DAME · Tampons
DAME Organic Cotton Tampons Regular 16 Pack
Lower concern, organic cotton core has minimal PFAS risk, but brand transparency on applicators/packaging absent.
DAME's tampons use organic cotton as the primary absorbent material, which poses lower inherent PFAS risk compared to synthetic fibers or coated products. The brand does not disclose PFAS status or pursue third-party verification (e.g., MADE SAFE, OEKO-TEX), leaving applicators and any potential glue or coatings undescribed.
Shop DAME on Amazon →Material
organic cotton (no stated coatings)
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
DAME Regular tampons use organic cotton as the absorbent core, which eliminates synthetic pesticide residues common in conventional cotton tampons. The applicator material (stated as cardboard in most DAME variants) does not require bleaching and avoids polypropylene plastics. No stated synthetic coatings, fragrances, or chlorine-based bleaching agents are disclosed, reducing exposure to formaldehyde releasers and dioxins that have historically appeared in bleached rayon-cotton blends.
The brand's record and disclosure
DAME publishes ingredient lists and certifications (GOTS organic for cotton), and has publicly committed to sustainability; however, the brand does not disclose applicator material sourcing or PFAS testing on packaging or website. No recalls or adverse event reports are documented for this product in FDA or consumer safety databases. The brand's silence on applicator water-resistance treatments (which may contain PFAS) reflects a gap in transparency common to the menstrual product industry.
How it compares in its category
DAME organic cotton tampons occupy the 'premium sustainable' segment; they perform similarly to Seventh Generation and Cora in material safety profile, but exceed conventional brands (Tampax, Kotex) in pesticide avoidance. Most competitors at this price point also lack full PFAS disclosure. DAME's cardboard applicator is less common than plastic but comparable in safety to other cardboard alternatives; it does not carry the durability advantages of plastic but eliminates plastic waste.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent cardboard applicator softening or mold. No special heat or chemical exposure risks apply during normal use. Replace the product if the cardboard shows visible damage, softening, or odor before insertion. If you have a latex or adhesive sensitivity, verify applicator adhesive is plant-based; DAME does not state this explicitly, so direct contact with the brand is recommended if concerned.
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.”
Chlorine-based bleaching residues (dioxins, furans)
DAME does not state use of elemental chlorine bleaching; organic cotton typically undergoes oxygen or peroxide bleaching instead. No dioxin/furan contamination has been reported for this brand or product line.
Fragrance allergens and synthetic additives
DAME markets this line as fragrance-free and additive-free; no undisclosed synthetic fragrances or allergens are documented. Individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities should confirm absence of essential oils or plant-derived allergens via brand contact.
Pesticide residues in cotton
Although GOTS-certified organic cotton eliminates synthetic pesticide residues, organic certification does not exclude all pesticides; natural pyrethrins or copper-based fungicides may be present at trace levels permitted under GOTS, though typical exposure via tampon use is negligible.
Cardboard applicator structural degradation
Cardboard applicators can soften or separate if exposed to moisture during storage or insertion; no safety hazard per se, but applicator failure may increase discomfort or improper insertion. Inspect before use and store in dry conditions.
Rayon or synthetic fiber additives in absorbent core
DAME states 100% organic cotton core with no rayon blend; no synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are disclosed. If rayon were present undisclosed, it would carry theoretical dioxin/furan risk from processing, but no evidence of this for DAME products exists.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Tampons
Seventh Generation
Organic Cotton Tampons Applicator
organic cotton (tampon & applicator core); cardboard applicator
Lower-concern buy, organic cotton & MADE SAFE cert reduce PFAS risk, though brand is silent on the topic.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Lola
Organic Cotton Tampons
organic cotton (no synthetic coatings)
Lower concern, uncoated organic cotton with transparent PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Cora
Organic Tampons with Applicator
organic cotton tampon with cardboard/plastic applicator
Lower-concern choice; organic base material and MADE SAFE cert suggest thoughtful sourcing, but no explicit PFAS commitment.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More tampons 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.