Tampax class action claims brand mislabels pure cotton products

Tampax class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Christy Borovoy filed a class action lawsuit against The Procter & Gamble Company.
• Why: Borovoy claims that P&G misrepresents its Tampax Pure Cotton tampons as 100% cotton even though they contain synthetic ingredients.
• Where: The Tampax class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois federal court.

Procter & Gamble misrepresents the quality of its Tampax Pure Cotton tampons, misleading consumers into believing they consist of 100% cotton even though they contain synthetic ingredients, a class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Christy Borovoy says she purchased Tampax Pure Cotton tampons on several occasions after reviewing the representations on the package and the image of a piece of cotton on the label. 

The front label states the product “Contains 100% Organic Cotton Core,” is “Free of Dyes, Fragrances & Chlorine Bleaching” and has a “90% Plant Based Applicator,” the Tampax class action lawsuit explains. These representations deceptively suggest the product is made with pure cotton even though the tampons contain synthetic ingredients and a potentially harmful mineral, Borovoy says.

Tampax class action claims consumers expect tampons to be made of pure cotton

Borovoy alleges consumers value “pure” personal care products because non-pure ingredients may negatively affect the environment and consumer health. The Tampax class action alleges that because Tampax tampons are labeled as “pure cotton,” consumers expect the tampons’ components to consist solely of cotton.

However, the Tampax pure cotton ingredients list indicates the tampons also contain polypropylene, polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide. Each of these ingredients is allegedly synthetic and/or created by chemical reactions, Borovoy explains.

Titanium dioxide, a mineral from mined ilmenite ore, is potentially harmful to consumers, the Tampax class action lawsuit says. And, because it is a synthetically prepared powder used as a white pigment, P&G’s “free of dyes” claim is misleading, Borovoy argues.

The “90% Plant Based Applicator” claim is also misleading, according to the Tampax class action lawsuit. Survey results reportedly show nearly 80% of consumers interpret the phrase “plant-based plastic” as a biodegradable alternative to plastic. In reality, plant-based plastic is no different than regular plastic, according to Borovoy.

She says she paid more for the tampons than she would have if P&G had not misrepresented their quality.

The Tampax class action lawsuit asserts claims for violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and unjust enrichment.

Another recent Tampax class action lawsuit alleges P&G falsely advertised its tampons as free of dyes.

Do you think Tampax Pure Cotton tampons are mislabeled? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Borovoy is represented by Sue J. Nam, Michael R. Reese and Kate J. Stoia of Reese LLP, Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC and James Chung of Chung Law Firm PC.

The Tampax pure cotton class action lawsuit is Christy Borovoy v. The Procter & Gamble Company, Case No. 1:24-cv-04366, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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