Everyone’s Freaking Out About Cora Pads Lawsuit, But the Lawsuit Isn’t What You Think And Why Everyone’s Searching But Nothing Exists
There is NO Cora pads lawsuit. As of December 2025, Cora has not been named in any legal action. The confusion stems from industry-wide concerns after a 2024 study found heavy metals in tampons and lawsuits hit competitors LOLA and L. by Procter & Gamble.
Why Are People Searching for a Cora Lawsuit?
Social media exploded in 2024 when researchers discovered toxic metals in tampons. Brands like LOLA and L. faced lawsuits immediately after.
Cora customers panicked and started asking: “Is Cora next?”
The Answer: Multiple independent sources confirm Cora is NOT currently facing legal action.
According to Top Class Actions, a database tracking consumer lawsuits, Cora has not been named in any product safety, false advertising, or contamination cases as of June 2025.
What Lawsuits DO Exist Against Tampon Companies?
While Cora remains lawsuit-free, other organic brands aren’t so lucky.
LOLA Tampons Lawsuit
Case: Manson v. ALYK Inc., Case No. 7:21-cv-05688, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Filed: June 2021
Plaintiff: Kimberley Manson
Claims:
- Tampons disintegrate and unravel inside the body
- Cotton fibers shed and become lodged in vaginal tissue
- Tampons lack protective coating
- Products cause burning sensations, infections, and injuries
- Women required medical intervention to remove tampon fragments
Legal Theories:
- Breach of warranty
- Fraud
- Negligent misrepresentation
- Violations of New York General Business Law
- Unjust enrichment
What Happened: Reviews on LOLA’s website documented dozens of cases where tampons fell apart during removal. The complaint includes 30 consumer reviews describing the defect.
One user wrote: “I have been using Lola tampons for maybe six months and recently noticed that the string does pull through when I go to take it out and pieces of the tampon get stuck inside (ah oh then have to be dug out). I have a constant problem with BV because of using products like this.”
Another said she experienced “burning sensations” after fragments remained inside her body.
Despite LOLA marketing tampons as “gynecologist-approved,” plaintiffs argue the products are defective and unsafe.
Current Status: The lawsuit is ongoing as a class action. LOLA maintains its products are safe and released third-party testing showing no detectable levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, or antimony in their tampons.
L. by Procter & Gamble Lawsuit
Filed: 2024
Claims:
- False advertising about “100% organic” tampons
- Products contain synthetic ingredients not disclosed on front labeling
- Ingredients include paraffin, glycerin, and titanium dioxide
- Misleading consumers seeking truly organic products
What the Fine Print Says: The front of L. tampon boxes prominently features “100% organic.” The back, in small print, lists synthetic materials.
Plaintiffs argue this bait-and-switch violates consumer protection laws.
Why It Matters: Consumers pay premium prices for organic tampons specifically to avoid synthetic chemicals. When those chemicals are present but hidden in fine print, it’s potentially deceptive marketing.
Tampax Lawsuit
Filed: July 29, 2024, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Plaintiff: Allison Barton
Claims:
- Tampax Pearl tampons contain unsafe levels of lead
- Lead levels exceed California Proposition 65 Maximum Allowable Dose Level for reproductive toxicity
- Procter & Gamble failed to warn consumers about heavy metal exposure
Update: On February 13, 2025, a California federal judge dismissed fraud-based claims but allowed plaintiffs 25 days to amend and refile the complaint. The case continues.
Kotex and Playtex Investigations
Kimberly-Clark’s Kotex and Edgewell Personal Care’s Playtex face similar scrutiny over heavy metal contamination.
Class action investigations are underway examining whether these brands contain dangerous levels of lead and other toxins.
The 2024 Study That Started Everything
A July 2024 study published in Environment International tested 30 tampon brands—both organic and conventional, store-brand and name-brand.
Key Findings:
- ALL tampons tested contained measurable levels of heavy metals
- 16 different metals and metalloids were detected across products
- Lead concentration was higher in non-organic tampons
- Arsenic concentration was higher in organic tampons
- Metals found included: lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, strontium, titanium, vanadium, and zinc
How Metals Enter Tampons:
- Contaminated raw materials: Cotton and rayon can absorb heavy metals from soil, water, and air pollution
- Processing equipment: Industrial machinery may introduce metals during manufacturing
- Intentional additives: Some metals are added for odor control, pigment, or antibacterial properties
The Shocking Part: Even tampons labeled “100% organic,” “fragrance-free,” and “non-toxic” contained heavy metals.
