What exactly is in a tampon?

It’s a question most of us have never asked. We check the ingredients in shampoo, sunscreen, and deodorant—but tampons? Most packaging doesn’t include a clear list of ingredients. That should change. Here, we break down what’s actually in a conventional tampon—and what you can do with that information.

Why is the list of ingredients missing from most tampons?

In the EU, tampons are classified as medical devices—not as cosmetics or food products. This means that manufacturers are not legally required to provide complete lists of ingredients. It is a legal loophole that many consumer organizations and politicians are working to close.

The result: most people who use tampons don’t know what’s in them. BAM thinks that’s wrong, and we’re showing you what our products are made of.

What might a conventional tampon contain?

Viscose (synthetic fiber)

The most common fiber in conventional tampons. Viscose is produced from wood pulp that is dissolved and chemically transformed—a process that requires, among other things, sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. The end product is a synthetic fiber with good absorbency.

Chlorine bleaching

The fibers are bleached white using chlorine or chlorine compounds. This process can produce byproducts in the form of dioxins—substances linked to endocrine disruption at high doses. Modern processes have significantly reduced these levels, but non-chlorine bleaching alternatives are available and are used by certified manufacturers.

Perfume and Fragrance Ingredients

Some tampons contain fragrance to provide a "fresh" feeling. Fragrance ingredients are one of the most common causes of contact allergies and irritation of sensitive mucous membranes. There is no medical reason to include fragrance in a tampon.

Synthetic fibers

Drawstrings are often made of polyester—a plastic-based synthetic material. It is functional and durable, but not biodegradable.

What are the ingredients in BAM Cotton Tampons?

Short version: cotton and nothing else.

• Absorbent core: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

• Outer layer: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

• Drawstring: GOTS-certified

• Bleaching: Peroxide — no chlorine used

• Perfume: None

• Synthetic fibers: None

 

Do the ingredients really matter?

The vagina is one of the body’s most absorbent mucous membranes—it is designed to absorb. This is what makes vaginal absorption effective for hormone therapy, for example. For the same reason, it makes sense to be aware of what menstrual products contain.

There is not yet sufficient clinical research to draw conclusions about the specific health effects of individual ingredients in tampons when used as directed. However, transparency and simpler ingredients are rarely a bad choice.

How do you know what’s in your tampon?

Check the packaging—if there’s no ingredient list at all, that’s a red flag. Look up the brand’s website. Check for certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or similar certifications provide a real guarantee, not just marketing claims.

BAM always lists the ingredients in our products. It’s a core principle for us—not a sales pitch.