Ingredient Glossary
Ever wonder what ingredients are in your period products? This glossary can help you understand what it is and why it’s there.
Acetate/Ethylene/Hydroxymethylacrylamide/Acrylamide Copolymer
A substance of high molecular weight that is used in period products to hold together the layers of the center core that absorbs fluid for a comfortable and dry wearing experience.
Alkyl Phosphate Salt
Enhances the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluid in period products.
STEARATES (Behenamido (2-methylpropyl) PEG/PPG Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sucrose Stearate)
These ingredients are used as additives in some layers of a period product to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluid.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Used in period products as an antioxidant to help protect the layers from deterioration.
COLORANT OR COLOR ADDITIVE
“A color additive, as defined by regulation, is any dye, pigment, or other substance that can impart color to a food, drug, or cosmetic or to the human body. Color additives are important components of many products, making them attractive, appealing, appetizing, and informative.” (Source: FDA)
The following are colorants used in period products to color a material or in a printing ink to provide a decorative design:
Pigment Black 2
Pigment Black 7
Pigment Blue 15
Pigment Green 7
Pigment Orange 16
Pigment Red 122
Pigment Red 146
Pigment Red 176
Pigment Red 184
Pigment Red 48
Pigment Red 48:2
Pigment Red 48:3
Pigment Red 52:1
Pigment Red 53:1
Pigment Red 57
Pigment Red 57:1
Pigment Violet 19
Pigment Violet 23
Pigment White 21
Pigment White 6
Pigment Yellow 13
Pigment Yellow 14
Pigment Yellow 151
Pigment Yellow 180
Pigment Yellow 185
Pigment Yellow 83
Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue, Red, Violet)
Solvent Blue 104
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3, C12-14 Sec-Pareth-7
According to the INCI, “the term Pareth applies to ethoxylated paraffinic alcohols.”
In period products, these ingredients are used in some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluid.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is a salt and is used In period products to prevent over-swelling and gel blocking of the absorbent polymer, increasing core utilization.
Capryleth-4
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluid.
Cellulose
An absorbent fiber made from wood pulp that, in period products, pulls in and absorbs fluid for wetness protection.
Ceteareths (Ceteareth-10 , Ceteareth-20)
Are liquids to waxy solids and are used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluids.
Cetearyl Alcohol, Oleyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol
In period products, these ingredients are used to balance the moisture level and feel of material against skin.
Cotton
In period products, cotton is used to make help skin feel clean and comfortable as well as an absorbent fiber for wetness or leakage protection.
Deceth-4 Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Dicocodimonium Chloride
A surfactant that is used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Ditallowethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Drometrizole
In period products it is used to protect the product or materials from deterioration by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays.
Ethoxylated Fatty Acid Esters
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Ethylene Carbonate
In period products it is used as an aid in helping to keep ingredients combined.
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Some layers of period products contain this substance that delivers softness, durability, and protection.
Glycerin
In period products glycerin helps to balance the moisture level and feel of material against skin.
Hot Melt Adhesive
In period products it is used to adhere different materials together.
Hydrocarbon Resin
A component of hot melt adhesives and is used in period products to provide the adhesion property of the adhesive to the substrates that are being bonded.
Hydrogenated Mineral Oil
In period products it is used in adhesives to provide lubrication and viscosity (thickness) modification.
Kaolin
In period products it is used in the tissue paper as a carrier for the absorbent core.
Laureth-3, Laureth-10
In period products the main function of these substances is as a surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
LYOCELL
Lyocell is a botanic cellulosic fiber. In period products, it is used for fluid management and to provide a softer skin touch.
Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
An antioxidant used in period products to protect from breakdown and help ensure its quality, integrity and safety.
Octyl Potassium Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Organo Modified Siloxane
Is used as a performance additive for improving bulk and surface properties. In period products it is used as a surfactant added to some layers that enhances the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Paraffin Wax
In period products it is used for sealing and waterproofing materials.
PEG Castor Oil, PEG Hydrogenated Castor Oil
PEG-5 Castor Oil, PEG-10 Castor Oil, PEG-11 Castor Oil, and PEG-35 Castor Oil are polyethylene glycol derivatives of castor oil. PEG-5 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil are polyethylene glycol derivatives of hydrogenated castor oil. In period products the PEG Castor Oil and PEG Hydrogenated Castor Oil ingredients are used as a surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG Cocoate
PEG-5 Cocoate, PEG-10 Cocoate and PEG-15 Cocoate are polyethylene glycol derivatives of coconut oil fatty acids used as surfactant added to some layers in period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG Sorbitol Hexaoleate
A polyethylene glycol compound of Sorbitol and Oleic Acid, used in period products as a surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
A type of silicone used in period products as a surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG Dilaurate, PEG Laurate
PEG Dilaurate (PEG-6 Dilaurate) and PEG Laurate (PEG-10 Laurate) are used in period products as a surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG-10 Oleate
In period products it is used as surfactant added to some layers to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
In period products it is used as surfactant added to some layers that enhances the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Pentaerythrityl Rosinate
A component of hot melt adhesives. It provides the adhesion property of the adhesive to the substrates that are being bonded.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A common antioxidant used to protect a product from breaking down and to help ensure its quality, integrity and safety.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly and white petrolatum) occurs as a colorless or pale yellow semisolid. In period products petrolatum is used as a moisturizing agent.
Phosphoric Acid Alkyl Esters Potassium Salts
In period products they are used as surfactants added to some layers that enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to absorb fluid.
Polyacrylate Foam
A form of a polymer with fluid absorbing properties also functioning to provide structural padding and support.
Polyoxyethylene Monoallyl Ether
A coating used in period product to help the fibers wick fluid.
