U by Kotex · Tampons
U by Kotex Sleek Tampons
Lower PFAS concern; core materials are conventional fibers without reported water-repellent coating or stain-resistant treatments.
U by Kotex Sleek Tampons use standard rayon and cotton fibers typical of most tampons, with no disclosed water-repellency or stain-resistant coatings that would warrant PFAS use. The brand makes no public PFAS claims or third-party certifications. No peer-reviewed lab testing or government action has flagged this product for PFAS.
Shop U by Kotex on Amazon →Material
rayon, cotton, polyethylene applicator
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 Sleek tampons use a rayon-cotton blend for the absorbent core, with a polyethylene plastic applicator. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber with inherent absorbency; cotton adds structural integrity. Polyethylene applicators are chemically inert during intended use (insertion and removal) and do not leach into vaginal tissue under normal conditions. The combination of these conventional materials avoids some chemical processing steps required in fully synthetic or heavily treated fibers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex (owned by Kimberly-Clark) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical composition or third-party safety testing results for tampons on its website or packaging. The brand has not faced major product recalls or safety violations on record for this line. No certifications such as organic or toxin-tested claims are marketed; the product is positioned as a standard mainstream menstrual product. Lack of transparency is typical across the industry but does not indicate hidden hazards.
How it compares in its category
Rayon-cotton blends are the industry standard for mid-range tampons; U by Kotex sits in the same material tier as Tampax Regular and Playtex. Organic cotton or 100% cotton tampons (e.g., Cora, Seventh Generation) offer higher transparency but at premium cost and with no proven safety advantage for typical users. Synthetic or heavily chlorine-bleached products from discount brands present marginally higher chemical exposure risk; U by Kotex uses conventional bleaching methods consistent with FDA-cleared tampons.
If you buy it
Follow standard tampon safety: change every 4-8 hours to reduce toxic shock syndrome risk, use the lowest absorbency needed for your flow, and discontinue use if irritation occurs. The polyethylene applicator is single-use and should not be reinserted or heated. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the product integrity. Discontinue if vaginal dryness, allergic reaction, or unexplained discomfort develops.
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.”
Rayon processing residues (dioxins/heavy metals)
Rayon production can leave trace dioxins and sodium sulfate residues; regulatory limits exist but post-production testing is not routinely disclosed by manufacturers. Published data on U by Kotex specifically is absent; industry-wide testing suggests levels well below health thresholds for tampon use.
Chlorine bleach residues
Conventionally bleached tampons may retain trace chlorine or chlorine byproducts; Kotex does not specify bleach method (elemental, ECF, or TCF). No established health risk from residual chlorine in tampons at current exposure levels, but full disclosure would improve consumer confidence.
Polyethylene applicator degradation or fragmentation
Polyethylene applicators are designed to remain intact during use and disposal. No reports of brittleness, cracking, or microplastic shedding in U by Kotex products; applicator engineering in this product line is standard and durable.
Allergen or irritant residues (e.g., latex, fragrance additives)
U by Kotex Sleek tampons are not marketed as scented and do not list fragrance or latex in available materials. No pattern of allergic reaction complaints on record for this product. Individuals with known sensitivities should verify ingredient list on packaging.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk
TSS is a rare but serious infection linked to prolonged tampon use and some absorbency levels across all brands; this is a category-wide risk, not specific to U by Kotex. Standard usage guidelines (change every 4-8 hours, alternate with pads, use lowest absorbency) apply universally.
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.