Why we are calling for specific regulations, stronger protections and greater transparency for period products
No one should have to worry that the products they use during their period could contain toxic chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals or PFAS. Yet a considerable amount of evidence continues to raise serious concerns about what has been found in products used by millions of women, girls and people who menstruate every month.
For too long, period products have slipped through gaps in regulation and accountability.
Despite being used repeatedly, often over decades, and many products being used internally or in close contact with highly absorbent and sensitive areas of the body, period products still do not have their own specific regulations in the UK. Manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients, independently test products for harmful substances or demonstrate that products designed for intimate and repeated use are safe. As a result, consumers often have no easy way of knowing exactly what substances are present in products they use every month.
In response to the Government’s consultation on the future of product safety regulation, Wen has called for specific regulations for period products, stronger protections against harmful chemical exposure and greater transparency for consumers. As menstruation is such an intersectional issues we also highlighted issues of stigma, transparency and trust.
How period products got onto the Government’s agenda
For decades, Wen has been campaigning for stronger regulation of period products through research, coalition building and public pressure.
That work led directly to period products being included in the Government’s consultation on the future of product safety regulation.
This followed Baroness Natalie Bennett’s intervention during negotiations on the Product Regulation and Metrology Act in 2025. Although the amendment itself did not pass, the Government committed to consulting on the regulation of period products.
As a result of this work, Government departments including DEFRA and the Office for Product Safety and Standards are now taking notice of the need to ensure period products are properly regulated.
This is a significant step forward. But recognition alone is not enough. We now need robust action.
What Wen is asking the Government to do
Through our consultation response, Wen urged the Government to recognise that period products are unlike most consumer goods. Period products are used repeatedly over many years, yet they remain subject to general product safety requirements rather than a dedicated regulatory framework.
We are calling for:
- Specific regulations for period products rather than relying solely on general product safety rules.
- Product safety standards that apply the precautionary principle and put health first where scientific uncertainty exists.
- Safety assessments that consider cumulative exposures and the needs of populations already experiencing health inequalities and other forms of disadvantage.
- Independent and transparent third party testing so consumers do not have to rely solely on manufacturers’ assurances that products are safe.
- Additional verification requirements for products associated with intimate, prolonged and repeated exposure, including period products.
- Greater transparency around product safety and chemical and material content.
- Stronger accountability throughout supply chains and online marketplaces, including effective systems to identify and remove non compliant products and sellers.
- Accessible safety information for consumers, with digital information complementing rather than replacing information provided directly on products and packaging.
- Information and education about proper disposal of single use products and care and use of reusables such as cups and period pants.
We believe that women; girls and those who menstruate should not have to worry whether products they use every month or daily are exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals.
Why voluntary standards are not enough
Wen welcomes emerging international standards, including work underway through the International Standards Organization on period products, of which Wen is a part.
However, voluntary standards cannot replace legally binding regulations. While voluntary standards may help establish good practice, but they cannot replace legally binding regulations that apply consistently across the market
Experience across many industries shows that voluntary guidance alone does not provide sufficient protection where there is no legal requirement, monitoring or accountability. Recent findings of toxic chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals have been identified despite industry voluntary standards being in place.
People should not have to rely on brands choosing to do the right thing.
Add your voice
The Government’s consultation was open until 23 June 2026, and this is a crucial opportunity to demand stronger protections, greater transparency and proper regulation of period products.
Period product safety is a women’s, female health issue and the health for all those who menstruate. As the Government seeks to improve women’s and female health outcomes through the Women’s Health Strategy, ensuring that products used by millions of women, girls and people who menstruate are safe must be part of that conversation.
If you are concerned about toxic chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals or PFAS in period products, even though the consultation is closed, you can still make your voice heard.
Call to action
- Wen has submitted its response – you can find it here
- Use Wen’s evidence as a basis to write to your MP (Contact your MP – UK Parliament)
- Sign our health professionals letter addressed to those responsible for implementing change (https://www.wen.org.uk/sign-open-letter/)
- Highlight your concern on social media see below – tag in @Wen_UK
Every response helps demonstrate public concern and increases pressure for meaningful change. We need as many voices as possible calling for period products that are genuinely safe to use, as sustainable as possible and accessible to those who need them.
Suggested response and guidance
Why period products need regulation