Organic certification focuses on how cotton is grown (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers) but doesn’t regulate heavy metal contamination from environmental sources or processing.
Why Cora Hasn’t Been Sued (Yet)
1. No Public Test Results
The 2024 UC Berkeley study didn’t name which specific brands were tested. Cora may or may not have been included.
As of December 2025, no independent testing results showing Cora tampons contain dangerous heavy metal levels have been made public.
2. Marketing Claims
Cora emphasizes:
- 100% certified organic cotton
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification
- “Toxin-free”
- No synthetic materials
- No fragrances, dyes, or chlorine bleaching
Unlike LOLA (which faced shedding complaints) and L. (which was accused of hidden synthetic ingredients), Cora hasn’t been caught in apparent contradictions between marketing and reality.
3. No Widespread Consumer Complaints
LOLA’s lawsuit emerged after dozens of consumers reported tampons falling apart inside their bodies. Those complaints appeared publicly on review sites and social media.
Cora hasn’t experienced a similar wave of documented product failures.
4. Transparent Ingredient Lists
L. by Procter & Gamble got sued partly because synthetic ingredients appeared only in fine print on the back of boxes. Cora provides detailed ingredient information upfront.
What Cora Says About Safety
Cora markets itself as a clean, organic feminine care brand founded specifically to deliver safer period products.
Their Claims:
- Made with 100% certified organic cotton
- GOTS certification ensures cotton is grown without pesticides
- No synthetic materials, fragrances, dyes, or chlorine
- Products are “toxin-free”
What They Don’t Say: Cora hasn’t publicly released third-party testing results for heavy metals like some competitors have.
LOLA, facing heavy scrutiny, commissioned SGS (a leading testing company) to test its tampons and published results showing no detectable heavy metals.
Cora hasn’t taken that extra public step—at least not that consumers can easily find.
What “Organic” Really Means for Tampons
Consumer confusion is understandable. The term “organic tampon” doesn’t mean what most people think.
GOTS Certification Requires:
- Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- No genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Environmentally and socially responsible processing
- Prohibition of certain toxic chemicals during manufacturing
GOTS Does NOT Guarantee:
- Freedom from heavy metals present in soil or water
- Testing for contaminants from processing equipment
- Complete absence of all synthetic materials
- Regular third-party testing for heavy metal contamination
Cotton is a natural crop. Even when grown organically, it can absorb lead, arsenic, and other metals present in soil from decades of industrial pollution.
The Label Loophole: Some brands label tampons “organic” when only the cover or tip uses organic cotton. The absorbent core—the part doing most of the work—may contain conventional cotton or rayon.
Always check whether the ENTIRE tampon is organic, not just components.
Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Tampons
The vagina’s thin, permeable tissue absorbs substances directly into the bloodstream without first passing through the liver, which normally metabolizes toxins.
This makes vaginal exposure to heavy metals particularly concerning.
Potential Health Effects:
Lead:
- Developmental delays and learning disabilities (in fetuses and children)
- Reproductive toxicity
- Increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular problems
- Neurological damage
Arsenic:
- Cancer (bladder, lung, skin)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Reproductive harm
- Immune system suppression
Cadmium:
- Kidney disease
- Bone weakening
- Cancer
- Reproductive harm
Mercury:
- Neurological damage
- Kidney damage
- Developmental harm to fetuses
- Tremors and cognitive impairment
The Cumulative Effect: Women use an estimated 11,000 to 16,000 tampons over a lifetime. Even trace amounts of heavy metals add up with repeated exposure over decades.
FDA Regulation (Or Lack Thereof)
The FDA classifies tampons as “medical devices,” which sounds reassuring until you learn what that actually means.
What the FDA Does:
- Requires manufacturers to register facilities
- Requires listing products with the agency
- Recommends tampons not contain pesticide residue or dioxin
What the FDA Does NOT Do:
- Require premarket safety testing
- Require manufacturers to test for heavy metal contamination
- Mandate disclosure of all ingredients
- Conduct routine testing of tampons on the market
- Set maximum allowable levels for heavy metals in tampons
The FDA relies on manufacturers to self-police.
In July 2024, after the Berkeley study, the Democratic Women’s Caucus pushed the FDA to strengthen tampon safety oversight. The agency is reviewing its monitoring procedures but hasn’t implemented new requirements as of December 2025.
