The  Always pad Trend That’s Taking Over TikTok

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen people holding up their Always pads under a flashlight— shocked by what they’re seeing. The trend has sparked heated debates, with some users claiming the glow reveals “chemicals,” “plastic layers,” or “mystery ingredients.”

At Rif Care, we love when people start asking questions about what they’re using on their bodies — because that’s where change begins.

What’s Actually Inside Conventional Pads

Most mainstream pads — including brands like Always — are made primarily from plastic-derived materials. These can include:

• Polyethylene and polypropylene (used for the top and bottom layers)

• Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) that trap fluid

• Fragrances, adhesives, and dyes (for scent and color consistency)

• Ethanol, Petrol, and synthetic colors

When light shines through, it highlights these synthetic components — which can reflect, glow, or appear uneven. What you’re seeing isn’t magic — it’s likely the SAP petrochemical materials reacting under light. Although we cant say with certainty, because other apps that also have SAP pass the light test it seems the manufacturing process isn't so clean and neat as we would like and SAP is absorbing moisture in some batches. Could this be happening in your bathroom- this is also a possibility! But still, do you want to be putting pads with Ethanol and chemicals near your body for 7 years (the average amount of days combined a woman is on her period).

(HONORABLE MENTION: this ingredient list is insane, how is it even legal?)

Why It Matters

Your skin — especially the vulva — is one of the most absorbent areas on the body. What’s in your pad matters. Many people were surprised to learn that U.S. regulations don’t require brands to disclose their pad ingredients. Even with all the things listed, there can be things missing. That’s why pads can contain dozens of undisclosed compounds — and why this flashlight trend has struck such a nerve.

When something is designed to be worn for hours at a time in an intimate area, ingredient transparency should be the bare minimum.

How Rif Care Is Different

At Rif, we’re proud to use biobased fibers and natural materials instead of plastics and synthetic absorbents. Our pads are:

• Made from plant-based fibers like organic hemp and cotton

• Free from plastic top sheets, dyes, and fragrances

• Designed for comfort, performance, and biodegradability

• We don't use SAP in our pads, but as soon as we find a plant based, better for you and truly biodegradable option- we will consider adding it to our pads.

We believe you shouldn’t need a flashlight to see what’s in your pad. Transparency should come standard.

The flashlight trend isn’t just a viral moment — it’s a wake-up call. People want to know what they’re using, what it’s made from, and how it impacts their health and the planet.

And that’s exactly why we exist. Curious what’s inside your products? Learn more about our materials and mission by downloading the Menarche Manual and reading more information about how to remove toxins from your everyday life on our blog.