Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator having a cylindrical outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, which is displaceable therein, is provided with an axial longitudinal slit and encloses a tampon. A tongue-shaped retention element is integrally connected to the outer sleeve so as to be bendable and projects through the longitudinal slit of the inner sleeve into the latter, and lies against the rear end of the tampon. When the inner sleeve is withdrawn out of the outer sleeve, the tampon is held in place by the retention element and transferred into the outer sleeve. The retention element is provided with one part of a locking mechanism (detent plate), the other part of which is formed by one of the two sleeves (longitudinal edges of the longitudinal slit of the inner sleeve. The aforesaid locking parts interact in such a way that the retention element is locked in its engaged position bent into the inner sleeve.