Procter & Gamble Hit With Class Action Against Tampax-Brand Products

Overview of the Tampax Class Action Lawsuits

P&G faces at least five distinct class action lawsuits targeting Tampax products, with allegations ranging from false advertising to failure to disclose toxic substances. Below is a summary of the key cases, based on recent legal filings and news reports:

1. Lead Contamination in Tampax Pearl and Radiant Tampons:

• Case: Willis-Albrigo v. The Procter & Gamble Company (Case No. 3:24-cv-01416, Southern District of California) and Morciglio v. The Procter & Gamble Company (Case No. 1:24-cv-08849, Southern District of New York).
• Allegations: Independent testing found 0.206–2.36 micrograms of lead in Tampax Pearl tampons, exceeding California’s Proposition 65 Maximum Allowable Dose Level for reproductive toxicity. The lawsuits claim P&G failed to disclose lead, a neurotoxin linked to neurological issues, organ damage, and reproductive harm, despite marketing tampons as safe with claims like “All Day Comfort and Protection.” The vaginal tissue’s high absorption rate heightens the risk.
• Status: The California case was partially dismissed without prejudice on February 13, 2025, allowing plaintiffs 25 days to amend claims due to untested products. The New York case, filed November 20, 2024, remains active.

1. Misleading “Free of Dyes” Claims:

• Case: Strano v. The Procter & Gamble Company (Case No. 1:24-cv-03195, Eastern District of New York).
• Allegations: Tampax Cardboard, Pearl, and Radiant tampons are labeled “Free of Dyes” but contain titanium dioxide, a synthetic powder used as a white pigment. Plaintiffs argue this is misleading, as titanium dioxide serves the same aesthetic purpose as dyes, leading consumers to overpay for perceived safety.

1. False “Pure Cotton” Claims:

• Case: Borovoy v. The Procter & Gamble Company (Case No. 1:24-cv-04366, Northern District of Illinois).
• Allegations: Tampax Pure Cotton tampons are marketed as “100% Organic Cotton Core” and “Free of Dyes, Fragrances & Chlorine Bleaching,” but contain synthetic ingredients like polypropylene, polyester, glycerin, paraffin, and titanium dioxide. These non-cotton components contradict the “pure” and “organic” claims, misleading health-conscious consumers who paid a premium.

1. PFAS in Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons:

• Case: Bounthon et al. v. The Procter & Gamble Co. (Case No. 3:23-cv-00765, Northern District of California).
• Allegations: Independent testing detected organic fluorine, an indicator of PFAS (“forever chemicals”), in Tampax Pure Cotton tampons, despite claims of being “100% organic” and “the best of science and nature.” PFAS are linked to cancer, low birth weight, and reduced fertility. P&G’s motion to dismiss was granted on July 7, 2025, due to flawed testing methods, but plaintiffs may refile.

1. Combined Lead and PFAS Claims:

• Case: Barton v. The Procter & Gamble Company (Case No. 3:24-cv-01332, Southern District of California).
• Allegations: This lawsuit alleges P&G failed to disclose unsafe lead levels in Tampax tampons, alongside similar claims against Kimberly-Clark’s Kotex tampons. It was dismissed without prejudice on February 13, 2025, for insufficient evidence (e.g., plaintiff didn’t use the tested products), but plaintiffs have until early March 2025 to amend.

Affected Tampax Products

The lawsuits target the following Tampax sub-brands and varieties:

• Tampax Pearl (Light, Regular, Super, Super Plus, Ultra)
• Tampax Radiant
• Tampax Cardboard
• Tampax Pure Cotton

Consumers who purchased these products for personal use within the statute of limitations (typically 4 years, varying by state) may be eligible to join.

Why These Lawsuits Matter

These lawsuits highlight growing consumer concerns about transparency in feminine hygiene products. Lead and PFAS pose significant health risks, particularly due to tampons’ direct vaginal application, which allows rapid chemical absorption. Social media posts on X reflect public outrage, with users reporting health issues like autoimmune disorders, cognitive problems, and reproductive challenges after long-term Tampax use, though these claims lack scientific confirmation in the lawsuits. The allegations also underscore deceptive marketing practices, as consumers paid premiums for products advertised as safe and natural, only to discover potential contaminants.