Similar Product Liability Cases
Tampon contamination lawsuits aren’t the first time feminine care products faced legal scrutiny.
Thinx Period Underwear Settlement (2023)
Thinx settled a class action alleging its period underwear exposed wearers to PFAS (“forever chemicals”).
PFAS are synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, immune system problems, and developmental issues.
The settlement didn’t admit liability but paid affected consumers and required Thinx to change its marketing.
Always Pads PFAS Lawsuit
Procter & Gamble faces a class action over Always pads allegedly containing PFAS.
The lawsuit claims P&G knew about the contamination but failed to warn consumers.
Baby Powder Talc Litigation
Johnson & Johnson faced thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder contained asbestos-contaminated talc that caused ovarian cancer.
J&J paid billions in settlements and eventually discontinued talc-based baby powder.
The Pattern: Companies market products for intimate use as safe and pure. Independent testing reveals hidden contaminants. Lawsuits follow.
What Should Consumers Do?
1. Don’t Panic
Trace amounts of heavy metals in tampons are concerning but don’t mean immediate danger.
Risk depends on concentration, exposure duration, and individual health factors.
2. Look for Third-Party Testing
Some brands now publish independent testing results showing their products are free from heavy metals above safe thresholds.
Brands with publicly available testing include:
- DeoDoc (third-party tested for heavy metals)
- Tampon Tribe (third-party tested for chemicals and heavy metals)
- LOLA (published SGS testing results after the controversy)
3. Check Certifications
Look for:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures organic cotton and responsible processing
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances including heavy metals
- MADE SAFE: Certifies products are made with safe ingredients
4. Read Ingredient Lists Carefully
Avoid tampons containing:
- Rayon
- Viscose
- Polyester
- Fragrance
- Dyes
- Titanium dioxide (potential carcinogen)
- Chlorine bleaching
5. Consider Alternatives
Menstrual Cups:
- Made from medical-grade silicone
- Reusable for years
- No absorbent materials to potentially contain contaminants
Period Underwear:
- Reusable fabric option
- No insertion into the body
- Choose brands that publicly test for PFAS
Organic Pads:
- External use reduces direct absorption
- Easier to verify materials
6. Contact Manufacturers
Ask brands directly:
- Do you test for heavy metals?
- Will you share third-party testing results?
- What certifications do your products have?
- Where do you source your cotton?
Companies committed to safety will answer transparently.
7. Report Problems
If you experience adverse effects from any menstrual product:
- Report to the FDA’s MedWatch system
- Contact the manufacturer
- See a healthcare provider
- Document everything
- Consider consulting a product liability attorney
Will Cora Face a Lawsuit in the Future?
It’s possible but not inevitable.
Factors That Could Trigger Legal Action:
Independent Testing Shows Contamination: If researchers test Cora products and find dangerous heavy metal levels, lawsuits would likely follow immediately.
Consumer Complaints Accumulate: If multiple customers report health issues potentially linked to Cora products, class action attorneys would investigate.
Marketing Claims Prove False: If Cora’s “toxin-free” or “100% organic” claims are contradicted by testing, false advertising lawsuits could emerge.
Regulatory Changes: If the FDA implements new testing requirements and Cora products fail to meet them, legal exposure increases.
Industry-Wide Litigation: Plaintiff attorneys often file coordinated lawsuits against all major brands in a product category. If tampon litigation expands, Cora could be swept up even without specific complaints.
Factors Working in Cora’s Favor:
Transparent Marketing: Cora hasn’t made the exaggerated safety claims that got competitors in trouble.
Certification Focus: Emphasizing GOTS certification rather than absolute safety claims provides legal protection.
No Documented Defects: Unlike LOLA’s shedding complaints, Cora hasn’t experienced widespread reports of product failures.
Smaller Market Share: Less visibility means fewer users and potentially fewer complaints.
How to Protect Yourself Legally
If you’ve experienced health problems potentially related to Cora or any tampon brand:
Document Everything:
- Purchase receipts
- Product packaging and lot numbers
- Medical records
- Photos of symptoms
- Timeline of use and symptom onset
Seek Medical Attention:
- Get examined and diagnosed
- Follow treatment recommendations
- Ask your doctor to note potential product connection in your medical records
Preserve Evidence:
- Keep unused products from the same package
- Don’t throw away packaging or applicators
- Save all documentation
Report to Authorities:
- FDA MedWatch: www.fda.gov/medwatch
- FTC (for false advertising): www.ftc.gov
Consult an Attorney: Product liability attorneys offer free consultations. Statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from 2-4 years.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Accountability
The tampon contamination issue highlights systemic problems in how feminine care products are regulated.
