8 Best Period Pads, Approved by Gynecologists 2024 | Glamour

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Though even the best period pads might not be our favorite thing to wear, if you’re not into tampons (or menstrual cups), there’s no denying how handy they are when it’s that time of month. To help you find the most comfortable sanitary pads, we tapped gynecologists and asked our network of reviewers to share what they regularly use and trust to keep them leak-free. Many agreed that if you’re looking for an option with wings (that won’t irritate sensitive skin), Honey Pot is your best bet while Kotex is still among the most trusted for heavy flows. Ahead, what to stock up on now to avoid that emergency drugstore run.

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If you’ve got quite a bit of bleeding, you’re going to want a longer pad with wings on the sides to make sure there’s no overspill or leakage, no matter whether you’re sitting or standing. “There’s a lot of pads that are marketed for comfort, so they’re less bulky. But if somebody has a heavy flow, you’re going to need the bulk, which provides the absorptive material and the coverage,” says Caledonia Buckheit, MD, an ob-gyn in North Carolina.

These daytime menstrual pads from The Honey Pot Company fit the bill at 11.4 inches long with wings on either side and an über-absorbent core. Infused with lavender, mint, aloe vera, and rose, they also give a slight cooling and soothing sensation. Fans say this can help calm down menstrual cramps and make periods suck less. But there’s also a non-herbal option available if you don’t like the tingling sensation. One of our reviewers, who frequently gets irritated by pads, said that these were extra soft.

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When you’re heading to bed, you want a comfortable pad that will last you all night, and keep you dry even if you do some tossing and turning. “With an overnight pad, I would emphasize anterior-posterior coverage because when you’re sleeping in different positions, you may get some shifting. That way, you don’t have to worry about lack of coverage,” says Dr. Buckheit. “Also, you’re using it for a longer number of hours, so you probably are going to want something that has a higher absorbency.”

Glamour reviewer Khara Hanlon started using pads again after her 20s, and now relies on the overnight pads from Always. “The older I get, sometimes my flow is pretty light, and a pad with wings feels easier,” she says. As someone who doesn’t want to feel any bulk in her underwear, she likes how long and exceptionally thin these are. Hanlon says they feel “almost like a panty liner.” The only downside she’s experienced is that the wings don’t always stay put, and the adhesive on the back can start pulling at her hair.

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Menstruation can sometimes make our vulva extra sensitive. If you’re having discomfort, Dr. Buckheit suggests sticking to cotton underwear and pads. “Cotton products are better and potentially less irritating than plastic-based products—synthetic materials are more likely to trap moisture,” she explains. She also suggests avoiding dyes and fragrances. “The fragrances often will have additives that are irritating,” she says. (If you’re worried about odors, Franziska Haydanek, DO, an ob-gyn in New York, suggests looking into pads with charcoal, which offsets the smell of blood.)

Glamour reviewer Deja Monet says Always Pure Cotton pads are her top pick to stay comfortable on her cycle, whether she’s headed to work or going to bed. “These pads don’t irritate me,” she says. “I’m very sensitive during my period and it literally feels like nothing is there when you wear the pad.” She adds that they last throughout the day without odor or leaks.

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If you want to stay leak-free even when your flow is extra heavy, Dr. Haydanek has a few suggestions: Look for pads that are long enough to cover you from front to back and have wings for a little more width. You’ll also want them to be super absorbent. “My patients who deal with that also often wear period underwear so they don’t have leakage through the pad into their pants,” she adds.

These 15.75-inch overnight super pads from U By Kotex are designed to last you up to 12 hours, with so much coverage and absorption that they’re virtually leakproof. They might be longer than your forearm—and look a little intimidating at first—but they’re your best bet to stay dry on days when it seems like your flow just won’t stop.

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“When you’re thinking about a pad that you might wear working out, you may want to use one that is thinner and that has the adhesive that wraps around the outside of the underwear a little bit more so that you can have more mobility and less bulk,” Dr. Buckheit says. She warns that might mean you can only wear the pad for a short amount of time because it’s less absorbent. “But it might be more comfortable during the workout,” she says.

Several athletes swear by these ultrathin pads from Always for workouts on their menstrual cycle since they stay in place thanks to extra adhesive, and are designed to not bunch up, no matter how much you’re moving (yes, even in yoga class). The cotton material is also breathable, but highly absorbent.

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A massive maxi pad can overwhelm a teen body. “Those big, heavy pads may be too much for them and also uncomfortable if they don’t need it,” Dr. Haydanek says. U By Kotex makes these Balance Sized for Teen pads shorter and narrower to better fit smaller physiques. “They feel almost nonexistent to wear, as opposed to most bulkier pads, while being very absorbent,” says Glamour reviewer Hayley C. “To me they’re suitable for all activities.”

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Organic pads made without harsh chemicals can be gentler on sensitive skin than traditional period products. “With vulvar hygiene products, be it a wash, a cream, a pad, anything that’s going to be in the vulvar area, my mantra is less is more,” Dr. Buckheit says. “So if a pad has a larger ingredient list, I would avoid that pad.” The 100% organic-cotton top sheets on Cora’s pads are made without chlorine, fragrances, dyes, or GMO ingredients to be extra kind to your most delicate body parts. What’s more, the soft organic cotton is known for being exceptionally breathable so things don’t start feeling swampy.

“I love Cora pads because they’re fragrance-free, and they have a super-soft cover but are not flimsy or rubbery. They conform to my vulva area really well, especially the regular absorbency pads,” says Glamour reviewer Chloé-Ana B. “I really love how thin they are because they’re comfy to wear when traveling but still keep me protected. I have a lighter flow, and they provide just the perfect amount of coverage for me,” she says.

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If you want to keep your menstrual flow planet-friendly, Dr. Buckheit says you can look into reusable pads (many are sold on Etsy) that you can rinse in the washing machine. But if you’re not quite ready for that level of commitment, August sells some of the most sustainable disposable pads you can find. One percent of the company’s profits are donated to sustainability-focused nonprofits. Plus, the wrappers are compostable. And, importantly, they’re actually really comfortable.

“These are the only pads I’ve found that don’t cause any irritation, or itchiness. They’re super soft—so much so that I don’t mind wearing them,” says Glamour reviewer Taylor C. “The wings are also sticky enough that they don’t slip or crumple throughout the day.”