Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. We reject and actively push back against racist rhetoric, actions, policies and institutional oppression that leads to state-sanctioned brutality, gun violence, and harm that again and again assaults communities, particularly communities of color. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate.

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Chemicals of Concern in Menstrual & Intimate Care Products

#DetoxtheBox

Toxic chemicals don’t belong in menstrual products. Period.

This list includes chemicals of concern that are discussed in our Chem Fatale report.

Download & print this list and leave it in your purse or bag to refer to when you’re shopping for feminine care products.

Chemical Name Function Potential Health Effects Found in
Benzethonium Chloride Preservative, spermicide Not for use on mucous membranes, maternal and embryotoxicity Deodorant powders and suppositories, feminine wash
Benzocaine Mild anesthetic Allergic rash, dermatitis Anti-itch creams
Butylparaben Preservative Endocrine disruption, increased risk of breast cancer, allergic rash Wipes
D&C Red 33 Colorant (dye) Not for use on mucous membranes Feminine wash
Diazolidinyl urea Preservative Releases formaldehyde, allergic rash, cancer Feminine wash, douche
Dioxins and Furans Contaminant from bleaching process Cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity Tampons (not disclosed on label)
DMDM Hydantoin Preservative Releases formaldehyde, allergic rash, cancer Wipes, feminine wash
Ethylparaben Preservative Endocrine disruption, increased risk of breast cancer, allergic rash Wipes
Ext. Violet 2 Colorant (dye) Not for use on mucous membranes Feminine Wash
FD&C Yellow No. 5 Colorant (dye) Allergic reactions including bronchial asthma Feminine Wash
“Fragrance” Fragrance Contains undisclosed chemicals of unknown toxicity, likely to contain allergens, allergic rash, endocrine disruption, cancer Wipes, feminine wash, tampons, pads, douche, deodorant, anti-itch creams
Methylchloroisothiazolinone Preservative Allergic rash Feminine wash
Methylisothiazolinone Preservative Allergic rash Wipes, feminine wash, anti-itch cream
Methylparaben Preservative Endocrine disruption, increased risk of breast cancer, allergic rash Wipes, deodorant, anti-itch creams
Octoxynol 9 Spermicide Genital irritation, increased vaginal discharge, potential reproductive toxicity Douche, wipes
Pesticide residues Contaminant of traditionally grown cotton Cancer, endocrine disruption, acute toxicity Tampons (not disclosed on label)
Polyoxymethylene Urea Preservative Releases formaldehyde, allergic rash, cancer Deodorant powder
Propylparaben Preservative Endocrine disruption, increased risk of breast cancer, allergic rash Wipes, anti-itch creams
Quaternium-15 Preservative Releases formaldehyde, allergic rash, cancer Wipes, feminine wash
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol Preservative Releases formaldehyde, allergic rash, cancer Wipes

 

Download and print this list

Chem Fatale Report

Chem Fatale report / Informe en en español

Potential Health Effects of Toxic Chemicals in Feminine Care Products

Feminine Care products

Hall of Shame Products

This list provides several examples of worst-of-the-worst products which contain chemicals of concern discussed in our Chem Fatale report.

cropped feminine wipes inforgraphic

VICTORY for Your Right to Know!

period products ingredient disclosure becomes law in New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo Signs First-in-Nation Period Product Ingredient Disclosure Into Law Learn more.

An Important Note on the Term “Feminine Care”

Many of WVE’s materials contain the word “feminine” when used to describe period and other personal care products like wipes, washes, douches and sprays — this is a term which has traditionally dominated the menstrual products industry. But we know that words matter, and by using the term “feminine” we push people out of the conversation. There are people who use these items who do not identify as women. The experiences of transgender or gender nonconforming people are valid and their needs are critical to our mission of building healthier communities. We hope you will notice that moving forward we will be more mindful in how we talk about who is impacted by these products and by our work.

WVE Virtual Workshop: Our Stories, Our Flow

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What’s in Period Products? A Timeline of Chemical Testing

timeline of chemical testing of period products

While a few studies have attempted to assess and measure potential risks of these products, all have indicated that there is more work to be done to better understand the impacts these products may have on our health. Learn more.

Itching, burning, pain, infections? You’re not alone.

vaginitis is common

Here’s the deal: vulvovaginitis (or vaginitis) symptoms are really common. Learn more.

Vaginal Douching and Phthalates

vaginal douching and phthalates

Whether you use vaginal douching products or not, this important first-of-its-kind study reaffirms the need for more research into this unique and sensitive route of exposure for women. Learn more.

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10 Jul 2024
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