Rael · Tampons
Rael Organic Cotton Core Tampons with Plant Based Compact Applicators - Regular, 18 ct. (2-Pack)
Lower PFAS concern, organic cotton and plant-based applicator avoid typical Teflon-family coating vectors, but applicator composition unconfirmed.
Rael's regular tampons use organic cotton (inherently lower PFAS risk) and plant-based applicators rather than plastic or coated materials. The brand makes no PFAS claims and discloses no coating details.
Shop Rael on Amazon →Material
Organic cotton core; plant-based compact applicator
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 core is organic cotton, which avoids synthetic fibers and pesticide residues present in conventional cotton tampons. The applicator is described as plant-based and compact, likely derived from materials such as cardboard, cellulose, or bioplastic rather than plastic or cardboard with synthetic coatings. Organic certification typically requires third-party verification of fiber sourcing and processing without certain chemical treatments. The absence of a plastic applicator removes exposure to phthalates and other plasticizers common in conventional applicators.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rael is a menstrual-care brand that emphasizes organic and plant-based positioning, but the company does not publish detailed ingredient lists, manufacturing transparency reports, or third-party safety certifications on its website. No recalls, safety controversies, or adverse event reports for this product are on record in public databases. The brand does not explicitly state PFAS content or applicator composition details, which limits independent verification of the plant-based claim.
How it compares in its category
Conventional tampons often use rayon or rayon-cotton blends with chlorine bleaching, which carries theoretical dioxin risk (though levels in finished products are generally below safety thresholds). Plastic applicators in standard products introduce phthalate and microplastic exposure. Rael's organic cotton core and plant-based applicator position it as a lower-chemical alternative within the premium or eco-focused segment, comparable to other organic brands such as Seventh Generation or Cora but with less public transparency.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve material integrity. Tampons have no active lifespan management concerns; use before expiration date. If you experience any unusual irritation, redness, or symptoms, discontinue and consult a healthcare provider. Applicator disposal follows standard household waste; do not flush cardboard or plant-based applicators down toilets.
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.”
Bleaching agents and processing residues in cotton
Even organic cotton undergoes bleaching and processing; although 'organic' certification restricts certain chemicals, chlorine-based bleaching residues are theoretically possible. No test results for this specific product are available to confirm residue levels are below safety standards.
Applicator material composition unconfirmed
Rael describes the applicator as 'plant-based' and 'compact' but does not disclose the exact material (cardboard, cellulose, polylactic acid, or blend). Without material specification, potential for hidden synthetic coatings or additives cannot be ruled out.
Dioxins from bleaching (theoretical)
Dioxin contamination in tampons is a long-standing theoretical concern linked to chlorine bleaching; however, regulatory agencies and published studies generally find finished tampon dioxin levels negligible. No specific test data for this product exists, but the risk is considered minimal for modern manufacturing.
Fragrance or cosmetic additives
The product is described as unscented and does not list fragrance or cosmetic ingredients on widely available packaging information. Risk of fragrance allergens or irritant compounds is not apparent based on available data.
Microplastic or synthetic fiber shedding
Organic cotton core inherently avoids synthetic fibers such as polyester that shed microplastics. Plant-based applicator avoids plastic applicator degradation concerns. No shedding or contamination reports are on record for this product.
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.