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Plastic-Free Rating
Feminine Care
Mainstream Brand
Feminine Care·Tampax

Pearl Plastic Applicator Tampons (36 Count)

D
PFR Grade
Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution
Conventional cotton (pesticide residues). Plastic applicator. Tampax is the most popular tampon brand in the US. Plastic applicators are unnecessary single-use plastic.
PFR Caution

36-count conventional cotton tampons with plastic applicator. Conventional cotton with pesticide residues.

Score Breakdown

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.

Materials
3
Packaging
3
Transparency
3
Durability
5

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

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Conventional feminine care products contain dioxin, pesticide residues, synthetic fragrances, and plastic applicators.

Synthetic Plastic Content
40%
synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Tampax Pearl uses conventional (non-organic) cotton with pesticide residues and a plastic applicator. Organic cotton tampons with cardboard applicators or menstrual cups are available.

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.

Contains:Plastic applicator
1

pesticide residues

Source

Pesticide residues in conventional cotton tampons

Health Risk

Endocrine disruption from pesticide absorption through vaginal mucosa

Who Is Most At RiskWomen using conventional cotton tampons

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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