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Always FlexFoam: Made Differently, Works Differently



What are Always FlexFoam Pads made of?

Always Infinity FlexFoamAlways Radiant FlexFoamAlways Pure Cotton FlexFoamYour Questions, Our Answers

Always FlexFoam: Made Differently, Works Differently

To give you the confidence, comfort, and protection you deserve. Period.

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We believe that you deserve to know what your period products are made of—from ingredient origins to the safety, quality, and performance of the finished products. We believe that high quality period products can only be produced with safe ingredients and scientific innovations.

FlexFoam is a proprietary material created by our in-house scientists, many of whom are women, and consumers, just like you. That’s why we are so committed to earning your trust every day - just like you, we demand period products that deliver on performance and safety. Our hundreds of scientists, engineers and product safety professionals go above and beyond to make sure we never compromise on product efficacy and safety. Period.

Safety Starts with Science

Protection begins with safety. That’s why we put science first in our ingredient and material selection process. Ensuring your safety starts with a four-step, science-based process for ingredient assessment that builds on and exceeds regulatory requirements.

We look at safe limits, smart uses, and evolving safety standards to ensure that we are making products that provide you with the comfort and protection you expect.

To learn more about our safety standards and testing, please visit We Care about Ingredients and Safety.

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Purposeful Ingredients

Always believes every ingredient serves a purpose – and that our responsibility to safety never ends. Each ingredient, whether made in-house or sourced from a supplier, is held to the same high safety standards in order to combine the best of science and the best of nature. All of our pads are made without chlorine bleaching, and our Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam pads are made without dyes and fragrances with a 100% organic cotton top layer.

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What is an Always Infinity FlexFoam pad made of?

Our ingredients are purposefully selected to give the comfort and performance you deserve. Learn more about why we selected them.

IngredientPurpose
Polyacrylate FoamTwo-layer foam that absorbs and locks away fluid
PolypropyleneA protective fiber layer that gives structure to the product
Hot Melt AdhesiveAn adhesive that helps hold the layers together and helps the pad stick to underwear
PolyethyleneA protective fiber layer that gives flexibility to the product
Calcium ChlorideHelps the foam pull fluid away from the body
Titanium DioxideMakes the material opaque
PetrolatumAn added lotion ingredient
Behenyl AlcoholAn added lotion ingredient
Zinc OxideAn added lotion ingredient
Ditallowethyl Hydroxyethylmonium MethosulfateA coating that helps the fibers absorb fluid

Ingredient list shown for Always Infinity FlexFoam.

Order and presence differs slightly for Always Radiant FlexFoam and Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam.

Refer to SmartLabel® for exact detail by item.

ABSORBENT HOLES

Absorbent holes on the core help the pad pull fluid into core.

TOP LAYER

Made of soft, breathable, non-woven material to keep you comfortable and dry.

Uses fibers that give the product both structure and flexibility.

GROOVES

Form-fitting grooves on the core help the pad conform to your body.

WINGS

Adhesive wings help keep the pad in place and protect the sides of your underwear.

CORE

Two-layer FlexFoam core is made of a proprietary polyacrylate foam material that continuosly absorbs and locks in fluid.

BACKSHEET

Back protective layer keeps fluid from reaching underwear and has adhesive that helps the pad stay in place.

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What is an Always Radiant FlexFoam pad made of?

Our ingredients are purposefully selected to give the comfort and performance you deserve. Learn more about why we selected them.

IngredientPurpose
Polyacrylate FoamTwo-layer foam that absorbs and locks away fluid
PolyethyleneA protective fiber layer that gives flexibility to the product
PolypropyleneA protective fiber layer that gives structure to the product
Hot Melt AdhesiveAn adhesive that helps hold the layers together and helps the pad stick to underwear
Calcium ChlorideHelps the foam pull fluid away from the body
Titanium DioxideMakes the material opaque
PetrolatumAn added lotion ingredient
Fragrance*Provides a light, clean scent for up to a 100% odor free period*Radiant Teen pads are unscented
Pigment Red 57:1Colorant for design
Behenyl AlcoholAn added lotion ingredient
Zinc OxideAn added lotion ingredient
Pigment Blue 15Colorant for design

Ingredient list shown for Always Radiant FlexFoam.

