Why What Goes In Your Underwear Matters: The Hidden Risks

Your skin is your body’s largest organ—but not all skin is created equal. The skin down there—your vulva and vagina—is far more sensitive, more absorbent, and more vulnerable than, say, your elbow. Yet for decades, the materials that touch this area every day during your period have been an afterthought—often filled with chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and fragrance that don't belong anywhere near your most intimate parts.

At Fri Period, we believe it’s time for change.

The Vaginal Wall: Not Just Skin

As biophysics professor Richard Cone put it:

"The vaginal epithelium is highly water permeable in a way our skin is not."

This means your vagina and vulva absorb chemicals faster and more deeply than your arm or leg ever could. One study even found that vaginal application of a hormone resulted in 10x higher absorption than taking that same hormone orally. Wild, right?

Here's the scary part: vaginal tissue doesn’t process chemicals like your liver or stomach does. So whatever touches it—fragrances, dyes, PFAS, pesticide residues, bleach—can be absorbed straight into your bloodstream. Yikes!

🚨 The Problem with Conventional Period Products

Many mainstream pads and tampons are made with bleached cotton, synthetic rayon, or treated with surfactants and fragrances. Over a lifetime, these chemicals can build up in your body. (Just think: the average person uses 11,000+ tampons.)

Some period products and intimate washes have even been linked to vaginal flora imbalance, tissue damage, and a higher risk of microtears—making it easier for infections and STIs to occur.

And yet, most of these products aren’t required to list their full ingredients. No testing for vaginal safety. No regulation transparency. 

💡 Why Organic Cotton & Bamboo Matter in Period Underwear

At Fri Period, we don’t mess around with sensitive skin. That’s why our period underwear features certified organic cotton gussets, and buttery-soft bamboo fabric throughout the body.

Here’s why that combo matters:

• No nasties: Organic cotton is free from pesticides, chlorine bleach, and artificial dyes.

• Gentle & breathable: Bamboo and cotton are both naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, helping prevent irritation or imbalance.

• Seriously sustainable: Bamboo grows quickly, uses less water, and produces 35% more oxygen than similar plants. Less impact, more comfort.

• Temperature regulating: Bamboo viscose is naturally temperature regulating, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not.

• Good for sensitive skin: The organically grown cotton and bamboo we use is ideal for people prone to irritation.

With Fri Period's cotton and bamboo period underwear, your body gets the softness it deserves—without compromising your health or the planet. Think of it like premium bamboo underwear for your girly bits—but make it feminist.

👊 This Is Bigger Than a Pair of Knickers

The vaginal microbiome still gets left out of medical studies. Until the 90s, vaginal health wasn’t even a focus in NIH research. So yeah—it’s up to us to do better for our bodies.

Fri Period isn’t just selling comfy knickers. We’re reclaiming period care as a feminist issue. We're ditching chemical-laden pads and scratchy synthetics for bamboo underwear and organic cotton designed with real people in mind—whether you're into a full brief, high waisted underwear, or boxer shorts for that spacious comfort feel.

Every time you choose underwear that respects your body, you’re making a statement: I deserve better.

Ready to switch to bamboo period underwear that actually gives a damn? Shop our collection here

FAQs

1. What makes bamboo period underwear better for sensitive skin? Bamboo fabric is super soft, breathable, temperature regulating, and naturally hypoallergenic—perfect for your most delicate areas.

2. Is bamboo underwear actually sustainable? Yup. Organically grown bamboo grows quickly, uses minimal water, and doesn’t need chemical fertilizers. It’s one of the most eco-friendly materials out there.

3. Can I use bamboo period underwear alone on heavy flow days? Absolutely. Our leak-proof designs hold up to 3 tampons' worth. On your heaviest days, you might pair with a pad or cup for extra peace of mind (although we generally don't find it's necessary).

4. How do I wash bamboo period underwear? Rinse in cold water, then machine wash on a gentle cycle. Skip the fabric softener and air dry flat. Easy peasy.

5. Does Fri Period use any synthetic materials? Only where function demands it—like our leakproof layers. But all parts that touch your skin are made from organic cotton and eco-friendly bamboo fabric.

6. Do you offer seamless underwear or wirefree bras? We're all about comfort-first innovation. While our period range is built on bamboo goodness, we're hoping to expand into seamless options and wirefree designs in the future—watch this space!

7. What styles of bamboo underwear do you offer? All of our styles are made from bamboo so you can take your pick from our full-waisted classic brief, boxer briefs or low-rise hipsters.