The Short Answer
We rate Cora tampons as a CAUTION. While they are vastly superior to conventional drugstore brands, they are currently embroiled in the heavy metal contamination scandal following the landmark 2024 UC Berkeley tampon study.
Furthermore, independent lab testing by Mamavation found 30 ppm of fluorine (a marker for PFAS "forever chemicals") in Cora's panty liners. While their tampons use 100% organic cotton, the brand's overall track record with supply chain contamination makes them difficult to fully endorse as a clean product.
Why This Matters
Vaginal tissue is highly vascular and uniquely permeable. Chemicals absorbed through the vaginal wall bypass the liver's filtration system and enter the bloodstream directly. This makes the safety of internal period products uniquely critical for long-term health. Are Tampons Toxic
In July 2024, a massive UC Berkeley study shattered the illusion that "organic" automatically means "safe." Researchers found toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium in all 30 tampon brands they testedāincluding organic ones. Cora is currently named in several class-action lawsuits related to this heavy metal discovery. Are Organic Tampons Safer
Additionally, PFAS cross-contamination is currently plaguing the period care industry. PFAS "forever chemicals" have been linked to hormone disruption, liver damage, and reproductive issues. The fact that Cora's sister products tested positive for these chemicals suggests potential manufacturing contamination that could impact their entire lineup. Is There Pfas In Period Underwear
What's Actually In Cora Tampons
- 100% Organic Cotton Core ā A massive upgrade from conventional rayon blends. This means the cotton was grown without toxic pesticides and processed without chlorine bleaching. Is There Glyphosate In Tampons
- Paraffin Wax ā Cora coats their tampon strings in paraffin, a petroleum-derived wax used to repel water and prevent leaks.
- Plant-Based Plastic Applicator ā While marketed as an eco-friendly sugarcane biopolymer, it is still a plastic material that can contribute to microplastic exposure and endocrine disruption.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Certified Organic Cotton ā Prevents your exposure to standard agricultural pesticides and herbicides.
- Chlorine-Free Processing ā Ensures the product won't leach carcinogenic dioxins into your body during use. Is There Dioxin In Tampons
- Fragrance-Free ā Synthetic fragrances are completely unnecessary and act as a leading cause of vulvar irritation. Are Scented Tampons Bad
Red Flags:
- Heavy Metal Contamination ā Lead and arsenic are naturally occurring in soil, but elevated levels in internal products are a major safety concern.
- PFAS "Forever Chemicals" ā Often unintentionally added during manufacturing or via chemically treated equipment.
- Petroleum Derivatives ā Paraffin and mineral oils have no place in internal menstrual products.
The Best Options
If you want to reduce your exposure to heavy metals and PFAS, consider switching to brands with stricter third-party testing, or pivot to reusable medical-grade silicone products.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natracare | 100% Organic Tampons | ā | Consistently tests clean for PFAS and avoids plastic applicators entirely. |
| Cora | Organic Tampons | ā ļø | Organic cotton core, but comes with heavy metal and PFAS contamination concerns. |
| Tampax | Pearl Tampons | š« | Uses conventional rayon, synthetic fragrances, and heavily processed materials. |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the applicator. Cardboard applicators or digital (applicator-free) tampons reduce your exposure to hidden plastics and phthalate contaminants.
2. Don't blindly trust the "organic" label. Organic cotton prevents pesticide exposure, but it doesn't protect against heavy metals or PFAS manufacturing contamination. Safest Tampon Brand
3. Consider a menstrual cup. Medical-grade silicone cups drastically reduce your exposure to agricultural soil contaminants and chemical bleaching byproducts. Menstrual Cup Vs Tampon
FAQ
Does Cora have titanium dioxide in their tampons?
No, Cora tampons do not contain titanium dioxide. While some organic brands have faced class-action lawsuits for using this controversial whitening agent, Cora explicitly formulates their products without it.
Were Cora tampons part of the heavy metal study?
Yes, Cora is currently named in lawsuits stemming from the 2024 UC Berkeley study. The landmark study found toxic heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, across 14 different popular brands, specifically noting that organic tampons were not immune to contamination.
Does Cora use PFAS in their products?
Independent testing found PFAS markers in Cora's panty liners. While Cora does not intentionally add PFAS to their products as an ingredient, Mamavation's EPA-certified lab testing detected 30 ppm of fluorine in Cora's organic panty liners, indicating likely manufacturing or supply chain contamination. Is Cora Pads Clean