The Short Answer
Both Cora and Lola are 100% organic cotton tampons that ditch the synthetic rayons and dyes found in conventional brands. If you're looking for the absolute safest choice right now, Lola has a slight edge.
Following the 2024 UC Berkeley study that found heavy metals in tampons, Lola published third-party test results proving their products are free of lead and arsenic. While Cora is still an incredibly clean product, Lola's commitment to aggressive, public safety testing makes them the top recommendation.
Why This Matters
Tampons sit against highly permeable vaginal tissue for days at a time. Conventional tampons are often made from chlorine-bleached rayon and pesticide-treated cotton, introducing risks of unnecessary chemical exposure. Are Tampons Toxic
Both Cora and Lola solve this by using 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. This certification ensures the cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and processed without harmful chlorine bleach. Are Organic Tampons Worth It
However, the safety conversation shifted when a 2024 UC Berkeley study found trace heavy metals like lead and arsenic in 100% of tampons tested, including organic brands. The metals likely come from contaminated soil, making brand transparency and heavy metal testing more critical than ever. Safest Tampon Brand
What's Actually In These Tampons
- Organic Cotton Core ā Both brands use 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, avoiding the pesticide residues found in 85% of conventional cotton. Are There Pesticides In Tampons
- The String ā Both use 100% organic cotton strings with wax coatings, skipping the synthetic polyester blends.
- The Applicator ā Cora uses a BPA-free plastic or plant-based compact applicator. Lola offers BPA-free plastic, a biodegradable cardboard option, and zero-waste non-applicator styles.
- Titanium Dioxide ā Neither brand uses this controversial whitening agent, which is unfortunately common in conventional sanitary products.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Third-Party Heavy Metal Testing ā Lola now tests every six months via SGS to verify their tampons contain no detectable lead, arsenic, or cadmium.
- PFAS-Free Verification ā Consumer testing by Mamavation found no detectable PFAS ("forever chemicals") in Lola's tampons.
- GOTS Certification ā The Global Organic Textile Standard guarantees the cotton is grown and processed without highly toxic chemicals.
Red Flags:
- Rayon Blends ā Synthetic fibers increase absorbency but also increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) compared to 100% cotton. Is Tss Still A Concern
- "Odor Control" ā Scented tampons introduce undisclosed synthetic fragrances into the vaginal canal, disrupting your natural pH. Are Scented Tampons Bad
The Best Options
If you are deciding between the two, here is how they stack up. Both are vast improvements over conventional brands.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lola | Lola Organic Tampons | ā | 100% organic cotton with verified third-party heavy metal testing. |
| Cora | Cora Organic Tampons | ā | Excellent organic option with a strong charitable mission. |
| Tampax | Tampax Pearl | š« | Made with rayon blends, polyester strings, and undisclosed fragrance components. |
The Bottom Line
1. Choose either for a clean upgrade. Both Cora and Lola are vastly superior to conventional drugstore tampons.
2. Lean toward Lola for maximum transparency. Their proactive SGS third-party testing for heavy metals sets a new industry standard.
3. Ditch the synthetics. If you're still using rayon-blend tampons, making the switch to 100% organic cotton is the most important step for your vaginal health.
FAQ
Do Cora or Lola tampons have heavy metals?
A 2024 study found trace metals in many tampon brands due to soil contamination. In response, Lola published third-party test results showing no detectable lead, arsenic, or cadmium in their tampons. Cora uses the same high-quality GOTS cotton, but Lola's explicit testing data gives them the transparency win.
Do these brands contain PFAS?
Independent lab testing by Mamavation found no detectable organic fluorine (PFAS) in Lola tampons. Both brands avoid the chemical processing that typically introduces "forever chemicals" into menstrual products.
Which applicator is better?
It depends on your preference. Cora offers sleek, plant-based compact applicators that feel very similar to conventional plastic. Lola offers BPA-free plastic but also provides cardboard and non-applicator options for those wanting a zero-plastic period.