Polyester
A fiber used to deliver softness and protection in a period product.
Polyethylene
A film or fiber in period products used to deliver softness, breathability, and protection. It is also used as a structural component of some tampon applicators.
Polyethylene Glycol Fatty Acid Ester
An additive used in some layers of period products that enhances the feel of the material against skin.
Polyethylene Glycol Monolaurate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Polyisobutene
Used in adhesives to provide lubrication and viscosity (thickness) modification.
Polylactic Acid
Used as a layer in a period product, PLA delivers softness, durability, and protection.
Polyoxyalkylene Alkyl Ether
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Polyoxyethylene, Lauryl Ether, Phosphate, Potassium Salt
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Polypropylene
In period products, it is found as a fiber or film and is in some of the layers that make up the product, delivering softness, durability, and protection.
Polyurethane Resin
In period products they are found in many elastics to help with the fit and help prevent leakage.
Potassium Octadecyl Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Potassium Polyoxyethylene Laurylether Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Potassium Trideceth-Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Quaternized Ester Amine
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Rayon/Viscose
In period products it is used to provide softness and absorbency.
Rubber
A main component of hot-melt adhesives, is used in period products to adhere different materials together.
Silicone
In period products it is used to provide softness and support.
Sodium (C13-18) Olefin Sulfonate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate
A surfactant used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Sodium Polyacrylate
An absorbent polymer that is in the form of gel like crystals. In period products is used to pull in and absorb fluid for wetness protection.
Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Oleate
Sorbitan Laurate and Sorbitan Oleate function as surfactant and are used in period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of a material to repel fluid.
Spandex
Used in a period product to increase the product’s pressure comfort, enhancing the ease of body movements.
Stearamide DEA
A waxy solid used in some layers of period products to enhance the feel, breathability, absorbency, or the ability of the material to repel fluid.
Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
A main component of hot-melt adhesives which are used to adhere different materials together in period products.
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
A main component of hot-melt adhesives which are used to adhere different materials together in period products.
Synthetic Beeswax
A wax used in period products to help hold ingredients together.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring odorless mineral used as a pigment in a wide range of products, such as cosmetics, food, and personal care. Sometimes referred to as TiO2, titanium white, pigment white 6 or CI 77891, it has been reviewed and concluded to be safe by many agencies globally.
Tris(2,4-Ditert-Butylphenyl) Phosphite
Used as an antioxidant and/or stabilizer in matrices of polymers. In period products this substance is used in some layers to protect them from breakdown helping ensure the quality, integrity and safety of the product.
Water
Used as a liquid base of a product and helps keep ingredients combined.
Wood Pulp
Used in the absorbent core of period products to pull in and absorb fluids for wetness protection.
Zinc Oxide
Used in period products to help keep the skin dry.
This is an aggregate list of ingredients used in period products by BAHP members. Not all ingredients are used by all manufacturers. The identification of an ingredient on this list does not imply that the ingredient is safe, or that its use in a period product complies with the laws and regulations of the United States or other global regions. The safety and fitness of use for an ingredient, along with regulatory considerations, is carefully evaluated by the manufacturer as part of the development process before the product is marketed. For more information about the specific ingredients in a period product, visit the manufacturer’s website or look for the product in SmartLabel®. Additionally, all benefit definitions must be evaluated for claim support by specific manufacturers.
Commonly Used Terms
The below terms are defined to assist in the understanding of those menstrual product ingredients listed on the Glossary.
Alcohol
Alcohols are a large class of compounds characterized by one or more hydroxyl groups. Alcohols may be considered as derivatives of water. They are used as sweeteners and in making perfumes, are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds, and are among the most abundantly produced chemicals in industry.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or slow deterioration of a product due to chemical reaction with oxygen.
Carrier
Is a nonwoven, or a barrier film, or tissue liner where the absorbent core is deposited to be transported through the production line.
Copolymer
Is a polymer derived from more than one species of monomer. In period products copolymers are used for a variety of functions such as absorbents, adhesives, binders, etc.
Fatty Acid
A compound that consists of a carboxyl group (oxygen, carbon and hydrogen) attached to a chain of carbon atoms with their associated hydrogen atoms. A major class of animal and vegetable fats are made up of various combinations of fatty acids (in sets of three) connected to a glycerol molecule, making them triglycerides.
Hydrophilic
Water loving; materials having a strong affinity for water and other polar substances. In period products most top layers have been treated with surfactants to create a hydrophilic surface that will let liquids pass so that they are absorbed by the core.
Hydrophobic
Literally means “the fear of water.” Hydrophobic molecules and surfaces repel water and other polar substances. This means when hydrophobic items come in contact with polar liquids like water and bodily fluids, the liquids are encouraged to bead up and roll off the surface like a magnet pushes away metal objects. In period products some material layers have this feature to provide a dry barrier, while withstanding moisture.
Polymer
Polymer, any of a class of substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, that are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. For example, many materials used as plastics and resins are polymers.
Preservative
A preservative is an ingredient that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals and personal care products to prevent spoilage, whether from microbial growth or undesirable chemical changes. The use of preservatives is essential in most products to prevent product damage caused by microorganisms and to protect the product from inadvertent contamination by the consumer during use. A preservative may also be added to a product to protect it against damage and degradation caused by exposure to oxygen, and in this instance, these ingredients are also called antioxidants.
Surfactant
A short form term for surface acting agent. A surface acting agent, or surfactant, is a chemical that helps two substances that normally do not mix to become dissolved or dispersed in one another. The surfactant is able to bridge between two otherwise immiscible materials because it has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. There are utilized in every industrial area ranging from household detergents to drilling muds and food items to pharmaceuticals and period products.