Read Kotex Natural Balance Security Tampons 45 Count: 28 Super Plus &
Lower concern. Core materials are not associated with PFAS; plastic applicator risk unspecified.
Tampons use cotton and rayon, which are inherently low-PFAS materials. Brand makes no PFAS claims; plastic applicator coating unspecified, but typical tampon applicators carry minimal PFAS risk compared to food-contact or waterproof items.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Cotton and rayon core, plastic applicator
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Plastic applicator composition and leachables
The applicator material is not specified; if polypropylene or polystyrene, no major leaching hazard is expected. If polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalate plasticizers could theoretically leach, but PVC applicators are rare in modern tampons. Without material disclosure, residual risk cannot be ruled out.
Microplastic shedding from applicator
Plastic applicators can degrade and release small particles during insertion or removal, particularly if cracked or reused. This is a physical (not chemical) hazard; cumulative health impact of episodic microplastic exposure is still under investigation.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) association
TSS is a rare bacterial infection associated with high-absorbency tampons left in place too long; risk applies to all tampons regardless of material. Super Plus absorbency carries slightly higher TSS risk than regular absorbency if not changed frequently. This is a usage hazard, not a material hazard.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Rayon processing residue (sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide)
Finished rayon fiber in consumer products typically contains negligible residual alkali or solvent; no documented cases of systemic toxicity from tampon rayon have been established in scientific literature. Localized irritation is theoretically possible in sensitive individuals but not identified as a pattern for this product.
Dye or optical brightener residues
Tampon cores may contain approved fabric dyes or brightening agents, but no specific safety warnings or recalls for Kotex Natural Balance relate to dye toxicity. Industry standards limit dye residue, but unverified by third-party testing for this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The absorbent core combines cotton and rayon (viscose), both cellulose fibers that require chemical processing but are not inherently sources of persistent toxins. The plastic applicator material is not specified in available product documentation, making PFAS risk in the applicator itself unquantified. Rayon production involves sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, but finished fiber residues are typically minimal in consumer products. This formulation avoids fully synthetic polymer cores (like polyacrylates) that can shed microparticles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex (Kimberly-Clark subsidiary) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical composition, testing protocols, or PFAS mitigation strategies for this product line, which is typical for the period-care category but limits independent verification. The brand has not published third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, standard 100 by OEKO-TEX) for Natural Balance tampons. No significant recalls or safety controversies specific to this product are documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
Most tampon cores are cotton-rayon blends similar to this product; the 'Natural Balance' branding emphasizes lower synthetic content relative to some competitors but does not necessarily indicate reduced chemical exposure. Fully organic-certified tampons (e.g., Natracare, Cora) undergo additional scrutiny of dye and processing residues, whereas this product has no stated certification. The plastic applicator places it in the mainstream category; cardboard applicators (rarer) eliminate plastic-applicator PFAS uncertainty entirely.
If you buy it
Use as directed; no special handling or temperature limits apply. The plastic applicator should be discarded in trash, not flushed (it does not biodegrade). Replace tampons every 4-8 hours to reduce toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk, a known hazard independent of material composition. If you experience irritation, rash, or unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider; sensitivity to rayon processing residues or dyes is uncommon but possible.
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 Natural has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Tampons
Seventh Generation
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organic cotton, cardboard applicator
No coating of concern recorded, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
Natracare
Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons
organic cotton, no added fluorochemicals
Lower concern. Organic cotton with verified PFAS-free claims.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Natracare
100% Organic Cotton Tampons
100% organic cotton
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Organic cotton with third-party verification.
✓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.