O.B. · Tampons
O.b. Super Plus Fluid Lock Tampons
Lower-concern product; no known PFAS-linked treatments, but brand discloses nothing.
O.B. tampons are primarily viscose with absorbent synthetic layers, materials not typically treated with PFAS. No public disclosure from the brand on PFAS presence or absence. While the core materials pose lower risk than water-resistant textiles or coated cookware, lack of transparency means some uncertainty remains.
Shop O.B. on Amazon →Material
viscose/rayon core with synthetic polymer absorption layer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
O.B. Super Plus uses a viscose (rayon) core, a cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp, combined with a synthetic polymer absorption layer designed to lock fluid. Viscose is chemically processed but is not a persistent synthetic, it degrades naturally. The polymer layer is the functional component; no public data identifies specific polymer type (likely polyethylene or polypropylene derivatives). Tampons are inserted internally for short periods (4, 8 hours), limiting exposure window compared to other absorbent products.
The brand's record and disclosure
O.B. (Edgewell Personal Care, owned by Energizer Holdings) has not published detailed material sourcing, chemical processing, or independent safety certifications for this product line. The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or absence claims, unlike some competitors. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to O.B. tampons are on public record. Transparency on supply chain and finished-product testing remains below industry leaders like Seventh Generation or Cora.
How it compares in its category
Viscose-core tampons are the industry standard and occupy the middle ground between 100% cotton (minimal processing, higher cost) and fully synthetic alternatives. O.B. is a mass-market offering without organic or eco-certification. Competitors with higher transparency include Kotex Natural (certified materials), Seventh Generation (disclosed testing), and Cora (B-Corp, materials disclosed). O.B. delivers functionality at lower cost but trades off material visibility.
If you buy it
Follow standard tampon safety: change every 4 to 8 hours to minimize toxic shock syndrome risk, regardless of absorbency level. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent microbial growth in the box. Do not use if packaging is damaged or product shows discoloration. If you have sensitive skin or frequent irritation, trial a smaller size first; super-plus absorbency can cause dryness if flow does not warrant it.
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.”
Viscose processing residues (sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide)
Viscose is produced using harsh chemicals, but finished fibers are rinsed and processed to remove solvents before sale. No published data documents harmful residues in O.B. tampons or similar products on shelves; regulatory oversight in manufacturing is standard in consumer goods markets.
Synthetic polymer leachables (absorption layer)
The polymer layer is not publicly identified as to specific compound. Polypropylene and polyethylene are inert at body temperature and do not off-gas under normal use. No recalls or complaints specific to polymer leaching from O.B. tampons have been reported.
Chlorine bleaching residues (dioxins)
O.B. does not publish bleaching methods; many viscose tampons are bleached for whiteness. Modern industry standards and EPA oversight have largely eliminated dioxin-level residues in finished tampons, though complete ingredient transparency is not standard for this brand.
Fragrance additives and allergens
O.B. Super Plus Fluid Lock is unscented, eliminating fragrance-allergen risk present in scented tampon variants. This is a safety advantage over scented competitors that may contain undisclosed fragrance components or respiratory irritants.
Microabrasion and genital irritation (product design)
Super-plus absorbency can wick moisture aggressively, potentially causing dryness and micro-tearing if absorbency exceeds actual flow. This is a design risk common to high-absorbency tampons across all brands, not specific to O.B., but worth considering if you have sensitive mucous membranes.
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 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.