Bandages without forever chemicals: what you need to know

Let’s talk bandages. You know—the ones we reach for when our kids take a tumble, when we nick a finger in the kitchen, or when blisters threaten to ruin a fun day outside. We count on them to help protect small wounds while they heal. But did you know that some bandages contain chemicals that don’t belong anywhere near our skin?

They’re called PFAS, and we want to make sure you know what they are, why they’re concerning, and how to avoid them—especially when it comes to your kids.

wait… what are PFAS?

PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or our bodies. That means once they’re in, they tend to stay in.

They’ve been used in everything from nonstick pans to raincoats to—you guessed it—some adhesive bandages, because of their water-resistant and non-stick properties.

why should I be concerned?

Here’s the thing: PFAS are showing up in our water, soil, food, and even in our blood. Research suggests that exposure to PFAS may be linked to:

• Hormonal disruption

• Weakened immune systems (which is especially concerning for kids)

• Developmental delays

• Increased risk of certain cancers

That’s a lot to take in for something as simple as a bandage. And while scientists are still studying the long-term effects, we believe it’s better to play it safe—especially when it comes to something you’re putting directly on a cut or scrape.

how do I avoid PFAS in bandages?

Great question! Unfortunately, companies aren’t always required to list PFAS on product labels, so it’s not as simple as checking the ingredients.

Here are a few things you can do:

• Look for “PFAS-free” labeling. This is a growing trend and a good sign the company is paying attention.

• Choose brands that are transparent about their materials.

• Skip “waterproof” bandages unless they specifically say they’re PFAS-free. That water-resistant coating is often where PFAS are hiding.

• Ask questions! Reach out to brands you trust and see if they’ve done testing or committed to PFAS-free standards.

The good news? all KEEP>GOING bandages are PFAS-free!

At KEEP>GOING, we’re moms and dads too. We designed our first aid kits—and the bandages inside them—with our own families in mind. That means no weird chemicals, no questionable coatings, and no cutting corners.

Whether you’re grabbing a cute unicorn bandage for your toddler or patching up your teen after a skateboarding mishap, you can feel confident knowing that every bandage in our kits is:

✅ Free from PFAS and other “forever chemicals”
✅ Latex-free and gentle on sensitive skin
✅ Designed with real families and real messes in mind

We believe that keeping your family safe shouldn't come with a chemical catch—and that the little things, like a truly clean bandage, matter more than we realize.

let’s keep it clean and keep going 💚

The world throws enough surprises our way—mystery chemicals in basic first aid shouldn’t be one of them. With KEEP>GOING, you get peace of mind, pretty designs your kids will actually love, and first aid that’s ready when life happens.

Got questions? We’re always here to chat.