up&up · Incontinence Pads & Protection
Up & Up Women's Long Length Incontinence Pads
Skip or contact brand for waterproofing disclosure; incontinence pads often use aqueous water-repellent coating coatings but Up & Up does not disclose theirs.
Up & Up incontinence pads contain a waterproof backing layer, but the brand provides no transparency about which water-repellent chemistry is used, PFAS-based or fluorine-free. Incontinence products are a known category for potential PFAS exposure.
The better-graded swap
Tranquility
Tranquility Essential Booster Pads Heavy Absorbency, Long - 4-1/4 x 15 Inch (Case of 200)
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Good.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
absorbent core, synthetic topsheet, waterproof backing (unspecified polymer)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Up & Up Women's Long Length Pads is made of, ingredients and materials
Up & Up incontinence pads use a three-layer construction, a synthetic topsheet (likely polypropylene or polyethylene), an absorbent core (typically wood pulp and superabsorbent polymer, or SAP), and a waterproof backing layer. The backing polymer and topsheet are in direct contact with skin for extended periods; any leachables from these materials or manufacturing residues could cause irritation, especially in users with sensitive skin or existing dermatological conditions. The absorbent core itself is generally low-risk when kept dry, but decomposition or moisture migration into the backing can alter leaching profiles.
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
The backing polymer's composition is undisclosed; polyurethane and polyethylene films may release plasticizers, antioxidants, or slip agents into contact with skin. Risk increases with moisture, heat, and extended wear time.
Source, ATSDR ↗Skin irritation from synthetic topsheet
Polypropylene or polyethylene topsheets can trap moisture and heat, creating maceration conditions even without chemical leaching. Users with eczema, psoriasis, or urinary tract sensitivity are at higher risk.
Absorbent polymer (SAP) migration and particulates
Superabsorbent polymer particles can shed from the core, especially if the topsheet or backing degrades. Exposure risk is low in typical use but increases if pads are torn or degraded.
What’s reassuring
Unlisted fragrance additives or antimicrobials
Up & Up product labeling does not indicate fragrance or antimicrobial treatments, and no adverse event reports are on record for this product line. However, absence of disclosure means any additives used are not publicly verifiable.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Incontinence pads typically use hot-melt adhesives and polymer binders rather than formaldehyde-releasing resins (common in textiles). No evidence suggests this product uses formaldehyde, but material-specific data sheets are not available.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Up & Up (Target's private label) does not publicly disclose material composition, waterproofing chemistry, or ingredient certifications for incontinence pads on product packaging or their website. No independent testing records, certifications (e.g., dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, or OEKO-TEX), or product-specific recalls are on record for this line. The brand's silence on PFAS and waterproofing methods is consistent with many mass-market incontinence pad manufacturers, but limits consumer ability to assess skin-contact safety.
How it compares in its category
Most incontinence pads rely on aqueous water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings or polyurethane/polyethylene films for waterproofing; PFAS-based water-repellent coating is common in this category despite growing phase-out efforts by premium brands. Up & Up does not differentiate itself with transparent material sourcing or PFAS-free claims, placing it in the mid-market segment where waterproofing chemistry is rarely disclosed. Competing products from brands like Depends, Tena, or store labels do not consistently disclose either, though some third-party certifications exist for premium alternatives.
If you buy it
Change pads regularly (every 2-4 hours or when saturated) to minimize skin maceration and any potential leaching from moisture-soaked materials. Do not heat, microwave, or store in direct sunlight, as thermal stress can degrade polymer backing and increase leaching. Inspect pads before use for visible damage, odor (indicator of decomposition), or discoloration. If redness, itching, or rash develops after use, switch brands immediately and consider patch-testing with a different topsheet material (e.g., cotton-based pads if available).
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
- up&up has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Up & Up Women's Long Length Incontinence Pads?
- Bamboo-derived viscose, cotton, plant-based absorbent core
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
- Cellulose, superabsorbent polymer, cotton blend
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Absorbent material degradation and bacterial growth
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
5pcs Bamboo Charcoal Washable Incontinence Pads
- bamboo charcoal textile, washable cotton-blend absorbent layer
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More incontinence pads & protection 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.