Serenity · Incontinence Protection Products
TENA Serenity Bladder Control Pads
Incontinence pad with opaque waterproof layer; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
TENA Serenity pads use absorbent nonwoven materials with a waterproof backing, but the brand provides no public information about PFAS content or coating materials. Waterproof incontinence products often use treatments that may contain PFAS, though confirmation is unavailable here.
The safe swap
Lille
Suprem Light Mini 220ml 12 Packs Per Carton
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nonwoven fiber 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
TENA Serenity pads use a nonwoven fiber blend (typically wood pulp and synthetic fibers like polypropylene) with an unspecified waterproof backing layer. The backing is almost certainly a plastic-based or plastic-coated material designed to prevent leakage, but the exact composition and any fluorinated compounds (PFAS) are not publicly disclosed by the manufacturer. This opacity is significant because waterproof layers in absorbent hygiene products are a known potential source of PFAS, which are used to repel moisture and oils. Without ingredient transparency, the actual chemical risk profile cannot be fully assessed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Serenity (owned by Essity, a major hygiene manufacturer) does not publicly disclose the chemical composition of its waterproof coatings or confirm PFAS absence. The brand has no prominent certifications (such as GOTS or Cradle to Cradle) that would signal rigorous chemical screening. No major product recalls or toxicant controversies are on record for this specific product line. However, the silence on waterproof-layer chemistry is a notable gap compared to some competitors who have begun voluntarily testing or stating PFAS-free claims.
How it compares in its category
Incontinence pads occupy a larger market segment than menstrual pads and are less scrutinized for chemical content. Serenity is a mainstream, widely available brand with standard absorbency and leak protection. Some newer or direct-to-consumer competitors (e.g., Aeroflow, Poise) have begun publishing PFAS test results or chemical statements; traditional brands like Depend and Serenity have not yet done so. In terms of material innovation, this product does not appear to use notably advanced or alternative waterproofing technologies that would reduce chemical uncertainty.
If you buy it
Store pads in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to avoid polymer degradation. Change pads regularly (according to absorbency needs and skin health) to minimize prolonged skin contact with the waterproof layer. Do not flush pads; dispose of them in household waste as directed. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use and consider testing for contact sensitivity. Consider requesting a PFAS disclosure statement from the manufacturer; consumer demand can accelerate transparency.
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 coatings
Waterproof backing layers in absorbent hygiene products are a known application site for PFAS (fluorinated polymers); Serenity's coating chemistry is undisclosed, so PFAS presence or absence cannot be confirmed. This is the primary chemical uncertainty for this product.
Skin sensitizers and irritants in adhesives or components
No specific allergens or irritant additives have been publicly reported in Serenity pads. However, nonwoven blends may contain low levels of residual monomers or plasticizers (e.g., from polypropylene) that can cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; this is a category-wide concern, not unique to this brand.
Microplastics and polymer shedding
Nonwoven synthetic fibers and plastic coatings can fragment over time or during use, potentially releasing microplastics. The extent and environmental/health significance of microplastic migration from incontinence pads is not well quantified in literature, making this a speculative but plausible concern.
Leachables from unidentified coating materials
The waterproof coating is not chemically specified. Depending on whether it is a Teflon-family coating, polyurethane, or other plastic, it may leach additives (plasticizers, antioxidants, slip agents) under skin contact or moisture exposure; risk level cannot be determined without composition disclosure.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in resin treatments
Some nonwoven textiles use formaldehyde-based resins for durability; no formaldehyde contamination has been reported in Serenity products. However, this is a category-level risk that should be checked with the manufacturer on request.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Protection Products
Lille
Suprem Light Mini 220ml 12 Packs Per Carton
absorbent core, cellulose, standard sanitary materials
Lower concern. Standard pad materials rarely treated with PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Lille
Suprem Form Maxi 2920ml
cellulose-based absorbent core, plastic backing
Lower concern. Standard period pad without known PFAS risks.
⚠Risky category by default
Lille
Suprem Form Regular Plus 1570ml 4 Packs Per Carton
absorbent core (cellulose, SAP); outer layers typical nonwoven polypropylene
Period pads pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More incontinence protection products 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.