Top 10 Questions Consumers Ask About Tampons — With Answers From a Manufacturer

Whether you’re a tampon user or a brand planning to launch your own product line, you’re likely to have many questions about tampon safety, materials, and manufacturing. As a professional tampon manufacturer, we receive thousands of inquiries every year—from consumers, distributors, and private label brands.

Here are the top 10 most common questions about tampons, answered clearly and professionally.

1. Are tampons safe to use?

Yes, tampons are safe when they are manufactured correctly and used as directed.

A tampon manufacturer must follow strict standards:

  • Medical-grade raw materials
  • Microbiological testing
  • ISO 13485 certified production
  • FDA/CE compliance
  • Cleanroom processing

When made properly, tampons are hygienic, safe, and comfortable.

2. What are tampons made of?

Most tampons are made from:

  • 100% cotton
  • Rayon (viscose)
  • Cotton–rayon blends

Organic tampons use GOTS-certified organic cotton with no pesticides or fragrances. Applicators can be made of:

  • Plastic (PP or PE)
  • Biodegradable PLA
  • Cardboard

If you’re creating a brand, you can choose the fiber and applicator style based on your target audience.

3. Do tampons expire?

Tampons typically have a shelf life of 3 years from manufacturing.
Organic tampons may have a shorter shelf life (2–3 years) because they contain no preservatives or synthetic fibers.

If stored in a cool, dry environment, tampons remain safe and functional.

4. Can tampons cause infections?

Not by themselves.
Tampons are sterile when produced by a reliable manufacturer.

Infections typically come from:

  • Not washing hands before insertion
  • Leaving a tampon in for too long
  • Using very high absorbency unnecessarily
  • Improper storage

Good hygiene drastically reduces the risk.

5. What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?

TSS is a rare bacterial infection, not caused by tampons, but sometimes associated with improper use.

Reduce risk by:

  • Changing tampons every 4–8 hours
  • Avoiding overnight use of high-absorbency tampons
  • Using the lowest absorbency needed

A responsible manufacturer includes TSS warnings on packaging.

6. What absorbency level should I choose?

Absorbency guidelines:

  • Light / Mini – low-flow days
  • Regular – medium-flow days
  • Super–heavy–flow days
  • Super Plus – very heavy days

Manufacturers test absorbency according to FDA / EDANA standards using synthetic menstrual fluid.

7. Are organic cotton tampons better?

Organic tampons are widely preferred for:

  • Sensitive skin
  • Reducing allergies
  • Eco-friendly lifestyle
  • Zero pesticide exposure

However, both organic and non-organic tampons are safe when produced properly.

Organic is a choice—not a requirement for safety.

8. How are tampons made?

Consumers are often surprised to learn how advanced the process is.

The tampon manufacturing steps:

  1. Fiber purification
  2. Fiber carding & forming
  3. Compression into tampon shape
  4. String attachment & pull-strength testing
  5. Applicator assembly (if any)
  6. Sterilization
  7. Microbiological testing
  8. Automatic packaging in cleanrooms
  9. Batch traceability & inspection

Brands should always request factory videos or audit reports to ensure quality.

9. What’s the difference between tampons and pads?

FeatureTamponsPads
PositionInside the bodyOutside the body
Best forActive users, swimming, sportsOvernight, mild flow
Eco optionsOrganic cotton, biodegradable applicatorsBiodegradable pads available
ComfortMany prefer internal protectionSome prefer external-only

Both are safe—the choice depends on lifestyle and comfort.

10. How do I choose a reliable tampon manufacturer?

Here’s what to check before you order:

Certifications & compliance

  • ISO 13485
  • FDA registered
  • CE documentation
  • GOTS (for organic cotton)

Production standards

  • Cleanroom manufacturing
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Microbiological testing for every batch

Product customization

  • Absorbency options
  • Applicator type
  • Organic or regular cotton
  • Biodegradable solutions
  • Private label packaging

Support for new brands

A good manufacturer helps with:

  • Branding design
  • Packaging engineering
  • Compliance documentation
  • Logistics & export support

(We offer all of the above.)

Final Thoughts

Consumers ask many questions about tampons—and they should. Menstrual products are intimate, sensitive, and essential. Choosing a safe product begins with choosing a high-quality tampon manufacturer.

If you’re planning to launch your own tampon brand—or simply want safe, reliable products—we can help with:

  • organic cotton tampons
  • biodegradable tampons
  • applicator & non-applicator styles
  • private label / OEM / ODM service
  • full regulatory documentation

👉 Contact us for product samples, pricing, or a full tampon catalog.