U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads with Wings
Unknown waterproofing treatment. No brand disclosure on PFAS.
Maxi pads require a water-resistant barrier, typically applied via coating. Kotex has not disclosed whether their waterproofing uses PFAS-free methods. No third-party certification available.
The better-graded swap
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Maxi Pads
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
cellulose, non-woven fibers, waterproofing layer (unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads with Wings is made of, ingredients and materials
U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads use cellulose as the primary absorbent core, a plant-derived fiber with no known inherent toxicity concerns at the point of use. Non-woven synthetic fibers form the top layer for liquid distribution and the back layer for leak prevention. The waterproofing layer is unspecified in public information; this is where PFAS or other water-repellent chemicals are typically applied, but Kotex has not disclosed the active ingredient or testing data.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
Waterproofing chemical composition (unspecified)
The waterproofing layer treatment is not named in public product information. PFAS-based water repellents are common in this category but Kotex has not confirmed or ruled out their use, creating uncertainty around long-term skin exposure.
Skin irritation or allergic reaction from undisclosed additives
Absence of ingredient transparency means consumers cannot identify potential allergens or irritants before purchase. Reported sensitivities to adhesives, waterproofing chemicals, or fragrance (if present) are not quantified for this product.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Non-woven synthetic fibers may be treated with formaldehyde-containing resins for shape retention or antimicrobial properties, but no reports of such treatment in U by Kotex products are on record. Industry practice varies widely and brand does not disclose.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in fiber coloring
Azo dyes can release carcinogenic amines under certain conditions; no evidence that U by Kotex uses problematic azo dyes, but the brand does not publish dye chemistry. European regulations restrict certain azo dyes in textiles; no such restriction is enforced in the US for period-care products.
Talc contamination or talc powder coating
This product is not advertised as talc-dusted or talc-infused. No public reports of talc use in U by Kotex maxi pads. Talc contaminant risk in non-woven fibers is not a known issue for this brand.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex does not publish ingredient lists, chemical composition data, or third-party safety certifications (such as Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex) for this product line. The brand has not publicly addressed PFAS use or absence in period-care products, despite industry-wide scrutiny. No major recalls or regulatory violations specific to this product are on record. Lack of transparency makes independent hazard assessment difficult.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional maxi pads include cellulose, non-wovens, and waterproofing layers; Kotex Security is typical in construction but does not stand out for disclosure or certification. Brands like Seventh Generation and some organic/natural alternatives publish chemical ingredient lists or carry third-party certifications; U by Kotex does not. Waterproofing chemistry varies across the category and is rarely disclosed, making product-to-product comparison difficult for consumers.
If you buy it
Use pads as directed; cellulose and non-woven materials do not require special care during storage. No heating or microwave use applies to this product. Replace pads according to flow and comfort; do not reuse. If skin irritation, rash, or allergic reactions develop, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Consider requesting ingredient and waterproofing chemical information directly from Kotex if chemical sensitivity is a concern.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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 Maxi Pads with Wings?
- organic cotton, wood pulp
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergen content
- cellulose, cotton blend, absorbent core
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bleach residues and processing chemicals in cellulose
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Cotton, wood pulp absorbent core, plastic backing
- Pesticide residue
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More period pads 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.