Flex · Tampons
4x U By Kotex Click Comfort Flex Tampons Super Unscented 32 Count
Lower PFAS concern; standard tampon construction unlikely to require fluorochemicals.
U by Kotex Click tampons are primarily viscose-rayon-core with cotton cover, materials not typically treated with PFAS. The plastic applicator presents minimal PFAS risk compared to coated textiles or water-resistant finishes.
Shop Flex on Amazon →Material
viscose rayon core, cotton cover, plastic applicator
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
U By Kotex Click tampons use a viscose rayon absorbent core wrapped in cotton cover material, with a plastic (likely polypropylene) applicator. Viscose rayon is a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber processed from wood pulp; it is not known to leach harmful chemicals into vaginal tissue during normal use. The unscented variant eliminates fragrance additives, dyes, and perfume chemicals that can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive users. Plastic applicators do not degrade or leach during the brief insertion window, though they are a disposal consideration.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex (owned by Kimberly-Clark) does not publicly detail PFAS testing or certification status for tampon lines, placing them in the silent category on fluorochemical transparency. The brand has no documented major recalls or safety controversies specific to this tampon product. Kotex does not advertise organic, bleach-free, or third-party safety certifications for the Click line, contrasting with premium competitors. Standard regulatory compliance (FDA classification as medical devices) is expected but not independently verified by the brand in public statements.
How it compares in its category
U By Kotex Click occupies the mainstream budget-to-mid-range segment with conventional materials (rayon, cotton, plastic applicator). Compared to organic/bleach-free brands (Cora, Rael, Lola), it offers no third-party certification of materials but also no premium pricing. The unscented formulation is standard in the category and removes a common irritation vector. Plastic applicators are the norm for convenience brands; cardboard or applicator-free options would differentiate but are not offered here.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent mold or bacterial growth in the cardboard box. Change tampons every 4-8 hours as directed to reduce toxic shock syndrome risk, regardless of absorbency claims. Dispose of used tampons in trash or appropriate sanitation systems, not toilets. Discontinue use immediately if irritation, unusual discharge, or allergic reactions (rash, itching) occur; contact a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens and irritants
This unscented variant explicitly omits fragrance additives, dyes, and perfume chemicals that are known irritants in scented tampon formulations. No allergen risk from this source.
Bleach residues and dioxins in rayon processing
Viscose rayon production often involves chlorine bleaching, which can leave trace dioxin residues in the fiber. Kotex does not disclose bleaching methods or dioxin testing for this product. Residual dioxin exposure from tampons is considered low but not zero by regulatory agencies.
Plastic applicator degradation or leaching
Polypropylene applicators are inert at body temperature during brief insertion and removal. No leaching of BPA, phthalates, or other chemicals is expected under normal use conditions.
Bacterial contamination or mold in storage
If kept in humid bathrooms or damp environments, the cardboard box and absorbent material can support microbial growth. Proper storage and timely use within the box shelf life mitigates this risk.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk from prolonged use
TSS is a rare but documented risk associated with all absorbent tampon use, particularly high-absorbency products and extended wear. This product carries standard TSS warnings; risk is minimized by following 4-8 hour change intervals.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Tampons
Seventh Generation
Organic Cotton Tampons Applicator
organic cotton (tampon & applicator core); cardboard applicator
Lower-concern buy, organic cotton & MADE SAFE cert reduce PFAS risk, though brand is silent on the topic.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Lola
Organic Cotton Tampons
organic cotton (no synthetic coatings)
Lower concern, uncoated organic cotton with transparent PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Cora
Organic Tampons with Applicator
organic cotton tampon with cardboard/plastic applicator
Lower-concern choice; organic base material and MADE SAFE cert suggest thoughtful sourcing, but no explicit PFAS commitment.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More tampons grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.