Kotex Teen Pads
Unclear waterproof treatment; Kotex has not disclosed PFAS status.
Period pads commonly use waterproof coatings on backing that may contain PFAS, but Kotex makes no public disclosure. No third-party testing or certification available for this product.
The better-graded swap
Organyc
Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons Cardboard Applicator
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 core, synthetic absorbent layers, waterproof backing (unspecified coating)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Kotex Teen Pads is made of, ingredients and materials
Kotex Teen Pads use a cellulose-based absorbent core, which is chemically inert and poses minimal leaching risk during normal use. Synthetic absorbent layers (likely superabsorbent polymers such as sodium polyacrylate) are sealed into the pad structure and do not migrate into the body under standard conditions. The waterproof backing material is not specified by Kotex, which creates uncertainty around whether PFAS or other fluorinated compounds are used to achieve water resistance. Cellulose and most synthetic polymers in pads do not off-gas volatile organic compounds at body temperature.
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.
Waterproof backing composition (unspecified)
Kotex has not disclosed the chemical identity of the waterproof coating on Teen Pads. Industry-wide, fluorinated compounds including PFAS are common in menstrual pad backings; without testing or disclosure, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out or confirmed for this product.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic layers
Synthetic nonwoven materials in pads can shed microscopic fibers during use or as the product degrades. Kotex does not publish data on fiber shedding; assessment is based on typical material behavior across the category.
Fragrance allergens (if scented variant)
If this product variant contains added fragrance, undisclosed fragrance allergens such as limonene or linalool may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive users. Kotex does produce scented and unscented variants; ingredient transparency on fragrance composition is limited.
What’s reassuring
Synthetic absorbent polymer migration
Superabsorbent polymers such as sodium polyacrylate are chemically cross-linked and remain within the pad structure during normal use. No documented cases of migration into the body or leaching into menstrual fluid have been established for conventional pads.
Adhesive or ink residue (dyes, tackifiers)
Pads contain adhesives and printed packaging, but no specific hazardous dyes, heavy metal inks, or skin-sensitizing adhesives have been reported for Kotex Teen Pads or similar mainstream brands in peer-reviewed or regulatory literature.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotex has not publicly disclosed detailed ingredient composition, manufacturing processes, or PFAS testing results for its period-care products. The brand does not hold third-party certifications such as Cradle to Cradle or standard non-toxic labeling for menstrual products. No major recalls or established safety controversies specific to Kotex Teen Pads have been widely documented, but the absence of transparency on waterproof backing composition limits independent safety assessment. Kotex's parent company, Kimberly-Clark, has faced criticism in the broader industry for insufficient PFAS disclosure in consumer products.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional pads, including those from Tampax, Always, and store brands, use similar cellulose cores and unspecified waterproof coatings, creating an industry-wide lack of transparency on PFAS. Some competitors such as Cora, Rael, and Aunt Flow have published ingredient lists or third-party testing results and market themselves as PFAS-free, though verification of such claims varies. Organic cotton or all-natural pad brands typically disclose materials more openly but are often more expensive. Kotex Teen Pads occupy the mainstream, affordable segment where ingredient disclosure remains minimal across nearly all brands.
If you buy it
Use pads as directed and replace every 4 to 8 hours to minimize moisture retention and bacterial growth. Do not heat pads or expose them to temperatures above 104F (40C), as this could theoretically degrade the synthetic layers or backing, though no documented leaching occurs at body temperature. Store in a cool, dry place; humidity can degrade the adhesive and waterproof seal over time. If you experience rash, irritation, or allergic symptoms, discontinue use and consider switching to a brand with published ingredient transparency or dermatological testing.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 Teen Pads?
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Fragrance allergens (if scented variant)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- organic cotton with natural fibers
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Microplastics
Organyc
100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons Cardboard Applicator
- 100% organic cotton with cardboard applicator
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Cardboard applicator structural integrity over time
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25Always Discreet 360 Form Fit Maximum UnderwearCompare vs Natracare →All period care →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.