What Needs to Change:
Mandatory Testing: The FDA should require manufacturers to test tampons for heavy metals and disclose results publicly.
Ingredient Transparency: All tampon ingredients should be clearly listed on packaging, not hidden in fine print.
Regular Monitoring: The FDA should conduct routine market surveillance, not rely solely on manufacturer self-reporting.
Enforcement: Companies making false organic or safety claims should face significant penalties.
Research: More studies are needed on long-term health effects of tampon use and cumulative heavy metal exposure.
Consumer Education: Clear labeling should help consumers understand what “organic” actually means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Cora been sued?
No. As of December 2025, Cora has not been named in any lawsuits related to product safety, false advertising, or contamination.
Do Cora tampons contain heavy metals?
Unknown. Cora hasn’t publicly released third-party testing results for heavy metals. The brand emphasizes GOTS certification and organic cotton, but that doesn’t guarantee absence of heavy metals from environmental contamination.
Are Cora tampons safe to use?
Cora products are GOTS-certified organic and don’t contain synthetic materials, fragrances, or chlorine. However, without public testing data for heavy metals, consumers can’t verify complete safety.
Which tampon brands ARE being sued?
LOLA (for tampons shedding and unraveling), L. by Procter & Gamble (for false organic claims), and Tampax (for heavy metal contamination).
Should I stop using Cora tampons?
That’s a personal decision. If you’re concerned, consider switching to brands that publish third-party heavy metal testing results or using alternative products like menstrual cups.
What’s the safest tampon brand?
Brands with third-party testing for heavy metals and full GOTS certification offer the most transparency. Examples include DeoDoc and Tampon Tribe, which specifically test for heavy metal contamination.
Can I get tested for heavy metal exposure?
Yes. Blood and urine tests can measure heavy metal levels. If you’re concerned about exposure from tampons or other sources, ask your doctor about testing.
How do I know if my tampons caused health problems?
Heavy metal exposure symptoms include fatigue, headaches, memory problems, reproductive issues, and developmental delays (in children). However, these symptoms have many causes. Consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
What should I look for when buying tampons?
Choose products with GOTS certification, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, publicly available third-party testing for heavy metals, and 100% organic cotton (not just the cover or tip).
Is organic cotton really safer?
Organic certification means cotton was grown without synthetic pesticides, but it doesn’t guarantee absence of heavy metals from soil contamination. Third-party testing is the only way to verify safety.
Why hasn’t the FDA done more?
The FDA has limited resources and historically hasn’t prioritized routine testing of tampons. Public pressure following the 2024 study prompted review of policies, but changes haven’t been implemented yet.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if one is filed later?
If a class action is eventually filed against Cora, you’d typically receive notice if you purchased products during the relevant time period. You could opt in or file separately depending on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- There is NO Cora pads lawsuit as of December 2025
- Other brands (LOLA, L., Tampax) ARE facing legal action for shedding, false advertising, and heavy metal contamination
- A 2024 study found heavy metals in all tested tampons, including organic brands
- Cora hasn’t publicly released third-party testing results for heavy metals
- “Organic” doesn’t automatically mean free from heavy metal contamination
- The FDA doesn’t require tampon manufacturers to test for heavy metals
- Consumers should look for brands with published third-party testing and multiple certifications
- If you experience health problems, document everything and consult medical and legal professionals
The Bottom Line
Confusion about a Cora lawsuit is understandable given the turmoil in the tampon industry. But as of now, Cora remains legally clear.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Cora products are completely safe—it means they haven’t faced the same scrutiny as competitors who’ve been caught with shedding products, hidden synthetic ingredients, or documented heavy metal contamination.
The absence of a lawsuit isn’t proof of safety. It’s proof that no one has yet found evidence compelling enough to sue or that widespread problems haven’t emerged.
For consumers, the lesson is clear: Don’t rely on the absence of lawsuits to determine product safety. Look for brands that proactively test for contaminants and publish results. Ask questions. Demand transparency.
The tampon industry is under a spotlight it’s never faced before. Whether Cora will emerge unscathed or eventually face the same legal challenges as competitors remains to be seen.
Your best protection is informed choice, not blind trust in any brand—even ones that market themselves as natural and organic.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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