Cora · Menstrual Cups
Lena Menstrual Cup
Lower PFAS concern; silicone cups are intrinsically low-risk, but Cora discloses nothing about PFAS testing.
Menstrual cups are typically made from medical-grade silicone, a material category with inherently lower PFAS risk compared to coated or treated products. Cora's Lena cup appears to follow this standard construction.
Shop Cora on Amazon →Material
Medical-grade silicone
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Lena Cup is manufactured from medical-grade silicone, a polymer that does not contain BPA, phthalates, or latex. Medical-grade silicone is chemically stable across the pH range of menstrual blood and resistant to degradation from repeated sterilization (boiling, autoclaving). Unlike some lower-cost menstrual cups made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or uncertified silicone, medical-grade formulations are designed for internal use and undergo biocompatibility testing. The material itself does not leach endocrine disruptors under normal use conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cora has not published third-party test results or formal certification statements regarding PFAS content or heavy metals in the Lena Cup. The brand does not disclose manufacturing standards or provide material safety data sheets to consumers. No recalls or documented safety incidents involving the Lena Cup have been reported by regulatory agencies (FDA, CPSC, or equivalent bodies internationally). The absence of disclosure is a transparency gap rather than evidence of contamination, but contrasts with competitors (e.g., Saalt, Eve) who have engaged independent testing.
How it compares in its category
Medical-grade silicone cups (Lena, Saalt, Lunette, Lily) are considered the safest material class for menstrual cups, with lower chemical leaching risk than TPE cups or older latex designs. Most competitors in the medical-grade segment do not routinely disclose PFAS testing results either, making this a category-wide transparency issue rather than a Lena-specific failure. Lena is priced competitively and offers a comparable firmness profile to mainstream alternatives. The main differentiator is voluntary third-party testing and public disclosure, which Cora has not pursued.
If you buy it
Boil the cup in water for 5-10 minutes before first use and at the start of each menstrual cycle; silicone is stable up to 200°C and tolerates standard sterilization. Replace the cup every 2-3 years or if the silicone shows visible cracks, brittleness, or persistent discoloration. Rinse with water between insertions; avoid oil-based lubricants and petroleum-based products that can degrade silicone over time. Store in a breathable cotton pouch (provided with most cups) rather than airtight plastic to prevent mold growth.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Silicone degradation and leaching (long-term)
Medical-grade silicone is chemically stable, but microscopic cracking from mechanical stress or improper sterilization (e.g., prolonged exposure to extreme heat or harsh detergents) can theoretically compromise the material over 2-3 years of use. No documented cases of clinically significant leaching from silicone cups have been reported, but individual variability in cup care may affect longevity
Microbial contamination (bacterial/fungal growth)
If the cup is not thoroughly dried or stored in a moist environment, bacteria or yeast can proliferate on the surface or in the stem holes. This is a use-and-maintenance issue, not a material flaw; proper drying and breathable storage mitigate the risk. Users with histories of recurrent vaginal infections should exercise particular care in cleaning.
Allergic sensitization to silicone (rare)
True silicone allergy is extremely rare but documented in medical literature; individuals with prior silicone implant complications or atypical reactions to medical devices should consult a physician before use. Medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic by design, but individual susceptibility varies.
Heavy metals in silicone colorants
Cora does not publicly disclose whether the Lena Cup contains cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals in dyes or pigments used to color the product. Medical-grade silicone suppliers typically avoid heavy-metal-based pigments, but independent verification is absent for this brand.
Lack of third-party biocompatibility certification disclosure
While silicone cups are inherently low-risk, Cora has not published evidence of ISO 10993 (biocompatibility testing) or FDA 510(k) clearance documentation for the Lena Cup. Many competitors in the menstrual cup space similarly lack public certification, but transparency on this standard would be a meaningful assurance.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Menstrual Cups
Aisle
DIVA Cup Model 2
Medical-grade silicone (body); no Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings
Lower-concern menstrual cup; silicone construction and PFAS-free commitment make it a reasonable choice.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Ruby Cup
Steriliser
Stainless steel heating chamber with silicone/plastic components
Lower-concern menstrual cup sterilizer; stainless core typical for appliances, but silicone/plastic parts unspecified, contact brand for material detail.
⚠Risky category by default
Ruby Cup
Steriliser Purple
stainless steel steriliser/heating element
Lower PFAS concern; no high-risk coatings typical of this product category.
⚠Risky category by default
More menstrual cups grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.