Kotex Natural · Tampons
Kimberly Clark U by Kotex Click Compact Regular Unscented Tampons
Lower-concern choice; conventional tampon with no known PFAS triggers, but no explicit brand commitment.
U by Kotex Click Compact tampons are made from standard rayon, cotton, and polyester, materials not typically associated with intentional PFAS use. Tampons do not require water-repellent coatings, stain resistance, or non-stick properties.
Shop Kotex Natural on Amazon →Material
Rayon (viscose), cotton, polyester core
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 uses a rayon (viscose) and cotton blend for the absorbent core, with a polyester applicator. Rayon is a cellulose fiber produced via chemical processing (viscose process) but does not inherently carry heavy metals or persistent toxins in finished tampons; cotton adds natural fiber content. The polyester applicator is inert and does not leach chemicals under normal vaginal exposure. This material combination is typical across mainstream tampon brands and carries no documented leaching or degradation risks during typical single-use application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kimberly-Clark (Kotex parent) has not published explicit commitments to PFAS avoidance in menstrual products, nor has it undergone third-party certification for chemical transparency in tampons. The product line is marketed as 'natural' but lacks independent verification of ingredient claims. No recalls or formal complaints specific to this product have been documented in FDA or consumer safety databases. The brand's overall transparency on supply chain chemical use remains limited compared to smaller certified competitors.
How it compares in its category
U by Kotex Click occupies the mainstream affordable segment alongside Tampax and Playtex. It does not carry third-party organic or chemical certifications (such as GOTS or Made Safe), which some competitors offer. The rayon/cotton/polyester composition is standard for this price tier. Versus certified organic or PFAS-tested alternatives, this product offers fewer public safety assurances but also carries no known hazards that differentiate it negatively within its category.
If you buy it
Use and dispose as directed; no special handling required beyond standard tampon practices. Replace every 4-8 hours to prevent bacterial overgrowth risk (standard for all tampons). Store in a dry location to avoid moisture absorption before use. If you experience irritation or allergic response, discontinue and consider patch testing with cotton-only or certified organic alternatives; individual sensitivity to rayon or dyes is possible but not common.
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.”
Dyes and colorants (azo dyes, uncertified pigments)
Tampons in this category may contain azo dyes or uncertified synthetic colorants; Kotex has not disclosed the dye chemistry. No known contamination with heavy metals (lead, cadmium) has been reported in Kotex tampons, but absence of disclosure limits assurance.
Viscose/rayon processing residues
Rayon production involves sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide; finished fibers do not retain these solvents at levels of concern. No documented leaching from rayon tampons has been established in clinical use.
Bleach and processing chemicals (chlorine, hydrogen peroxide)
Most conventional tampons undergo bleaching; Kotex does not publicly specify whether chlorine-free or oxygen-based bleaching is used. Residual bleach is minimal in finished products but has not been independently measured in this line.
Fragrance and additives (unlisted ingredients)
This product is marketed as unscented, so fragrance allergens are not a concern. However, adhesives or applicator lubricants (if present) are not itemized; typical exposure risk remains low for single-use internal application.
Bacterial growth and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk
TSS risk is inherent to all tampon use, not specific to this brand. Proper usage (replacement every 4-8 hours, lowest effective absorbency) mitigates risk. No elevated TSS association with Kotex tampons has been documented.
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.