Most feminine hygiene products are only subject to obtain a 510k before being put on the market, also known as a premarket notification (FDA). This does not equate to a full inspection for safety hazards like carcinogens that can commonly be found in many name-brand feminine products. 

This is an excerpt from a journal posted on NIH from a peer reviewed study on toxic chemicals in feminine products

"We examined VOCs that are known or suspected carcinogens (chloroform, benzene, 1,4-dioxane, etc.). Chloroform, a likely human carcinogen, was found in 62% of the analyzed products with the highest level, 149 ng/g, in a wash (product W7). Benzene, another carcinogen, was found in all washes, moisturizers, sprays and powders (detected in 83% of products), and the highest level was found in a spray, 3604 ng/g (S4). 1,4-dioxane, classified as a likely carcinogen, was found in 50% products (92% of the washes, and 75% of the wipes), with the highest level in a wash, 24,354 ng/g (W12). 1,4-Dichlorobenzene was found in 59% of tampons (mean and median concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 ng/g). Naphthalene was found in most (87%) products at very low concentrations; a wash (W2) had the highest level, 69 ng/g. (Lin et al.)"

There should be stricter inspections, and requirements on feminine/hygiene products to ensure the safety of the masses of our women for their futures.

Works Cited

FDA. “510(K) Clearances.” FDA, 6 Nov. 2023, www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-approvals-and-clearances/510k-clearances Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Lin, Nan, et al. “Volatile Organic Compounds in Feminine Hygiene Products Sold in the US Market: A Survey of Products and Health Risks.” Environment International, vol. 144, Nov. 2020, p. 105740, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105740 Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.