The Short Answer
Rael tampons are a massive upgrade from conventional brands, but they aren't perfectly clean. They earn a Caution rating due to trace chemical contamination in the supply chain.
While they use 100% organic cotton and skip the titanium dioxide found in conventional brands, third-party lab tests found PFAS "forever chemicals" in Rael products. They are also subject to the same heavy metal contamination that currently plagues the entire organic cotton industry.
Why This Matters
The vaginal wall is one of the most highly absorbent tissues in the human body. Chemicals that come into contact with this area bypass the liver's filtration system and enter the bloodstream directly. If your tampon contains toxins, Are Tampons Toxic your body absorbs them immediately.
Consumers flock to Rael because of its organic marketing and "clean" branding. But a groundbreaking 2024 UC Berkeley study revealed that 100% of tested tampons contained heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Ironically, the study found that organic tampons contained higher levels of arsenic than conventional ones due to agricultural soil conditions. Are Organic Tampons Safer
Heavy metals aren't the only concern lurking in modern period care. Independent testing by Mamavation found indications of PFAS in Rael products at 15 parts per million (ppm). These "forever chemicals" do not break down in the body and are strongly linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
What's Actually In Rael Tampons
Rael's ingredient list is impressively short, but the devil is in the details. Here is exactly what you are putting inside your body.
- Certified Organic Cotton ā Rael uses OCS-certified organic cotton for both the core and the cover. This means it is grown without synthetic pesticides, but it is still vulnerable to heavy metals absorbed from the soil. Are There Pesticides In Tampons
- Water Repellent Wax ā The string is coated in wax to prevent leaks. Many natural brands use undisclosed synthetic waxes that can introduce petroleum byproducts into the vagina.
- BPA-Free Plastic Applicator ā While it's free of bisphenol-A, plastic is still plastic. All plastic applicators can shed microplastics and leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Is Plastic In Pads Bad
- Cotton Sewing Thread ā Used to keep the core together without synthetic adhesives. This is a major green flag compared to the glues used in conventional tampons.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Organic Cotton ā Avoids synthetic pesticides and genetically modified crops.
- No Titanium Dioxide ā Skips the unnecessary whitening agents linked to reproductive toxicity.
- Fragrance-Free ā Eliminates the risk of undisclosed chemical cocktails that cause itching and irritation. Are Scented Tampons Bad
Red Flags:
- PFAS Indicators ā Total fluorine testing reveals trace "forever chemicals" hiding in the supply chain.
- Plastic Applicators ā Introduces unnecessary plastic exposure to a highly sensitive and vascular area.
- Heavy Metal Vulnerability ā Cotton crops easily absorb lead and arsenic from agricultural soil, meaning no cotton tampon is truly metal-free.
The Best Options
If you want to reduce your exposure to heavy metals and PFAS, it might be time to ditch tampons entirely. Here is how Rael compares to the competition.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natracare | Organic Tampons | ā | Tests clean for PFAS and uses cardboard applicators. Is Natracare Tampons Clean |
| Rael | Organic Cotton Tampons | ā ļø | Better than conventional, but flagged for trace PFAS. |
| Tampax | Pearl Tampons | š« | Loaded with rayon and whitening agents. Is Tampax Safe |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the plastic applicators. Even BPA-free plastic can disrupt your hormones, so opt for cardboard applicators or non-applicator styles to minimize chemical exposure.
2. Accept the heavy metal reality. All cotton tampons carry a risk of trace heavy metals, so consider switching to a medical-grade silicone cup for long-term safety. Best Menstrual Cup
3. Alternate your products. Don't wear tampons 24/7; give your body a break by switching to organic pads or PFAS-free period underwear at night. Is Rael Pads Clean
FAQ
Does Rael tampons have heavy metals?
It is highly likely that Rael tampons contain trace heavy metals. A 2024 UC Berkeley study found lead and arsenic in 100% of the 14 tampon brands tested, noting that organic cotton actually contained higher levels of arsenic than conventional cotton. Are Tampons Safe
Does Rael contain PFAS?
Yes, third-party testing by Mamavation found detectable levels of fluorine (a PFAS indicator) in Rael period products. While not intentionally added by the brand, these "forever chemicals" often contaminate period products through manufacturing equipment or water-repellent coatings.
Are Rael tampons better than Tampax?
Rael is significantly safer than Tampax. While Rael struggles with organic supply chain contamination, Tampax actively formulates with synthetic rayon, titanium dioxide, and undisclosed fragrances that are known to irritate vaginal tissue. Tampons Vs Pads Safety