F

Is Kotex PFAS-free?

Across 9 graded products, Kotex averages F (50/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 5 of its products grade C or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.

Worth buying from Kotex C or better, safest first

U by Kotex Click Compact Unscented Tampons

Kotex

U by Kotex Click Compact Unscented Tampons

Rayon/viscose core, cotton cover, plastic applicator

C
F
PFASAll
C · Moderate3 flags

Lower concern; typical tampon materials are not known PFAS vehicles, but brand discloses nothing.

Risky category by default

U by Kotex Sleek Tampons

Kotex

U by Kotex Sleek Tampons

Rayon/viscose core, cotton exterior, polypropylene layers

C
F
PFASAll
C · Moderate2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; no red flags in design, but brand offers no transparency.

Risky category by default

Kotex Tampon Super 16 pcs

Kotex

Tampon Super 16 pcs

Rayon/cellulose core; cotton/rayon cover; plastic applicator

C
F
PFASAll
C · Moderate4 flags

Lower concern; traditional tampon design with no known PFAS-prone treatments, but no public transparency from Kotex on coatings.

Risky category by default

Kotex Core Daily Wrapped Liners

Kotex

Core Daily Wrapped Liners

cotton, rayon, adhesive (nonwoven blend)

C
F
PFASAll
C · Moderate4 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard period-care materials without disclosed water-resistance treatment.

Risky category by default

Kotex Wrapped Liners

Kotex

Wrapped Liners

Cellulose/cotton absorbent core with adhesive backing

C
F
PFASAll
C · Moderate2 flags

Lower PFAS concern for this product category, but Kotex provides no transparency on coating materials.

Risky category by default

Graded and flagged D and F, we’d swap these

Kotex Bamboo Ultra Thin Pads with Wings

Kotex

Bamboo Ultra Thin Pads with Wings

bamboo viscose, cellulose core, polyethylene/polypropylene layers, unspecified water-resistant coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until Kotex discloses waterproofing chemistry, period pads need water barriers that historically used PFAS.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Kotex Ultra Thin Heavy Pads with Wings

Kotex

Ultra Thin Heavy Pads with Wings

Cellulose, synthetic absorbent core, polypropylene layers, waterproof backing

F
F · High PFAS

Lower concern than apparel or cookware, but waterproof layers raise questions Kotex hasn't addressed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Pads

Kotex

U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Pads

Nonwoven fibers (cellulose/synthetic blend) with waterproof backing layer, composition not fully disclosed

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until Kotex discloses waterproof layer chemistry, period pads often use fluorinated coatings to repel moisture.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Kotex Regular Liners 120ct

Kotex

Regular Liners 120ct

Nonwoven synthetic blend with waterproof backing layer

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until brand discloses waterproof coating composition.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →