What Are Cotton and Organic Pads? What to Check on the Label

In brief:

• The label should state the cotton percentage and layer; ‘cotton’ alone is not enough information.
• The GOTS ‘Organic’ label means a product contains at least 95% certified organic fibres.
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 indicates testing for harmful substances, not that a product is organic.
• Evidence that cotton or organic pads reduce irritation remains limited.

Cotton and organic pads: what do the terms mean?

Cotton pads

This means cotton or a cotton blend is used on the top layer touching the skin. Some pads have cotton only on this surface; others use it in more layers. Check the percentage, such as ‘95% cotton’, and which layer contains it.

Organic pads

Organic cotton is grown under organic farming rules and certified by independent organisations. One of the most common textile standards is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Its official label grades state:

• ‘Organic’ label: At least 95% of the product consists of certified organic fibres.
• ‘Made with organic materials’ label: 70–94% of the product consists of certified organic fibres.

So not every product labelled ‘organic’ contains the same percentage of organic fibres. The certificate number can be verified on the issuing organisation's website.

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

According to OEKO-TEX, this label indicates that a product, including its threads, buttons and accessories, has been tested for more than 1,000 harmful substances. Product classes depend on the intensity of skin contact, with stricter limits for direct contact. Certification is valid for 12 months and renewed annually.

Note: OEKO-TEX is a safety testing label; it does not mean a product is organic. GOTS certifies textiles made from organic fibres throughout the production chain; the organic status of the raw fibre is certified separately.

Do cotton or organic pads reduce irritation?

Few studies have examined this. An Italian study in women with irritative vulvitis reported that organic cotton pads were safe and reduced itching, irritation and burning compared with synthetic pads (Mori et al., 2018). However, this is a single study; its abstract does not state the number of participants, and large independent comparative studies are still lacking.

Fragrance has clearer evidence as a factor in irritation. The CDC recommends unscented pads, noting that scented pads can irritate the skin and affect natural pH balance. The NHS also notes that scented products around the vagina may increase bacterial vaginosis risk.

If a pad causes irritation, itching or redness, you can try a different surface material. See a doctor if symptoms persist or are accompanied by discharge or burning; irritation may have other causes, such as infection. For yeast infection symptoms, see What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?.

What should you check on the label?

When choosing pads, you can check:

• Skin-contact material and percentage: A clear statement such as ‘top layer X% cotton’, rather than just ‘cotton’.
• Verifiable certification: For an ‘organic’ claim, certification such as GOTS with a number; for safety testing, a label such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
• Fragrance: Unscented pads are preferred (CDC).
• Length and absorbency for your flow: Panty liners for light days; longer pads for heavy days and nights.
• Manufacturer details: The name and contact details of the manufacturer or importer.

We explain how often to change pads in Can You Use Panty Liners Every Day?.

Frequently asked

Are organic and cotton pads the same?

No. ‘Cotton’ means the pad contains cotton; ‘organic’ means that cotton is organically grown and certified. An organic claim should be supported by a verifiable certification such as GOTS.

Is a pad labelled ‘100% cotton’ made entirely of cotton?

Check which layer is 100% cotton. On some products, this refers only to the skin-contact surface. The absorbent inner layer and leakproof backing may be made of different materials.

Why do unscented pads matter?

The CDC states that scented pads can irritate the skin and affect natural pH balance. Unscented pads are therefore recommended.