The Best Non-Toxic Tampons of 2026
All 85 tampons PFAS Authority has graded reach its 70 point pass mark for PFAS and other toxins, as of October 2026. The highest graded is Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons at 100 out of 100.
Every grade below is built from published materials, ingredient lists, certifications and brand disclosures, scored on one public rubric and ranked best-graded first. Each score links to the full breakdown of what earned it, and the numbers across the whole dataset are published too.
Are tampons non-toxic?
85 of the 85 tampons we graded clear our screen and 0 do not. Non-toxic is not a defined or regulated term, so what we can tell you is what our graders recorded. Beyond PFAS, the hazards found or left unruled-out on tampons in this category are undisclosed fragrance, pesticide residue, microplastics, artificial dyes, BPA and bisphenols. The highest graded here is Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons at 100 out of 100.
Quick picks
Third-party certified
Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ctCarries a certification from an outside body
100 Excellent
Brand states its position
Natracare Organic Cotton Super Plus TamponsThe brand has published a PFAS statement we can quote
100 Excellent
Why Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons wins, and what it beats
Every grade on this page is one sum. A category starts from a baseline, each disclosed material or coating adds risk points, and each thing the brand or a third party has published takes them away. Below is that sum for the winner, then for 3 products it beats, so you can see exactly where the 30 points between the top and the bottom of this tampons ranking come from.
The winner
Made of 100% organic cotton.
- +25Category baseline. The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
- -10Base material not linked to PFAS. The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
- -30Third-party PFAS-free verification. A third party reports verifying this product as PFAS-free.
What the grade does not fix. Nothing specific to this product adds risk, so what remains is the category baseline that every product here starts from. See the full breakdown.
What it beats, and why
What puts it behind. The winner earns -30 points for Third-party PFAS-free verification. We found nothing comparable published for this product.
Made of cotton, rayon, cardboard applicator.
- +25Category baseline
- -10Brand-stated PFAS-free. The brand states this product is PFAS-free. We have not verified the claim.
- -10Base material not linked to PFAS
5risk points, a grade of 95
What puts it behind. The winner earns -30 points for Third-party PFAS-free verification. We found nothing comparable published for this product.
Made of organic cotton, viscose rayon, plant-based adhesives.
- +25Category baseline
- -10Base material not linked to PFAS
15risk points, a grade of 85
What puts it behind. No PFAS disclosure, +15 points. No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product. The winner carries no such factor.
Made of organic cotton, cardboard applicator.
- +25Category baseline
- +15No PFAS disclosure
- -10Base material not linked to PFAS
30risk points, a grade of 70
No product on this page was physically tested by us. Every number above comes from published materials, ingredient and coating disclosures, certifications and brand statements, scored on one public rubric. Formulations change without notice, so check the current product listing before buying.
What to watch for in tampons
Beyond the PFAS grade, these are the things our graders recorded on the 85 tampons in this category. We assess from materials, brand statements and published research. We do not lab-test.
- Undisclosed fragrance
A single word on a label that can stand for dozens of undeclared ingredients, protected as trade secret.
Found on 4 of these tampons. Plausible but unconfirmed on 17 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. FDA
- Pesticide residue
What remains on or in a crop after treatment, and in the textiles made from it.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 18 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. EPA
- Microplastics
Plastic fragments small enough to shed from a product into food, water or air without anyone seeing it.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 14 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. EPA
- Artificial dyes
Synthetic colours added to food, cosmetics and textiles, most of them petroleum derived.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 6 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. FDA
- BPA and bisphenols
Chemicals that harden plastic and line metal cans, and the replacements sold as BPA-free.
Plausible but unconfirmed on 3 more, meaning nobody has ruled it out. NIEHS
The safest tampons we graded, lowest PFAS risk first
- 1
Third-party verified
- 100% organic cotton
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Heavy metals
- 2
Third-party verified
Natracare
Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct
100ExcellentPFAS grade✓ MADE SAFE Certified✓ Vegan Society Certified- organic cotton, cardboard applicator
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Dioxins from bleaching
- 3
Third-party verified
Natracare
Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons
100ExcellentPFAS grade✓ Organic Cotton Certification✓ MADE SAFE Certified- organic cotton, no added fluorochemicals
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Verified PFAS-free by a third party
- 4
- cotton, rayon, cardboard applicator
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Cardboard applicator degradation and splinter risk
- 5
- cardboard tube applicator, plastic handle
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Contamination from unsterilized or improperly manufactured plastic handle
- 6
- cotton, rayon, or viscose (typical tampon fibers)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 7
- 100% organic cotton, plant-based plastic
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Bleaching byproducts (dioxins/furans)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 8
- Rayon/viscose, cotton, non-woven fibers
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Pesticide residue
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What the evidence says about PFAS in tampons
Testing of disposable period products has found indications of PFAS in some products but not others. Mamavation’s lab screening found indications of PFAS in 48 percent of 46 pads, panty liners and incontinence pads, and in 22 percent of 23 tampons. Notre Dame’s 2023 screening found intentional fluorination in some but not all pads, while tampons and the layers of pads that touch the skin did not seem to contain fluorine. Minnesota bans intentionally added PFAS in pads and tampons, and California and Maine also ban PFAS in menstrual products.
- Independent testMamavation’s lab screening found indications of PFAS in 48 percent of the 46 sanitary pads, panty liners and incontinence pads it tested. Mamavation ↗
- Independent testIn a separate Mamavation investigation, indications of PFAS were found in 22 percent of 23 tampons. Mamavation ↗
- Independent testNotre Dame’s 2023 screening found intentional fluorination in some, but not all, disposable and reusable pads, while others showed no measurable fluorine. University of Notre Dame ↗
- Independent testThe lead researcher said tampons did not seem to contain fluorine, and neither did the layers of pads that touch the skin. American Chemical Society (archived page) ↗
- Regulatory filingMinnesota’s ban on intentionally added PFAS, in force since 2025, covers pads and tampons. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ↗
- Regulatory filingCalifornia bans the manufacture and sale of menstrual products that contain regulated PFAS. California Legislature ↗
- Regulatory filingMaine has banned the sale of menstruation products containing intentionally added PFAS since January 1, 2026. Maine Legislature ↗
Sources checked September 14, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.
