O.B. · Tampons
O.B. Tampons Multi-Pack
Lower concern; traditional cotton-based tampons carry minimal PFAS risk, though O.B. makes no public disclosure.
O.B. tampons are primarily rayon (viscose) and cotton with a plastic applicator, materials not typically associated with intentional PFAS use. The brand does not publicly address PFAS or hold third-party certifications (like MADE SAFE), leaving some uncertainty. No public lab detection or regulatory action exists against this product.
Shop O.B. on Amazon →Material
rayon/viscose core, plastic applicator tube
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. tampons use a rayon/viscose absorbent core derived from cellulose, which is chemically processed wood pulp. The plastic applicator tube is typically polypropylene or similar thermoplastic. Rayon/viscose is highly absorbent and biodegradable, reducing the concern for microplastic shedding that synthetic fibers carry. The plastic applicator itself does not contact the absorbent material during use and poses negligible leaching risk given the brief contact duration and lack of heat or acidic conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
O.B. (Edgewell Personal Care / Energizer Holdings subsidiary) makes no public statement on PFAS testing, ingredient sourcing certifications, or chemical safety audits. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for O.B. tampons. The brand does not pursue third-party certifications such as organic or chlorine-free labeling, which limits transparency but does not indicate a hazard. Industry-wide, rayon tampons from established manufacturers are not flagged as higher-risk by health agencies.
How it compares in its category
Rayon-core tampons like O.B. sit in the mainstream middle of the market; they are less pricey than organic cotton alternatives and comparable in safety profile to other rayon/viscose brands. 100% cotton or organic cotton tampons may carry a marginal advantage in terms of pesticide avoidance and PFAS likelihood, but evidence of harm from standard rayon tampons is absent. Plastic applicators are standard across the category and carry no established risk; cardboard applicators offer no safety advantage, only preference.
If you buy it
Use tampons as directed on the package; change every 4-8 hours to prevent bacterial overgrowth and toxic shock syndrome risk (TSS is rare but serious). Store in a cool, dry place; the plastic applicator will not degrade under normal household conditions. Discontinue if you experience irritation or allergic symptoms. If TSS symptoms (high fever, rash, dizziness) occur during or shortly after use, seek medical attention immediately.
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.”
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) bacterial risk
TSS is a rare but serious condition associated with tampon use when absorbency is very high or wear time exceeds safe limits. O.B. tampons are moderate-absorbency products, which reduces (but does not eliminate) TSS risk compared to super-absorbent alternatives. Risk is behavioral (duration and frequency of wear) not material-based.
Chlorine residue from rayon processing
Rayon/viscose is chemically processed and may retain trace chlorine or other bleaching agents if not fully rinsed. O.B. makes no public disclosure of processing methods or residue testing. Industry standard rayon tampons from major manufacturers are not reported to carry harmful chlorine residue at levels detectable in use.
Plastic applicator migration or degradation
Polypropylene applicators do not soften, leach, or fragment under the warm, moist conditions of vaginal use. No recalls or adverse events are attributed to plastic applicator failure in O.B. or comparable brands. Brief contact (minutes) means exposure is minimal.
Fragrance or additive allergens
O.B. Multi-Pack tampons are unscented, eliminating fragrance-derived irritation risk that some scented tampon lines carry. If any dyes or adhesives are used in the core, they are not publicly disclosed; no contact dermatitis pattern is established for this brand.
Microplastic shedding from rayon core
Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber (plant-based) that does not shed microplastics; it biodegrades. Risk applies only to synthetic polymer tampons (e.g., polyester blends), which O.B. does not use.
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.