Order and presence differs slightly for Always Infinity FlexFoam and Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam.

Refer to SmartLabel® for exact detail by item.

ABSORBENT HOLES

Absorbent holes on the core help the pad pull fluid into core.

TOP LAYER

Made of soft, breathable, non-woven material to keep you comfortable and dry.

Uses fibers that give the product both structure and flexibility.

GROOVES

Form-fitting grooves on the core help the pad conform to your body.

WINGS

Adhesive wings help keep the pad in place and protect the sides of your underwear.

CORE

Two-layer FlexFoam core is made of a proprietary polyacrylate foam material that continuosly absorbs and locks in fluid.

BACKSHEET

Back protective layer keeps fluid from reaching underwear and has adhesive that helps the pad stay in place.

WITH A
LIGHT, CLEAN SCENT*
for up to a 100% odor free period *Radiant Teen pads are unscented

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What is an Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam pad made of?

Our ingredients are purposefully selected to give the comfort and performance you deserve. Learn more about why we selected them.

IngredientPurpose
Polyacrylate FoamTwo-layer foam that absorbs and locks away fluid
CottonAn organic cotton fiber that helps absorb fluid
Hot Melt AdhesiveAn adhesive that helps hold the layers together and helps the pad stick to underwear
PolyethyleneA protective fiber layer that gives flexibility to the product
PolypropyleneA protective fiber layer that gives structure to the product
Calcium ChlorideHelps the foam pull fluid away from the body
Titanium DioxideMakes the material opaque
PetrolatumAn added lotion ingredient
Behenyl AlcoholAn added lotion ingredient
Zinc OxideAn added lotion ingredient

Ingredient list shown for Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam.

Order and presence differs slightly for Always Infinity FlexFoam and Always Radiant FlexFoam.

Refer to SmartLabel® for exact detail by item.

ABSORBENT HOLES

Absorbent holes on the core help the pad pull fluid into core.

TOP LAYER

Made of 100% organic cotton fibers that absorb fluid to keep you comfortable and dry.

GROOVES

Form-fitting grooves on the core help the pad conform to your body.

WINGS

Adhesive wings help keep the pad in place and protect the sides of your underwear.

CORE

Two-layer FlexFoam core is made of a proprietary polyacrylate foam material that continuosly absorbs and locks in fluid.

BACKSHEET

Back protective layer keeps fluid from reaching underwear and has adhesive that helps the pad stay in place.

Vetted and Validated by Third Party Experts

With more than 20 years of rigorous research and development, reviews by experts (scientific committees, academia) and prestigious industry awards, women can be assured of the assessments on our products before they even reach the store. We have published 3 articles in peer-reviewed research journals validating the safety assessment of our Always FlexFoam pads. Additionally, Always is the #1 recommended pad by U.S. Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Pad_1GYNRecommended_Icon_ENG_Only-01-flex*based on a 2021 survey
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Always FlexFoam has been dermatologically tested, and approved as skin friendly by the Skin Health Alliance, an independent organization led by dermatologists and scientists. The qualification process includes an assessment of the ingredients, and clinical trial data. Always FlexFoam products have been endorsed by the SHA since 2017 and we will continue working with professionals to ensure our products meet high external standards.

Leading with Trust and Transparency, Now and into the Future

Always is the first period pad brand to use SmartLabel technology for an easy way to find the full product ingredient listing of every version available. Full ingredient lists can also be found on the SmartLabel website.

With your well-being as our ultimate standard, we will continue to prominently feature Always FlexFoam ingredients here and on our packaging so that when you reach for our products, you’ll know they are made with thoroughly evaluated ingredients.

Your trust in our products is what keeps us innovating and continuing along our ingredient transparency journey.

Your Questions, Our Answers

Are Always FlexFoam pads tested for safety?Are Always FlexFoam pads tested for safety?

