Pearl Plastic Tampons (36-Count)
36-count tampons with plastic applicator. Tampax Pearl is the most popular tampon 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 (one of the most pesticide-intensive crops) and synthetic materials. The vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive — more so than skin. 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 pesticide residues), a plastic applicator, and chlorine bleaching that produces dioxins. For a product inserted into one of the body's most absorptive areas, these chemical concerns are significant. Organic cotton tampons are a simple, important swap.
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 of conventional cotton tampons
Endocrine disruption, cancer risk
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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