U by Kotex Security Regular Unscented Tampons 18 Count
Lower concern; no known PFAS risk profile for this product.
Tampons made from rayon and cotton with no disclosed waterproofing or specialty coatings. Kotex has not made PFAS claims either way; inherent material composition poses lower PFAS risk than treated textiles.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Rayon and cotton fibers, minimal disclosed additives
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What U by Kotex Security Regular Count is made of, ingredients and materials
U by Kotex Security Regular tampons are constructed primarily from rayon and cotton fibers, which are absorbent cellulose materials with a long safety history in menstrual products. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp; cotton is a natural plant fiber. Both are chemically inert after manufacturing and do not leach synthetic compounds during typical use. The minimal disclosed additives mean fewer potential irritants compared to heavily treated alternatives.
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.
Dioxins and furans from bleaching processes
Rayon and cotton fibers in tampons are typically bleached during manufacturing; if chlorine-based bleaching is used, trace dioxin residues can occur. Kotex does not publicly disclose bleaching method or dioxin testing results, so residual levels are unknown but generally expected to be within regulatory tolerance in mainstream products.
Pesticide residue
Conventional cotton farming uses pesticides; residues may persist in the fiber depending on processing. This product does not claim organic certification, suggesting conventional cotton sourcing. No testing data from Kotex is publicly available to quantify residual pesticide levels.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Bacterial or mold contamination
No specific contamination recalls or incidents are on record for this product. Standard sterility practices in manufacturing and sealed packaging minimize risk, though user storage conditions can affect safety post-purchase.
Fragrance allergens or irritants (scent-related)
This is the unscented variant, so fragrance-derived irritants are absent by formulation. Scented versions of tampons carry documented reports of irritation in sensitive users, but this product avoids that risk class.
Synthetic polymer or adhesive residues
Rayon-cotton blend tampons typically use minimal synthetic components; applicators may contain cardboard or plastic, but the absorbent core itself relies on natural cellulose fibers. No known leaching or reactivity issues are on record for this product category.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex has not publicly committed to full supply-chain transparency or third-party testing disclosures for contaminants like dioxins or heavy metals, which is standard practice across the menstrual product industry. The brand does not prominently advertise certifications such as organic, hypoallergenic, or toxin-tested status. No recalls or established safety controversies specific to this product line are on record with regulatory bodies. The 'Unscented' variant avoids fragrance additives, reducing potential for irritation from synthetic or natural fragrance compounds.
How it compares in its category
Standard rayon-cotton tampons like this are typical across mass-market brands and represent the baseline safety profile for the category. Products marketed as 'organic,' 'chlorine-free,' or 'hypoallergenic' may offer marginally lower exposure to processing residues, though independent verification is limited. Kotex Security occupies the mainstream, price-accessible segment rather than premium or medical-claim categories. Safety outcomes are largely equivalent across conventional unscented tampons of this type.
If you buy it
Use the tampon as directed; there are no special handling requirements. Replace every 4 to 8 hours per standard guidance to reduce risk of toxic shock syndrome, regardless of absorbency rating. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent mold or bacterial growth before use. Discontinue use if you experience unusual irritation, odor, or discharge, and consult a healthcare provider; individual sensitivity varies and is not a product defect.
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 Security has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to U by Kotex Security Regular Unscented Tampons 18 Count?
- 100% organic cotton
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Heavy metals
Natracare
Organic Super Plus Tampons, 3 x 20 ct
- organic cotton, cardboard applicator
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Dioxins from bleaching
Natracare
Organic Cotton Super Plus Tampons
- 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.