned to stay hygienic).
The spandex content in the layers provides just enough stretch for a comfortable, secure fit without restricting natural body movement, important whether you're at your desk or at the gym.
The Bigger Picture: Your Body, Your Choice
Choosing non-toxic period products isn't just about avoiding harm, it's about making an informed, empowered choice about what goes on and near your body. For too long, the period product industry operated without transparency. Certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 are changing that by setting a verifiable, independent standard that brands must meet, not just claim.
At Herplum, we believe you deserve to know exactly what's in your period products. That's why using certified safe fabrics isn't an afterthought for us, it's a baseline.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you're curious about trying non-toxic reusable pads, explore our full range, from the My Normal Flow pad for everyday use to the It's Heavy Heavy pad for your heaviest days. Every pad uses OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, washable, and designed to last years with proper care.
Have questions? We're always happy to talk materials, certifications, or help you find the right pad for your cycle and to support your womb.
0 comments