Questions people ask about tampons
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
All the tampons that pass, side by side
Sorted by score. A higher score means lower PFAS risk. Scored against 2 hazards that apply to this category.
| # | Tampons | Score | Rating | Made of | Key concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons | 100 | Excellent | 100% organic cotton | Heavy metals |
| 2 | Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct | 100 | Excellent | organic cotton, cardboard applicator | Dioxins from bleaching |
| 3 | Natracare Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons | 100 | Excellent | organic cotton, no added fluorochemicals | None flagged |
| 4 | Aunt Flow Regular Absorbency Cotton Tampons | 95 | Excellent | cotton, rayon, cardboard applicator | Cardboard applicator degradation and splinter risk |
| 5 | Aunt Flow Tampon Applicator | 95 | Excellent | cardboard tube applicator, plastic handle | Contamination from unsterilized or improperly manufactured plastic handle |
| 6 | Aunt Flow Tampon Fragrance Free | 95 | Excellent | cotton, rayon, or viscose (typical tampon fibers) | Formaldehyde / VOCs |
| 7 | Dame Super Tampons (x14) Hypoallergenic 100% Plastic Free Tampons pH Neutral No Toxins 100% Compostable Fully Biodegrada | 95 | Excellent | 100% organic cotton, plant-based plastic | Bleaching byproducts (dioxins/furans) |
| 8 | Aunt Flow Regular Absorbency Tampons | 95 | Excellent | Rayon/viscose, cotton, non-woven fibers | Pesticide residue |
The verdict on tampons
Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons grades 100 out of 100, the highest here. It is 100% organic cotton. A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free.
Choose Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct instead if you want a second option at 100 out of 100, organic cotton, cardboard applicator.
If an outside certification matters more to you than the grade, that is Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct.
We hold no price data, so nothing here is a budget recommendation. Grades are model-based assessments from published materials and disclosures, not laboratory tests.
The tampons we would skip
Lowest scoring in this category, worst first, with the reason.
- 70Lola Organic TamponsGood
Dioxins and furans from bleaching
- 70Natracare Organic Cotton TamponsGood
Mold or microbial contamination (cardboard storage)
- 70Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons ApplicatorGood
Pesticide residue
What we check on tampons
- Phthalates. Plastic softeners studied for endocrine effects. ATSDR
- Endocrine disruptors. Chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system. NIEHS
Full point-by-point rubric on the methodology page.
The tampons brands we found no PFAS statement from
We found no PFAS statement from 11 of the brands here. That is our research, not proof a brand has never said anything, and it is not evidence of harm. It is why none of them score well on disclosure.
Cora, Dame, Kimberly-Clark Kotex, Kotex Security, Lola, Natracare, OB, Organyc, Rael, The Honey Pot, Veeda.
The brands that have published something, and what each of them actually said, are in our record of what every brand has said about PFAS.
Common questions about PFAS in tampons
Are tampons PFAS free?
All 85 tampons PFAS Authority has graded reach its 70 point pass mark for PFAS and other toxins, as of October 2026. The highest graded is Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons at 100 out of 100. The lowest graded is Lola Organic Tampons at 70 out of 100.
Are tampons non-toxic?
85 of the 85 tampons we graded clear our screen and 0 do not. Non-toxic is not a defined or regulated term, so what we can tell you is what our graders recorded. Beyond PFAS, the hazards found or left unruled-out on tampons in this category are undisclosed fragrance, pesticide residue, microplastics, artificial dyes, BPA and bisphenols. The highest graded here is Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons at 100 out of 100.
Which are the safest tampons to buy?
On our grades, Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons at 100 out of 100, which we band as Excellent. Then Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct at 100. The one here carrying an outside certification is Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct. These are model-based assessments from published materials, ingredient lists, certifications and disclosures, not laboratory tests, so treat them as the lowest risk we can evidence rather than a safety guarantee.
Which tampons grade best for PFAS?
Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons, at 100 out of 100, which we band as Excellent. It is 100% organic cotton. The runner up is Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct at 100.
Which tampons should I avoid?
The three lowest scoring we hold are Lola Organic Tampons at 70, Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons at 70, Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons Applicator at 70. The problem with the first is that the main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
How can you tell if tampons contain PFAS?
In this category we check for phthalates, endocrine disruptors. Plastic softeners studied for endocrine effects. Language like stain resistant, water repellent or easy release usually means fluorinated chemistry even when PFAS is never printed on the box.
Which tampons brands have not published a PFAS statement?
We found no PFAS statement from 11 of the brands we scored in this category, including Cora, Dame, Kimberly-Clark Kotex, Kotex Security, Lola, Natracare. That is what our research turned up, not proof a brand has never said anything, and a missing statement is not evidence of harm. It is the reason those brands cannot score well on disclosure.
Do you lab test tampons?
No. We score from published ingredient lists, materials, certifications, disclosures and third party lab results where they exist. Where a product has been independently tested we use that result and say so.
More beauty and personal care categories we have graded
Same rubric, same scale. These are the categories closest to tampons.
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Does a particular brand of tampons have PFAS?
Brands we grade across the catalogue
Everything we have scored from these brands, not just tampons.
We also wrote this up at length. PFAS in Tampons and Period Products: What to Know
Want to filter the whole category yourself? Browse all 85 tampons.