Eligibility to Join the Class Actions

To participate in these lawsuits, you typically must:

• Be a US resident who purchased the listed Tampax products for personal use (not resale) within the statute of limitations (often 4 years, e.g., 2020–2025).
• For California-based cases (Willis-Albrigo, Barton), you must have purchased in California.
• For New York (Strano, Morciglio) or Illinois (Borovoy), purchases in those states or nationwide may qualify, depending on the class definition.
• No proof of injury is required for false advertising claims, but lead/PFAS cases emphasize health risks without claiming specific injuries.

Note: Top Class Actions and similar platforms are not law firms or settlement administrators. You must contact the representing law firms (e.g., Sultzer & Lipari PLLC, Levin Sedran & Berman LLP) for claim status.

Step-by-Step Process to Join the Class Action Lawsuits

Here’s how to get involved before deadlines, such as the March 2025 amendment period for the Barton case:

1. Determine Your Eligibility:

• Check if you purchased Tampax Pearl, Radiant, Cardboard, or Pure Cotton tampons since 2020.
• Confirm the state of purchase, as some lawsuits are state-specific (e.g., California, New York).

1. Gather Proof of Purchase:

• Collect receipts, bank statements, or packaging as evidence, though proof may not be required initially to join a class.
• Note purchase dates and product types (e.g., Pearl Regular, Pure Cotton).

1. Find the Relevant Lawsuit:

• Visit classaction.org or topclassactions.com for case details and updates.
• Identify the case matching your purchase (e.g., Willis-Albrigo for lead in Pearl tampons, Strano for dye claims).

1. Contact the Law Firm:

• Reach out to the plaintiff’s attorneys (listed in court filings, e.g., Jason P. Sultzer for Morciglio, Naomi B. for Barton).
• Use contact forms on classaction.org or call firms like Sultzer & Lipari PLLC or Levin Sedran & Berman LLP.
• Inquire about joining the class or filing deadlines (e.g., March 2025 for amended Barton claims).

1. Stay Informed:

• Sign up for newsletters on classaction.org or topclassactions.com for updates on settlement deadlines or court rulings.
• Monitor case statuses via federal court dockets (e.g., PACER access for Case Nos. 3:24-cv-01416, 1:24-cv-08849).

1. File a Claim (if a Settlement is Reached):

• If a settlement is approved, follow instructions from the settlement administrator (not Top Class Actions) to submit a claim form.
• Provide required documentation; settlements may offer cash, refunds, or product vouchers, as seen in the 2023 Thinx PFAS case ($5M settlement).

1. Consult a Lawyer for Individual Claims:

• If you believe you’ve suffered health issues from Tampax use, contact a product liability lawyer (e.g., The Lyon Firm) for potential individual lawsuits, especially for lead or PFAS exposure.

Current Status and Next Steps

• Dismissals and Amendments: The Barton and Bounthon cases were dismissed in 2025 due to insufficient evidence (untested products or flawed PFAS testing), but plaintiffs can refile by early March or July 2025, respectively.
• Active Cases: The Morciglio (lead), Strano (dyes), and Borovoy (pure cotton) lawsuits remain ongoing, with no settlements reported as of August 2025.
• Public Response: X posts show consumer frustration, with users citing health concerns and demanding accountability, though these are not legal evidence.

Consumers should act quickly, as statutes of limitations (typically 4 years) may bar claims for older purchases. For example, purchases before 2020 may no longer qualify in 2025. If you’ve used Tampax products, check your eligibility and contact the relevant law firms or visit classaction.org for updates.

Final Thoughts

The class action lawsuits against P&G highlight serious concerns about the safety and marketing of Tampax tampons. With allegations of lead, PFAS, and misleading “dye-free” or “pure cotton” claims, these cases could lead to significant settlements or product reforms. US consumers who purchased Tampax Pearl, Radiant, Cardboard, or Pure Cotton tampons should review their eligibility and act before deadlines expire. For more information, visit classaction.org, topclassactions.com, or consult a legal professional. Stay proactive to protect your rights and health.