Serenity · Incontinence Protection Products
Tena Serenity Incontinence Overnight Pads for Women | Incontinence Pads - 45 ct
Skip until brand discloses waterproofing chemistry.
Incontinence pads require waterproof backing, which often uses PFAS-based treatments. Tena/Serenity does not publicly disclose their waterproofing method. Low confidence assessment due to complete lack of transparency.
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 layers, absorbent core, waterproof backing
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 overnight pads use typical incontinence pad construction: nonwoven outer layers (polypropylene or similar), a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) core, and a plastic waterproof backing. The waterproof backing is the critical component, it prevents leakage but is the most likely source of PFAS or alternative water-repellent chemicals. Nonwoven layers themselves carry minimal established toxicity risk, though microplastic shedding during use is theoretically possible but not quantified in published studies of this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Serenity (owned by Essity, a major hygiene company) has not publicly disclosed the specific waterproofing chemistry in their incontinence pads. Essity publishes some sustainability commitments but does not provide ingredient-level transparency for chemical treatments in this product category. No recalls or safety violations specifically linked to Tena Serenity pads are on record with FDA or safety agencies. The silent stance on PFAS and fluorochemical use is consistent with many mainstream incontinence brands that have not yet adopted full disclosure standards.
How it compares in its category
Overnight incontinence pads universally require waterproof backing; virtually all major brands (Depends, Always Discreet, Poise) use similar nonwoven and plastic construction without public disclosure of waterproofing agents. Tena Serenity is mid-to-premium tier in absorbency and comfort claims. No brand in this category currently markets PFAS-free or fully transparent waterproofing, making this product representative of the industry norm rather than an outlier in safety transparency.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources; do not burn or incinerate used pads. Change pads regularly to avoid skin irritation and bacterial overgrowth in the absorbent layer. Discontinue use immediately if rash, itching, or allergic reaction develops. Dispose in regular trash (not flush). Request ingredient/waterproofing disclosure from Essity if concerned about fluorochemicals; consumer pressure is the primary lever for transparency in this category.
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.”
Waterproof backing chemicals (non-PFAS alternatives unknown)
Backing layer requires water repellency; chemistry unspecified by brand. Could contain PFAS (not disclosed) or alternative fluorochemicals, polyurethane, or wax coatings. No published independent testing of Tena Serenity backing chemistry found in safety databases.
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) integrity
Modern SAP cores are acrylic copolymers designed to remain intact in use. No documented leachate toxicity from intact SAP in incontinence pads; however, polymer degradation over extended storage or heat exposure is not specifically studied for this brand.
Skin sensitization from nonwoven additives
Nonwoven layers may contain dyes, surfactants, or finish treatments. No specific allergen or sensitizer documentation for Tena Serenity; however, individual reactions to adhesives, perfumes, or processing chemicals are reported anecdotally in incontinence pad users generally.
Microplastic shedding during use
Nonwoven polypropylene layers can degrade under stress; potential for microplastic release during wear and washing of underwear, but no quantified measurement exists for this product category.
Latex or rubber allergens
Tena Serenity pads are marketed as latex-free; no documented latex content in typical overnight pad construction. Confirm latex-free status on package if latex sensitivity is a concern.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.