Period.
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
6.8 out of 10
10 out of 10
7.7 out of 10
about
Period. Makes durable, reusable period underwear to help eliminate single use waste from menstrual products.
highlights
Reusable solution to single-use period products
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
Compostable Packaging
Woman-owned business
Robust community engagement initiatives
sustainability
score:
6.8 out of 10
details:
Packaging
All packaging components are 100% compostable, meaning customers can toss the mailers and wrappers into a home or municipal compost bin. The packaging is also minimal and functional (simple envelopes without excess packaging), reducing waste.
Material Sustainability
Period.’s products are reusable menstrual underwear, made with a mix of organic cotton and synthetic technical fabrics. A representative sample of product types shows a common construction: the outer or body fabric is often 95% organic cotton (certified organic) with 5% spandex for stretch. In other styles, the body may be a durable nylon or polyester blend. All designs use a layered gusset: a top lining of organic cotton (for natural, breathable contact with skin) and multi-layer absorbent core made of polyester microfiber, plus a waterproof layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate) to prevent leaks.
This layered construction means renewable materials (organic cotton) are combined with fossil-derived synthetics. The organic cotton is a sustainable choice – grown without toxic pesticides and biodegrades at end-of-life. All cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified.
However, the necessary use of polyester and nylon (which are non-biodegradable petrochemical fibers) in absorbent and leak-proof layers lowers the overall material sustainability. There is no evidence that Period. uses recycled polyester or other recycled materials in the underwear; the absorbent and PUL layers appear to be virgin polyester.
With OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics, the materials are verified for lower environmental impact in processing.
Energy Use and Footprint
Public disclosures about Period.’s energy use and carbon footprint are limited. The brand does not publish data on manufacturing energy sources, emissions, or transportation carbon offsets.
Waste Management
By design, each reusable Period. underwear prevents a significant amount of waste from ever being created. Every pair replaces dozens of disposable pads or tampons, which would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
The company hasn’t publicly discussed manufacturing waste reduction (e.g. fabric scrap recycling) or water treatment, so we cannot evaluate those aspects. It’s also worth noting that at end-of-life, the underwear are not easily recyclable due to mixed materials.
Business Model
Period.’s business model encourages mindful consumption and accessibility rather than disposable overconsumption. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that periods should not create massive waste or financial burden. Period.’s product range is relatively focused and seasonless: a stable lineup of styles for various flows, rather than fast turnover.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
The brand has explicitly addressed the big safety concern in period underwear: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These “forever chemicals” have been found in some competitors’ products as a water-repellent treatment, but Period. assures customers their underwear is PFAS-free. In fact, Period.co partnered with Intertek/UL for independent validation: the underwear fabrics are tested and certified to be free of toxic levels of fluorinated compounds and other harmful substances. Additionally, the fabrics are Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified.
social responsibility
score:
7.7 out of 10
details:
Period. is a women-founded, mission-driven company, but information on their labor practices and sourcing transparency is somewhat limited. The brand acknowledges that its products are made in Asia in “family-owned factories”, with design and distribution handled from Los Angeles. We do not have a supplier code of conduct published on their site.
Period.’s products are inherently vegan and cruelty-free. The menstrual underwear contains no animal-derived materials (it is made from cotton, polyester, and nylon).
One of the most significant initiatives is their donation program: Period. allows customers to purchase a “Community Donation” pair of underwear, which the company then distributes to someone in need. In fact, co-founder Karla Welch also co-founded The Period Abundance Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at eradicating period poverty by donating reusable products and providing menstrual health education.
