Tranquility · Incontinence Pads & Protection Products
Tranquility Select Underpad
Wait for brand to reveal waterproof coating composition before purchasing.
These underpads rely on waterproof polymer backing to prevent leaks, but the exact coating remains undisclosed. Without transparency or testing, PFAS risk cannot be eliminated.
The safe swap
BetterCare
Because Booster Pads
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
Cellulose core with waterproof polymer backing (unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Waterproof polymer coating composition (unspecified)
Backing material and any water-repellent treatments are not disclosed. Risk depends on polymer type and additives; PFAS, phthalates, or other leachables cannot be ruled out without transparency.
Microplastics
Repeated wetting, friction, and flexing can cause synthetic polymer backing to fragment over months of use. Fragments potentially contact skin or enter washwater; impact unclear.
Source: EPA ↗Off-gassing or odor from synthetic backing
New underpads may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polymer or adhesive curing, especially if stored in warm conditions. Airing before first use can reduce this.
What’s reassuring
Skin contact and irritant potential
No established reports of dermatitis from Tranquility Select specifically. Cellulose core is inert; risk would arise only if backing additives leach, which is undocumented.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public evidence that Tranquility uses formaldehyde-releasing adhesives in this product. Cellulose-based products sometimes employ urea-formaldehyde binders, but none reported here.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Tranquility Select Underpad uses a cellulose absorbent core (wood pulp-based, generally safe) with a waterproof polymer backing of unspecified composition. The backing is the critical unknown: it could be polyethylene, polypropylene, or a synthetic material treated with water-repellent coatings. Without disclosure, you cannot assess whether the backing contains PFAS, plasticizers, or other leachables that could contact skin during extended wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tranquility (SCA/Essity-owned) does not publicly disclose waterproof backing chemistry on product labels or websites. The brand has not published safety certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, GOTS) or composition transparency reports for this product. No major safety recalls or controversies are established in public records, but silence on formulation is a red flag for a product worn against sensitive skin for hours daily.
How it compares in its category
Period pads and underpads in this tier typically use similar cellulose-plus-polymer designs. Competitors like Kotex and Always also do not routinely disclose waterproof coating details, making this category-wide transparency problem rather than brand-specific. Brands offering certified organic or PFAS-free claims (e.g., some indie or EU-marketed products) are rare but exist; Tranquility Select does not market such positioning.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, as polymers can degrade and release volatile compounds over time. Change underpads regularly; do not reuse if they show adhesive breakdown, discoloration, or odor (signs of material degradation). If you experience skin irritation, rash, or unusual odor during use, discontinue and contact the brand or dermatologist. Request the brand's material safety data sheet (MSDS) or waterproof coating specification before large purchases if skin sensitivity is a concern.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tranquility has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Incontinence Pads & Protection Products
Tranquility
PBE Tranquility Personal Care Pads
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Chlorine bleaching byproducts (dioxins)
Limited concern
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Lower concern with standard absorbent materials and no PFAS-prone features.
⚠Risky category by default
BetterCare
Because Booster Pads
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Absorbent material degradation and bacterial growth
Limited concern
Synthetic polymer microparticle shedding
Limited concern
Lower concern; standard period care materials lack PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
BetterCare
CVS Women's Protective Pads Moderate Absorbency
cellulose, cotton, polypropylene core (typical for pads)
Chlorine bleach residue
Limited concern
Polypropylene core degradation and microplastic shedding
Limited concern
Allergens or skin irritants from fragrance or perfume
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern with standard absorbent materials present.
⚠Risky category by default
More incontinence pads & protection products 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.