Kotex Natural · Tampons
U by Kotex Security Super Unscented Tampons
Lower-concern product; Kotex does not disclose PFAS risk, but tampons lack typical vectors for intentional PFAS use.
U by Kotex Security Super tampons contain standard absorbent materials (rayon, cotton) with no documented Teflon-family coating coatings or water-repellent treatments that would warrant PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims or third-party certifications.
Shop Kotex Natural on Amazon →Material
rayon/viscose core, cotton cover, no known Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coating
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 Security Super uses a rayon/viscose core wrapped in a cotton cover, with no reported Teflon-family coating, water-repellent, or antimicrobial coating. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber processed via chemical conversion; viscose production can release sulfur compounds during manufacturing, but the finished fiber itself is inert. The unscented formulation means no fragrance allergens or synthetic masking chemicals are added to the product itself. Cotton cover eliminates concern for synthetic microfiber shedding or off-gassing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex (Kimberly-Clark) does not publicly disclose testing for chemical residues, dioxins, or pesticide residues in their tampons, despite these being established concern areas in the category. The brand has not sought third-party certification (e.g., organic, Cradle to Cradle, or NSF) for this product line. No product recalls or regulatory actions specific to this SKU are on record. Marketing emphasizes absorbency and comfort rather than safety transparency, which is typical for the category but leaves end-users without independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Uncoated rayon-cotton blends are mainstream in conventional tampons and carry lower material risk than fully synthetic alternatives or heavily treated products. Competitors using organic cotton or undergoing independent testing (e.g., Cora, Seventh Generation, Natracare) offer greater transparency but at higher cost. U by Kotex occupies the middle market: lower price point than certified-organic brands, but also lower disclosure than premium alternatives. The absence of added fragrance is a safety advantage over scented variants in the same line.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture accumulation and mold risk, particularly in humid bathrooms. Replace applicator or product immediately if packaging is visibly damaged or product has been exposed to prolonged moisture. No special washing or care is required; follow standard hygiene practices (e.g., hand washing before and after use, regular replacement every 4-8 hours depending on flow). Discontinue use if unusual irritation, odor, or discharge develops and consult a healthcare provider.
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.”
Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds from bleaching
Rayon production and conventional cotton bleaching can introduce trace dioxins. Kotex does not publicly test or disclose dioxin levels in this product; the risk is theoretical but consistent with industry-wide data showing low but detectable residues in most conventional tampon brands.
Pesticide residues in cotton
The cotton cover is not stated to be organic. Conventional cotton is heavily treated with pesticides during cultivation; residues can remain on fiber. No Kotex disclosure or testing data is publicly available for this product, so residue levels are unknown.
Viscose production byproducts and residual chemicals
Viscose rayon manufacturing uses sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide, and sulfuric acid; properly processed rayon is chemically inert. No residual chemical contamination is documented in this product or typical commercial tampons of this type.
Bacterial or fungal overgrowth during storage or use
Uncoated cotton-rayon blends are not antimicrobially treated and present no elevated risk of microbial growth if stored and replaced according to standard instructions. Risk is equivalent to other conventional (non-antimicrobial) tampons.
Fragrance allergens or irritants
This is the unscented variant, so synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and masking chemicals are absent. No allergen risk from fragrance additives.
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.