Always Tampons, Light Absorbency, Unscented
Lower concern; no known PFAS, but brand discloses nothing.
Always tampons use standard cellulose and polypropylene without disclosed water-repellent finishes. No public PFAS claims or third-party verification available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
rayon/cellulose core, polypropylene layers
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Always Tampons, Light Unscented is made of, ingredients and materials
Always Light tampons use a rayon/cellulose absorbent core wrapped in polypropylene (plastic) layers. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber produced via chemical pulping; polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer. Neither material is inherently a source of heavy metals, phthalates, or formaldehyde releasers in the manufacturing context of tampon production. The absorbent rayon core is the primary contact surface with vaginal tissue; polypropylene provides structural integrity and moisture barriers without adhesives or coatings typically associated with chemical leaching.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Allergens or sensitizers in rayon/polypropylene
Rayon and polypropylene are not inherently allergenic, but individual sensitivity to dyes, processing residues, or the synthetic polymer structure itself occurs in a small proportion of users. Always unscented variant eliminates fragrance allergens but does not rule out polymer contact irritation.
Bacterial growth and secondary infection risk
This is not a chemical hazard but a microbiological risk inherent to all occlusive vaginal devices. Risk increases with extended wear time (beyond 8 hours) and is not specific to Always or its materials.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Absorbent material contaminants (rayon/cellulose)
Rayon used in tampons is food-grade quality and subject to FDA oversight as a medical device material. No known heavy metals or pesticide residues have been documented in Always tampons or similar mainstream rayon tampon cores.
Dioxins from bleaching (historical concern, rayon)
Elemental chlorine-free bleaching has been industry standard for decades; dioxin contamination is not on record for contemporary tampon production, including Always products.
Plastic applicator or packaging leachables (if plastic applicator used)
Always Light tampons are available with both plastic and cardboard applicators. Plastic applicators are polypropylene; no known BPA or phthalate leaching has been documented, as PP is not a source of these chemicals under normal use conditions.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Always (Procter & Gamble) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient lists or chemical testing results for tampons, which is typical of the category and not unusual for the brand. No recalls or safety warnings specific to Always tampons appear in public records. The brand has faced historical criticism around PFAS disclosure across product lines but has not made category-specific commitments to transparency for period care. P&G's general safety approach relies on regulatory compliance rather than voluntary third-party certification.
How it compares in its category
Always is a mass-market, mainstream tampon brand. It occupies the same material class (rayon/plastic) as most conventional tampons; organic or unbleached alternatives (e.g., Seventh Generation, Cora) use similar core materials but market additional processing claims. All-cotton or 100% organic options exist but represent a smaller segment. Always tampons are neither notably higher nor lower risk than comparable mainstream brands in terms of chemical composition; differentiation comes from absorbency rating and applicator design, not material safety.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent mold or bacterial growth, especially if packaging is opened. Do not use if the wrapper is damaged or the tampon shows visible discoloration. Change tampons every 4-8 hours depending on flow; prolonged use increases risk of toxic shock syndrome, which is a systemic infection risk, not a chemical toxicity issue. If you experience irritation, unusual odor, or signs of infection, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Always has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Always Tampons, Light Absorbency, Unscented?
- 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
More tampons grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.