Our pads are used safely by millions of women, every day. Your safety is at the center of everything we do, and we only launch products when we are certain that they can be safely used. Our products are rigorously tested, with over 50 quality tests carried out on our pad materials during manufacture before use. Additionally, Always FlexFoam pads are dermatologically tested, and approved by the Skin Health Alliance.

How do you ensure the safety of Always FlexFoam products?How do you ensure the safety of Always FlexFoam products?

The safety of the millions of girls and women who use our products is our number-one priority and at the foundation of everything we do. Over 200 scientists with broad scientific backgrounds within the Global Product Stewardship Organization are dedicated to ensuring our products are safe and in compliance with global regulations. We collaborate externally to ensure our safety assessment, interpretation and our testing methodologies are up to date. This includes our work with scientists from academia, and industry and independent scientific organizations like the Skin Health Alliance. Our collaborative work and active participation in scientific research with publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, contributes to advance the science of toxicology. We strive to build trust through transparency with regards to our ingredients, development and sharing of our safety science. At the end of the day, we can say that we only launch products on the market when we are certain that they can be safely used. For more information about our safety process, see this safety video.

What are Always FlexFoam pads made of?What are Always FlexFoam pads made of?

The core of an Always FlexFoam pad is made of an innovative and proprietary FlexFoam technology, positioned between a soft top layer and a moisture-proof backsheet, for up to Zero Leaks and Zero Feel. For more information, see the full ingredient list here.

Will Always FlexFoam pads cause allergies or irritation?Will Always FlexFoam pads cause allergies or irritation?

The components of our pads have been extensively evaluated to ensure that the likelihood of causing skin irritation or allergies is rare. All components undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they can be used safely. It is rare to experience irritation; however, this could be a result of a personal sensitivity, and we would suggest you stop using the product and discuss any symptoms with a medical professional. Always FlexFoam has been dermatologically tested, and approved by the Skin Health Alliance so you can rest assured that the products have been verified as Skin Safe by leading dermatologists and skin experts. According to the Skin Health Alliance, Skin Safe means: “a comprehensive breakdown of a product’s ingredients, the levels used, potential skin sensitizers and clinical trials data is used to define and scientifically substantiate a products skin safety credentials and efficacy claims."

Is there chlorine bleaching in Always FlexFoam pads?Is there chlorine bleaching in Always FlexFoam pads?

No, none of our pads contain chlorine bleach. Fibers used in Always FlexFoam pads are purified using an elemental chlorine-free purification process.

Do the Always FlexFoam have a scent or fragrance?
Is it safe to use products with a fragrance?Do the Always FlexFoam have a scent or fragrance?
Is it safe to use products with a fragrance?

Only Always Radiant FlexFoam has a light, clean scent which is designed to make odor free periods possible, as an option for consumers who prefer that benefit. All other FlexFoam pads are unscented. The fragrance used in Always Radiant FlexFoam meets the strict safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association, the world’s leading authority on fragrance safety.
We recommend our unscented products, such as Always Infinity FlexFoam and Always Pure Cotton FlexFoam, for those who prefer fragrance-free products or who may be sensitive to fragrances.

Who are the Skin Health Alliance?
What does it mean to have a Skin Health Alliance Accreditation?Who are the Skin Health Alliance?
What does it mean to have a Skin Health Alliance Accreditation?

In their own words: "The Skin Health Alliance awards professional dermatological accreditation to products, services and brands around the world. We help consumers feel confident in their choices by reassuring them products have been independently verified as skin safe. We’re also proud to support a range of skin charities and good causes through our work." For more info visit skinhealthalliance.org.

"The Skin Health Alliance dermatological accreditation logo is a reassurance that products have met our thorough set of skin safety requirements. These requirements are not set by the manufacturer or brand, instead they have been agreed upon by our team of leading independent dermatologists and skin scientists." James Stalley, Executive Manager, Skin Health Alliance.
For more information, visit the: Skin Health Alliance website and watch this video about who they are and what they do.

All Always FlexFoam products have been dermatologically tested, and approved by the Skin Health Alliance for the last 4 years.