On September 29, 2026, a federal judge in the Southern District of California certified a class of California consumers who purchased Tampax Pearl and Tampax Radiant tampons, in a lawsuit alleging that Procter & Gamble’s packaging misled buyers into believing the products were free of lead. The ruling does not decide whether the labels were misleading or whether the tampons are unsafe. It decides that those questions can be answered for all California purchasers at once rather than one consumer at a time.
Crosner Legal is co-counsel supporting the plaintiff’s team in this case. The certification order is a significant step for California consumers and a clear roadmap for how California false advertising class actions get certified.
The complaint alleges that independent laboratory testing in 2024 found lead in Tampax Pearl and Radiant tampons at levels that, with ordinary use, would allegedly exceed California’s Proposition 65 maximum allowable dose for reproductive toxicity. It alleges the boxes’ prominent claims, including “#1 U.S. Gynecologist Recommended,” “Free of Perfume,” “Free of Elemental Chlorine Bleaching,” “Tampon Free of Dyes,” and “Clinically Tested Gentle to Skin,” led reasonable consumers to believe the products were free of harmful substances. The claims are brought under California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, and Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and seek a full refund of the purchase price.
The court certified a class of California citizens who bought any size of the products in California within four years before the July 2024 complaint and who do not claim personal injury.
What It Means for California Consumers
If you bought Tampax Pearl or Radiant tampons in California since July 2020, you are likely a member of the certified class. You do not need to do anything now; class members will receive notice with information about their rights, including the option to opt out.
More broadly, the order confirms that California’s consumer protection statutes remain well suited to class treatment. A label does not have to say “lead-free” to be challenged; a collection of safety-oriented claims can allegedly create a misleading overall impression. And a defendant cannot defeat certification simply by disputing the science.
Talk to a Consumer Protection Attorney
Crosner Legal represents consumers in false advertising and product labeling class actions in California and nationwide. If you purchased Tampax Pearl or Radiant tampons in California, or believe another product you bought was marketed with misleading safety or ingredient claims, contact us at (866) 276-7637 or through our website for a free and confidential case evaluation.
This post is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The allegations described are allegations only; the defendant denies them, and no court has ruled on the merits. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.