Kotex · Incontinence Pads & Protection
U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings
Unknown waterproof treatment raises concern; no public PFAS transparency from brand.
Kotex has not disclosed PFAS presence or absence in this product. The waterproof backing likely uses a coating, but the specific chemistry is undisclosed, making assessment difficult.
The safe swap
Tranquility
Tranquility Personal Care Pads 13.5" x 6.5", 96/Case
70/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nonwoven cellulose blend with unspecified waterproof/absorbent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
U by Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight uses a nonwoven cellulose core (wood pulp, absorbent gelling polymers) topped with a plastic-film waterproof backing. The cellulose itself has no documented toxicity risk. The waterproof layer's composition is not disclosed by the brand, creating uncertainty about whether it contains PFAS, phthalates, or other polymer additives. Absorbent gels (likely superabsorbent polymers/SAP) are hygienically inert when contained, though they do not migrate into tissue under normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex has not published material safety data sheets, ingredient transparency, or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand has not publicly committed to PFAS phase-out or disclosed testing results. No major product recalls or chemical contamination incidents have been documented for this specific pad model. Kotex parent company Kimberly-Clark signed onto commitments for some sustainable practices but has not emphasized period-product chemical transparency.
How it compares in its category
Period pads across major brands (Tampax, Always, Kotex, store-brands) typically use similar nonwoven cellulose cores with undisclosed waterproof backings, making PFAS risk broadly distributed in the category. Certified organic cotton pads (e.g., Cora, Rael) explicitly exclude synthetic waterproof films, reducing PFAS concern but cost more. Most mainstream pads do not disclose absorbent-gel composition; Kotex is not an outlier here.
If you buy it
Use as directed; no heating, washing, or reuse is typical. Change every 4-8 hours to minimize bacterial overgrowth risk and skin irritation. Store in a dry location away from moisture to prevent mold. Do not flush. If you experience persistent rash, itching, or odor, consider switching brands or consulting a healthcare provider, as individual sensitivity to synthetic materials varies.
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.”
PFAS in waterproof backing layer
Waterproof films in period pads often rely on fluorinated polymers or PFAS-containing coatings for water resistance. Kotex does not disclose the waterproof agent; composition is unconfirmed. Dermal absorption during menstruation is theoretically higher than other uses, but data on migration are not public.
Phthalates or plasticizers in film/adhesive
No documented phthalate contamination in Kotex pads. However, undisclosed plastic film and adhesive formulations could contain legacy plasticizers. Reputable manufacturers have generally phased out phthalates, but absence of public confirmation leaves a gap.
Absorbent gel (SAP) leakage or contact
Superabsorbent polymers are contained within the pad structure and do not leach under normal use. Rare mechanical failure (tearing) could theoretically release gel particles, but no health incidents are documented. Ingestion by children is the primary concern, not menstrual use.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in nonwoven webs
Nonwoven cellulose fabrics may be treated with resin binders that release trace formaldehyde. Kotex does not publish test data. Vaginal absorption is theoretically possible but exposures are expected to be minimal. No consumer complaints or recalls on record.
Skin irritation or allergic contact from adhesive or dyes
Wings adhesive and any colorants in the pad surface could trigger sensitivity in individuals with fragrance, acrylate, or dye allergies. This is individual and not a systemic safety failure. Kotex pads are widely used without reported mass irritation events.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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 Incontinence Pads & Protection
Tranquility
Personal Care Pads 13.5" x 6.5", 96/Case
Cellulose, wood pulp, absorbent core, adhesives
Lower PFAS concern. Typical absorbent pad with no known treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Tranquility
Essential Booster Pads Heavy Absorbency, Long - 4-1/4 x 15 Inch (Case of 200)
cellulose/fluff pulp absorbent core with nonwoven layers
Lower concern. Core materials inherently PFAS-free, no evidence of water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Kotex
Absorbent Wrapped Liners
Cellulose-based absorbent core, wrapped nonwoven
Lower concern. No known PFAS use in standard absorbent liners.
⚠Risky category by default
More incontinence pads & protection 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.