U by Kotex Security Tampons
Lower concern. Cotton-based tampons pose minimal inherent PFAS risk.
U by Kotex Security Tampons use standard cotton and rayon materials without disclosed waterproofing or specialty coatings. No public PFAS claims or third-party verification available; brand remains silent on the topic.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
cotton, rayon, and absorbent core
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What U by Kotex Security Tampons is made of, ingredients and materials
U by Kotex Security Tampons use a cotton-rayon blend with an absorbent core, a conventional formulation across most mainstream tampons. Rayon is derived from cellulose (wood pulp) and is FDA-cleared for menstrual products; it poses no inherent toxicity but requires adequate moisture management during storage to prevent mold or bacterial growth. The absorbent core typically contains superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) that meet FDA standards for fluid retention. No exotic coatings, dyes, or chemical finishes are documented on this product.
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.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) risk
All tampons carry a documented but rare risk of TSS if retained beyond 8 hours or used continuously without breaks. Kotex Security carries no elevated TSS profile compared to other cotton-rayon tampons, but risk is inherent to category and user behavior.
Microbial contamination or mold in storage
Damp or warm storage conditions can promote fungal or bacterial growth on unused tampons before opening. This is a user-control hazard, not a manufacturing defect specific to Kotex Security, and is prevented by proper storage.
Individual allergic or irritant reactions
Some individuals report vulvar irritation, burning, or allergic contact dermatitis to rayon, fragrance, or dyes in tampons. Kotex Security is unscented and minimally dyed, reducing likelihood compared to scented variants, but individual sensitivity cannot be predicted and is not a defect in the product itself.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Pesticide residue
Conventional cotton used in Kotex Security is not certified organic and may contain synthetic pesticide residues from cultivation. No testing data on residue levels in this product is publicly available, and absorption through vaginal mucosa during normal tampon use is not established as a clinical hazard.
Source, EPA ↗Chlorine/dioxin byproducts from bleaching
Tampon materials are typically bleached; modern processes in regulated factories use elemental chlorine-free or totally chlorine-free methods that minimize dioxin formation. No recall or contamination report exists for Kotex Security on this basis, and current FDA oversight does not flag residual dioxins in menstrual products as a safety concern.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex (Kimberly-Clark) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient lists or third-party safety testing results for this line, which is typical for the tampon industry. The brand has faced no major recall or contamination incidents on record for this product. Kotex Security line is not certified organic or by sustainability bodies like GOTS, but this does not indicate a safety deficiency, only a marketing positioning choice. No known controversies involving heavy metals, pesticide residues, or unlabeled additives attach to this specific product.
How it compares in its category
U by Kotex Security sits in the mid-market conventional segment; it is chemically and structurally indistinguishable from tampon safety profiles of comparable brands (Playtex, Tampax). Some organic-certified alternatives (Cora, Seventh Generation) offer third-party testing and pesticide-free claims, which may reduce exposure to synthetic agricultural residues, though no evidence shows conventional tampons pose acute risk from pesticides. Price and availability make Kotex Security more accessible than premium brands but without documented safety advantage over them.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture ingress and microbial growth on unused tampons. Replace tampons every 4-8 hours during use to minimize toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk, a rare but serious condition linked to prolonged internal retention. Inspect packaging for any visible mold, odor, or damage before opening. If you experience unusual irritation, rash, or systemic symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider; these may signal individual sensitivity or a defective batch, though neither is documented for this product.
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 Tampons?
- 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.