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.

Check price on Amazon →

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

Material

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

Lab data

No public lab test

You may also be interested in

Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.

  • polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
  • We found no PFAS statement from the brand
  • Bacterial growth in spent cartridges

3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

  • RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
  • We found no PFAS statement from the brand
  • Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters

4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Avocado Vegan Mattress

Avocado

Vegan Mattress

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ MADE SAFE Certified✓ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
  • organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • Heavy metals

2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

What Kotex Tampon Super 16 pcs is made of, ingredients and materials

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.

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.

75/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about 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

✅

Base material not linked to PFAS

The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.

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

How is this PFAS grade calculated?

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 is not known about PFAS in this product?

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

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

What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Kotex Tampon Super 16 pcs?

Natracare 100% Organic Cotton Tampons

Natracare

100% Organic Cotton Tampons

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ MADE SAFE✓ FSC Certified
  • 100% organic cotton
  • A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
  • Heavy metals
Natracare Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct

Natracare

Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ MADE SAFE Certified✓ Vegan Society Certified
  • organic cotton, cardboard applicator
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • Dioxins from bleaching
Natracare Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons

Natracare

Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ Organic Cotton Certification✓ MADE SAFE Certified
  • organic cotton, no added fluorochemicals
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • 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.