From the first period in childhood to the last bleed before menopause, we rely on period products. Month after month, year on year, for nearly half our lives.

Yet the products we use most intimately—panty liners, pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear—are not subject to a dedicated EU-wide regulatory framework.

Today:

  • There is no EU requirement for full ingredient disclosure.
  • Consumers often have limited or no access to information about what menstrual products contain.
  • Independent studies have repeatedly identified traces of substances of concern, including heavy metals, PFAS and other chemicals, in some menstrual products.

At the same time, cosmetics are subject to extensive regulation and strict safety requirements - even though they are products we can choose to use or not use.

Why should period products be any different?
For most of us, period products are not optional. Some are even used internally, in direct contact with highly absorbent and sensitive tissue, close to reproductive organs.

This paradox highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and consistent safety standards across Europe.

We are calling for EU-wide regulation that ensures:

  • Clear safety regulation of substances in products used in intimate contact with the body 
  • Full transparency on materials and components in intimate products
  • Standardised testing for substances of concern, including PFAS, biocides and heavy metals
  • Informative labelling so consumers can make informed choices

Menstrual health deserves the same level of safety, scrutiny and care as other comparable product categories.

Because if we use these products for decades, we deserve to know what's in them.

If it’s called protection,
it shouldn’t be toxic.

The Period Project is run by

Cathrine Widunok Wichmand

A Danish entrepreneur and Chair of The Period Project. She has advocated for women’s health for a decade while building one of Denmark's leading menstrual care brands. She now serves as Chair of a European initiative advocating for safer, more transparent regulation of period products.

Nadja Abelgren

Olsen

Head of EU Affairs at 3F. She brings extensive experience in EU policymaking, legislative processes and strategic advocacy, providing The Period Project with in-depth expertise in navigating European institutions and regulatory frameworks.

Marie Borum

Marker

Co-founder of Folkemøde Møn, holds a Master's degree in Political Science and serves as Team Manager at Metroselskabet. She brings extensive experience in public administration and public policy, including serving as Special Adviser to Denmark's Minister for Social Affairs and Housing.

Barbara Saouma

Entrepreneur and co-founder of wawa fertility. Previously a partner at Social Zoo, she brings extensive experience in strategic partnerships, communications and building mission-driven brands within women's health.

Josefine Ørskov

Holds a degree in Film and Media Studies from the University of Copenhagen. She brings many years of experience as a journalist, producer and editor at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), with expertise in storytelling, media production and public communication.