Do Tampax tampons have PFAS?
Tampax tampons average 70 out of 100 on PFAS Authority's PFAS and toxin screen across the 9 Tampax tampons graded as of October 2026, level with the 70 out of 100 median for the 17 other tampons brands graded alongside it.
Tampax tampons average Good on our four-band scale. 9 of the 9 we graded are worth buying. That is above 38% of the tampons brands we grade.
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
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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.
What Tampax says and does about PFAS
We found no PFAS statement from Tampax or its maker Procter & Gamble; As You Sow says P&G has not issued a position on PFAS in personal care products including Tampax. Mamavation's lab found 23 ppm organic fluorine in Tampax Cardboard Applicator Unscented Tampons, and non-detect in two other Tampax tampons. A federal PFAS class action over Tampax Pure Cotton was dismissed in July 2025.
- Independent testMamavation's EPA-certified lab found 23 ppm organic fluorine, a PFAS marker, in Tampax Cardboard Applicator Unscented Tampons. Mamavation ↗
- Independent testThe same Mamavation test found non-detect organic fluorine in Tampax Pearl Leakguard Protection Jumbo Tampons and Tampax Pure 100% Organic Cotton Core Tampons. Mamavation ↗
- StudyMamavation says organic fluorine levels of 19 to 28 ppm are considered not intentionally added and are likely supply chain contamination, which is Mamavation's interpretation. Mamavation ↗
- Government sourceShareholder group As You Sow says P&G has not issued a position on PFAS in its personal care products including Tampax. As You Sow ↗
- Legal caseBounthon v. Procter & Gamble alleged Tampax Pure Cotton tampons contained PFAS. The court dismissed the third amended complaint without leave to amend on July 7, 2025, finding the testing allegations too cursory. These were allegations, not findings that PFAS are present or absent. KTS Law ↗
Sources checked September 29, 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.
Tampax tampons worth buying Good or better, best-graded first
- rayon/viscose core, cotton outer layer, minimal processing
- Rayon fiber shedding and vaginal irritation. Rayon core can shed microfibers into the vaginal canal…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Rayon/cotton blend core, plastic applicator
- BPA & bisphenols. Tampax does not disclose the specific plastic polymer or additives in the Radiant…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Rayon/viscose, cotton, cardboard applicator
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk. Not specific to Tampax Radiant but applies to all internal tampons. Risk is…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- rayon/viscose, polyester, cardboard applicator
- Polyester microfiber shedding. Polyester core reinforcement could theoretically shed microfibers during…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- cotton, rayon, plastic applicator
- Residual caustic from rayon processing. Rayon viscose production uses sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- rayon/viscose, cotton blend, cardboard applicator
- Fragrance allergens (scented variants). Some Tampax Pearl variants are scented; fragrance compositions are…
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- rayon core, cotton lining
- Dioxin residues in rayon processing. Rayon production can leave trace dioxins if bleaching is not tightly…
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Rayon/viscose core, polyethylene outer layer
- Dioxins and bleaching byproducts. Rayon production typically involves bleaching; trace dioxin residues have…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- cotton/rayon absorbent core, plastic applicator
- Rayon fiber shedding or irritation. Rayon fibers in tampons can theoretically shed or cause vaginal…
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Better tampons from other brands
Graded higher than the Tampax average of 70.
- 100% organic cotton
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Heavy metals
Natracare
Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct
- organic cotton, cardboard applicator
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Dioxins from bleaching
Natracare
Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons
- organic cotton, no added fluorochemicals
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Verified PFAS-free by a third party
The same question, asked of the other tampons brands
Best average grade first. Tampax averages 70.
See every Tampax product we grade on the Tampax brand page, or the full tampons ranking.