Sustain · Tampons
August Organic Regular & Super Tampons
Lower-concern choice; organic fibers and MADE SAFE stamp reduce PFAS risk significantly.
August Organic tampons use organic cotton and rayon, materials not typically treated with PFAS water-repellents or stain resistors. The brand holds MADE SAFE certification, which screens for harmful chemicals including PFAS, though the brand itself makes no explicit PFAS-free claim.
Material
cotton, rayon; no reported waterproof or stain-resistant coating
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.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
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
August tampons are constructed from organic cotton and rayon (viscose), both cellulose-based fibers. Organic cotton eliminates synthetic pesticide residues common in conventional cotton production. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber that does not introduce synthetic polymers into intimate-contact textiles. Neither fiber requires flame retardant or stain-resistant chemical coatings, which means no added fluorochemicals, brominated compounds, or formaldehyde resins are present to leach into vaginal tissue during use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sustain holds MADE SAFE certification, which independently audits products for harmful chemicals including heavy metals, phthalates, and formaldehyde releasers. The brand explicitly markets organic and non-toxic positioning. Public disclosure of supply chain or third-party testing data is limited, but no safety recalls, chemical controversies, or regulatory violations have been documented for August tampons. PFAS stance remains unstated, but the absence of waterproofing or stain-resist coating substantially reduces fluorochemical risk regardless.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional tampons use bleached rayon or cotton-rayon blends treated with chlorine dioxide during processing, which can generate trace dioxins and furans. Many brands also add starch, fragrance, or adhesives that carry undisclosed chemical loads. August's organic certification and MADE SAFE badge position it in the lower-chemical tier of the market, alongside brands like Cora and Seventh Generation, but with less extensive public transparency than some competitors. Price is typically 20-30 percent higher than conventional mass-market options.
If you buy it
Store tampons in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent mold growth in the organic material. Change tampons every 4-8 hours to reduce toxic shock syndrome risk (standard for all tampons, not specific to this brand). Organic fibers may have slightly softer texture and absorption variance versus synthetic-heavy alternatives; this is normal. Discontinue use immediately if any unusual odor, discoloration, or skin irritation appears and consult a healthcare provider.
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.”
Dioxins and furans from chlorine bleaching
Conventional rayon undergoes chlorine dioxide bleaching; organic certification does not guarantee chlorine-free processing. Sustain has not publicly disclosed bleaching methods for August tampons. Residual levels in body-contact textiles are typically trace and below established health benchmarks, but complete absence cannot be verified from available information.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed additives
August tampons are marketed as fragrance-free and unscented. No reported contact dermatitis or allergic reactions linked to this product exist on record. MADE SAFE certification screens for common fragrance allergens, reducing but not eliminating risk for sensitive individuals.
Microbial contamination during storage or use
Organic cotton and rayon are hygroscopic (absorb moisture) and create favorable conditions for bacterial and fungal growth if stored in humid environments or left in vaginal tissue too long. This is a general risk for all tampons but may be slightly elevated with unbleached organic fibers. Standard hygiene practices (frequent changes, dry storage) mitigate this hazard.
Formaldehyde-releasing resins in adhesives or binders
August tampons do not include stated waterproof coatings or adhesive components that typically contain formaldehyde releasers. MADE SAFE certification explicitly tests for formaldehyde donors. No formulation discrepancy has been reported.
Heavy metal accumulation in organic cotton from soil
Organic cotton can accumulate cadmium, lead, or arsenic from contaminated agricultural soil, even without synthetic pesticide application. Third-party metal testing data for Sustain's cotton supply is not publicly available. Residual levels are expected to be low due to organic farming practices, but independent verification is absent from accessible sources.
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.
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.