Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads: What South African Women Need to Know Right Now

What We Know Right Now

In early March 2026, reporting by The Citizen brought widespread public attention to a study conducted by the University of the Free State (UFS). According to the article, researchers detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in certain sanitary pads and pantyliners that are commercially available in South Africa.

Source: The Citizen, 3 March 2026

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances that can interfere with the body's hormonal system. They are found in a range of consumer products — from plastics and pesticides to cosmetics. The concern raised by this study is that women may be exposed to these chemicals through intimate contact with sanitary products used for several hours each day, over the course of decades.

It is important to note the following confirmed facts versus areas still under investigation:

Verified (as reported)

• The UFS study tested sanitary pads and pantyliners available in South Africa
• EDCs were detected in certain tested products
• The National Consumer Commission has initiated its own investigation
• Nine suppliers have been named in the NCC investigation

Still under investigation / uncertain

• The specific levels of EDCs detected and whether they exceed safety thresholds
• Whether the detected levels pose a definitive health risk at typical usage patterns
• Whether products will be recalled — the NCC is awaiting supplier responses
• Whether all products from the named brands are affected, or only specific product lines

Editorial note: We present these facts based solely on reporting by The Citizen. We have not independently verified the UFS study data. Consumers should monitor official NCC communications for updates.

What's Being Investigated: The NCC and the Nine Suppliers

According to The Citizen, the National Consumer Commission has initiated an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers whose products were tested in the UFS study. The NCC cited provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), specifically sections 55 and 24.

The nine suppliers named in the reporting are:

1. Kimberly-Clark of SA (Pty) Ltd — Kotex
2. Procter & Gamble (Pty) Ltd — Always
3. Anna Organics
4. The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd — Comfitex
5. Here We Flo — Flo
6. Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd — Stay Free
7. Premier Group of Companies — Lil-lets
8. Essity Hygiene and Health AB — Libresse South Africa
9. My Time

Supplier list as reported by The Citizen, 3 March 2026

The NCC has requested that these suppliers conduct tests on the affected products or provide their most recent laboratory results for EDC testing. According to the reporting, the Commission stated that once results are received, they will assess whether product recall provisions under section 60 of the CPA should be invoked.

"The investigation aims to review and assess the suppliers' compliance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act."

— National Consumer Commission, quoted in The Citizen

What This Means for Everyday Buyers in South Africa

The natural response to this kind of news is concern — and concern is reasonable. However, it is also important to avoid panic-driven decisions. Here is a calm, practical framing of the situation:

• No products have been recalled. The investigation is in its early phase. Results from suppliers are still pending.
• Using a sanitary pad today is not an emergency. The potential risk comes from long-term cumulative exposure to chemicals, not from using a single pad on a single day.
• You have options. While investigations continue, consumers can make informed choices about product selection without abandoning menstrual protection entirely.
• Stay informed, not alarmed. Follow official NCC updates rather than social media speculation.

The situation is genuinely concerning. But it is being investigated through proper regulatory channels. In the meantime, women deserve practical guidance — not fear.

Disposables vs Reusables: The Real Trade-Off in South Africa

Following the UFS study, researchers reportedly advised considering reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups as alternatives. While this suggestion is well-intentioned, the practical reality for many South African women is considerably more complex.

The case for reusables

• Lower lifetime cost — estimated at R4,000 to R5,000 over five years, compared to higher cumulative spend on disposables
• Significantly less landfill waste
• Potential reduction in exposure to synthetic chemicals found in some disposable pads

The infrastructure reality

• Water scarcity. Many communities face unreliable water access, making regular washing of reusable pads difficult or impossible.
• Privacy constraints. Communal bathrooms and shared laundry facilities mean women may have no private space to wash or dry used pads. As Candice Chirwa, founder of Qrate, noted in The Citizen article: the choice depends on "whether the environment allows you to manage your period with dignity."
• Upfront cost barrier. A full reusable kit can constitute 49% to 64% of a poor household's monthly income, according to figures cited in the reporting.
• Hygiene concerns. Without adequate washing and drying infrastructure, improperly maintained reusable pads may introduce their own health risks.
• Social stigma. Menstrual stigma creates anxiety around washing and drying bloodied pads in visible or shared spaces.

Our position: Reusable products are a valid option for women whose circumstances allow dignified use. But they are not a universal solution. The answer to unsafe disposables is not to abandon disposables — it is to demand safer ones. Both choices deserve respect.

Cost estimates sourced from The Citizen, 3 March 2026

How to Reduce Risk While Investigations Continue

These are practical, non-medical steps that any consumer can consider. They are not a substitute for clinical advice, and they do not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

How to Read Period Product Labels Like a Detective

One of the frustrations highlighted by this situation is that many sanitary products in South Africa do not provide detailed ingredient or material information on their packaging. Here is what to look for — and what to question.

What to look for

• Top sheet material. Is it organic cotton, conventional cotton, or synthetic (polypropylene)? Organic cotton is generally the gentlest option for sensitive skin.
• Core composition. Some pads use SAP (superabsorbent polymer), others use plant-based cellulose. Knowing what is absorbing your menstrual blood matters.
• Bleaching method. "TCF" (Totally Chlorine Free) or "ECF" (Elemental Chlorine Free) are preferable to chlorine-bleached processes.
• Fragrance status. "Fragrance-free" and "unscented" are not the same thing. "Unscented" may still contain masking fragrances. Look specifically for "fragrance-free."
• Certifications. Look for organic certifications, regulatory approvals, or third-party testing disclosures. These are not guarantees, but they indicate accountability.

Red flags

• No material information on the packaging at all
• "Dermatologically tested" without specifying what was tested or by whom
• "Natural" without any certification to back it up — "natural" has no regulated meaning
• No contact information or manufacturer details

South African Consumer Rights and Resources

If you are concerned about the safety of a sanitary product, you have rights under South African law. This section outlines the relevant framework — but is not legal advice.

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA)

The CPA is the primary legislation protecting consumer rights in South Africa. According to the NCC statement quoted in The Citizen, the investigation cites:

• Section 55: The right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purpose and free of defects
• Section 24: Provisions related to product labelling and trade descriptions
• Section 60: Product recall provisions — the NCC will determine whether these should be invoked after reviewing supplier test results

Where to report concerns

• National Consumer Commission: thencc.gov.za
• Consumer Goods and Services Ombud: a free service for resolving disputes with suppliers
• Provincial consumer affairs offices: available in all nine provinces
• SAHPRA (SA Health Products Regulatory Authority): for products claiming health/medical benefits

You can also keep a record of the product brand, type, batch number, and any symptoms experienced. This documentation may be useful if a formal complaint process is initiated.

Where Dignity Organic Fits

Transparency notice: Dignity Organic Sanitaries is the publisher of this article. The following section describes our product positioning. Claims attributed to The Citizen article are labelled as such. We encourage readers to verify all claims independently.

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