The Short Answer
Natracare is one of the cleanest and safest tampons you can buy. They earn a definitive clean verdict.
The brand uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and completely avoids rayon, plastics, and synthetic fragrances. Best of all, they back up their claims with dataārecent third-party testing shows zero detectable heavy metals, PFAS, or pesticides in their tampons. If you are worried about what goes into your body during your period, Safest Tampon Brand options don't get much better than this.
Why This Matters
The conversation around Are Tampons Safe shifted dramatically in 2024 after a UC Berkeley study found 16 different heavy metals (including lead and arsenic) in 100% of the tampons they tested. Even some "organic" brands tested positive for heavy metals.
This sparked a massive wave of concern for women wondering Are Tampons Toxic. Because the vaginal wall is highly permeable, chemicals and heavy metals can enter the bloodstream directly without passing through the liver's filtration system.
Natracare responded exactly how a transparent brand should by commissioning third-party lab testing via The Soil Association. The results showed their tampons were completely free of heavy metals, PFAS "forever chemicals," and pesticides. If you've been wondering Are Organic Tampons Safer, Natracare sets the benchmark.
What's Actually In Natracare Tampons
Unlike conventional brands that hide behind vague "fragrance" labels or proprietary blends, Natracare's ingredient list is incredibly simple.
- 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton ā This ensures the cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and processed without harsh chemicals. Are There Pesticides In Tampons
- Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) Bleaching ā They use hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine to purify the cotton, eliminating the risk of highly toxic dioxins. Is There Dioxin In Tampons
- Cardboard Applicators ā Their applicator tampons use biodegradable cardboard instead of petroleum-based plastics or "plant-based" bio-plastics that don't actually biodegrade.
- Zero Rayon ā Rayon is a highly absorbent synthetic fiber used in most conventional tampons, but it increases the risk of bacterial growth. Is Tss Still A Concern
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- GOTS Certification ā The Global Organic Textile Standard is the strictest certification for organic cotton, ensuring ethical and chemical-free processing.
- Third-Party Heavy Metal Testing ā Brands that publish actual lab results (like Natracare) prove they have safe sourcing.
- Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) ā This guarantees no carcinogenic dioxin residue is left behind on the tampon.
Red Flags:
- Rayon Blends ā Conventional brands use rayon to increase absorbency, but it sheds microplastics and alters vaginal pH. Is Tampax Safe
- Plastic Applicators ā Even BPA-free plastics can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and contribute to massive environmental waste.
- "Odor Control" or Fragrances ā Synthetic fragrances are a leading cause of vaginal irritation, yeast infections, and contact dermatitis. Are Scented Tampons Bad
The Best Options
Natracare keeps it simple with a few variations of their core organic tampon. If you are comparing Tampons Vs Pads Safety, these are top-tier internal options.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natracare | Applicator Tampons | ā | 100% organic cotton with a plastic-free cardboard applicator. |
| Natracare | Non-Applicator Tampons | ā | Eco-friendly, minimal waste, and highly absorbent. |
| Tampax | Pearl Tampons | š« | Contains rayon, plastic applicators, and undisclosed polymer blends. |
The Bottom Line
1. Switch to 100% organic cotton. It eliminates your exposure to the harsh pesticides and herbicides used on conventional cotton crops. Is There Glyphosate In Tampons
2. Demand heavy metal testing. Natracare sets the standard by proving their tampons are free of lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
3. Avoid rayon and plastics. Your body does not need synthetic fibers or plastic applicators inside one of its most sensitive areas.
FAQ
Are Natracare tampons safe from heavy metals?
Yes, third-party tests prove they are free of heavy metals. Following the 2024 study that found lead and arsenic in many tampon brands, Natracare published lab results showing zero detectable traces of heavy metals in their products.
Do Natracare tampons have PFAS?
No, they are completely free of forever chemicals. Independent consumer testing by watchdog groups has confirmed that Natracare products do not contain detectable levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of PFAS.
Can you still get TSS with organic tampons?
Yes, but the risk is significantly lower without rayon. While any internal product carries a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, studies show that 100% cotton tampons do not promote the rapid growth of bacteria the way synthetic rayon blends do. Is Tss Still A Concern
Are Natracare tampons biodegradable?
Yes, they are 100% compostable and biodegradable. Because they are made entirely of organic cotton and use cardboard applicators instead of plastic, they will naturally break down without leaving microplastics behind.