Pearl Plastic Tampons (Regular, 36-Count)
36-count regular tampons with plastic applicator. Tampax is the most popular tampon brand in the US.
How scores are calculated
Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.
Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?
Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?
Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.
This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.
Last updated: April 6, 2026
Conventional tampons and pads are made from conventionally grown cotton and synthetic materials. The vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive. PFAS, dioxins from chlorine bleaching, and pesticide residues in conventional feminine care products are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Why We Rated It This Way
Tampax Pearl uses conventional cotton with synthetic rayon and a chlorine bleaching process that can create dioxin residues. The plastic applicator adds unnecessary plastic waste. Organic cotton tampons without chlorine bleaching are a significantly safer alternative.
Chemical & Health Analysis
Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.
dioxins
Chlorine bleaching process in conventional tampons
Endocrine disruption, potential carcinogen
All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
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