PFAS70/ 100Good
Overall42/ 100Poor
Kotex Tampon Super 16 pcs

Kotex · Tampons

Kotex Tampon Super 16 pcs

Good

Lower concern, but no public transparency from Kotex on coatings.

Verdict: BuyStandard tampon with rayon/cotton core and plastic applicator; no established safety incidents; lower PFAS concern; adequate for typical use.

Kotex tampons use standard cellulose-based absorbent cores and cotton/rayon covers not typically treated with PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims or discloses applicator composition.

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We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade

Material

Rayon/cellulose core; cotton/rayon cover; plastic applicator

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.

75/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
⚠️

Chlorine bleach residues in rayon core

Conventional rayon tampons are typically chlorine-bleached during processing. No toxicologically concerning residual levels have been established in regulatory testing, but traces may remain and are not publicly disclosed by Kotex. Users sensitive to chlorine or interested in minimizing exposure should seek unbleached options.

70/ 100
🫧

Microplastics

Polypropylene applicators are durable and stable at body temperature but may shed micro-fragments if cracked or degraded. Single-use design minimizes cumulative exposure. Risk is generally low but not zero; users concerned about microplastic exposure may prefer cardboard applicators (e.g., competitor brands).

Source: EPA
70/ 100
⚠️

Allergic reaction to synthetic fibers or residual processing chemicals

Some individuals report vaginal irritation or allergic contact dermatitis with conventional tampons, though causation (fiber allergy vs. dyes vs. residual chemicals) is often unclear. Incidence is rare. If symptoms appear, switch to hypoallergenic or certified organic brands and consult a gynecologist.

45/ 100
⚠️

Toxic shock syndrome risk (general tampon hazard, not brand-specific)

TSS is a well-known but rare risk associated with any tampon left in place too long, regardless of brand or absorbency level. Use Kotex Super only as directed, with replacement every 4-8 hours, to minimize risk.

45/ 100

What’s reassuring

Safe base material

Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.

100/ 100

Azo dyes in cover or core

Kotex does not publish dye specifications. While azo dyes can degrade into aromatic amines, the regulatory standard for tampons and the minimal dye load in white or light-colored tampon covers make systemic toxicity unlikely. No adverse events have been reported.

95/ 100

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Kotex Super uses a rayon and cellulose core (absorbent material), with a cotton or rayon cover, and a plastic applicator. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp and is the industry standard for absorbency in tampons. The plastic applicator is typically polypropylene or similar commodity plastic. This material combination is chemically stable under normal body conditions and poses minimal leaching risk during the short contact period (hours) of use.

The brand's record and disclosure

Kotex (Kimberly-Clark) has not published detailed ingredient lists or third-party certifications specific to tampon safety testing on their website. The brand does not highlight organic, chlorine-free, or other premium safety claims, placing it in the mainstream commercial category. No major safety recalls or controversies have been established for Kotex tampons in public health databases. Transparency around bleaching agents, dyes, or coatings remains limited compared to certified organic brands.

How it compares in its category

Kotex Super is a conventional tampon at the mass-market tier. It lacks certifications such as Organic, non-toxic (Leaping Bunny), or chlorine-free labeling that some premium competitors (e.g., Seventh Generation, Cora) carry. Conversely, it is widely available, affordable, and has an established user base with no documented acute safety signals. For absorption level, Super sits mid-range; users with heavier flow may choose super-plus alternatives.

If you buy it

Use as directed: insert fully and replace every 4-8 hours to minimize toxic shock syndrome risk. Do not leave in place for longer than 8 hours. Discard applicator in trash (not toilet) to prevent plumbing issues. If you experience unusual vaginal irritation, odor, or allergic symptoms, discontinue and consult a healthcare provider. For any concerns about dyes or bleaching residue, consider switching to unbleached or certified organic alternatives for comparison.

What we don’t know

Basis
Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
Lab test
None on record for this exact product
Brand statement
Kotex has made none

Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.

Safer alternatives in Tampons

Lola Organic Tampons

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organic cotton, cardboard applicator

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade92Excellent

Cardboard degradation or splinters

Limited concern

70
⚠️

Allergic contact dermatitis from cotton or additives

Limited concern

70

Lower concern. Organic cotton base with third-party certifications support claim.

MADE SAFE certifiedOEKO-TEX certified

Verified PFAS-free by a third party

Non-Toxic Applicator Free Tampons

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organic cotton, cardboard applicator

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade100Excellent
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Lower concern. Third-party verified PFAS-free organic cotton tampons.

MADE SAFEOEKO-TEX

Lab test found no PFAS

Seventh Generation Tampons

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organic cotton, cardboard applicator

PFAS Grade100Excellent
Overall Grade96Excellent
⚠️

Bacterial or fungal contamination

Limited concern

70

Lower PFAS concern; organic cotton base with PFAS-free claim.

MADE SAFE certifiedLeaping Bunny certified

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.