Tranquility · Incontinence Pads & Protection Products
Tranquility Unisex Disposable Incontinence Booster Pad
Wait for brand to reveal waterproof layer composition before purchasing.
Incontinence booster pads typically use waterproof polymer backings where PFAS is frequently applied. The brand offers no public material data or testing results.
The safe swap
BetterCare
CVS Women's Protective Pads Moderate Absorbency
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, nonwoven layers, waterproof backing (unspecified polymer)
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.
PFAS
Waterproof polymer layer composition is undisclosed. Many incontinence product manufacturers use PFOA- or PFOS-based coatings; Tranquility has not ruled this out, warranting precaution.
Source: ATSDR ↗Skin irritation from nonwoven materials
Nonwoven polypropylene or polyester fibers can cause localized contact dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin, especially with prolonged contact. Risk is low but documented in incontinence product complaints.
Microplastic shedding
Nonwoven synthetic fibers can shed microscopic particles during use or washing of reusable products. Long-term systemic risk is uncertain but environmentally relevant for disposed pads.
What’s reassuring
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) toxicity
If product contains polyacrylate SAP (common in boosters), no established acute toxicity risk from skin contact under normal use. SAP is regulated as safe by FDA for incontinence products.
Adhesive or tackifier residue
No adhesive layer is typical in booster pads (they rely on absorption and fit). No established hazard from packaging adhesives with normal handling.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Tranquility booster pads use a cellulose absorptive core (standard, biodegradable material) wrapped in nonwoven polypropylene or polyester layers for structure and fluid distribution. The waterproof backing polymer is not specified on packaging or brand disclosures, which is the primary safety concern. Cellulose itself does not leach harmful chemicals under normal use, but the unidentified waterproof layer may contain PFAS-based coatings or other synthetic polymers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tranquility (SCA/Essity subsidiary) does not publicly disclose waterproof backing composition or PFAS content for this product line. The brand has not published transparency reports on PFAS "forever chemicals" in incontinence products, despite market-wide pressure on other major suppliers. No formal third-party certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, bluesign) are advertised for this booster pad.
How it compares in its category
Most disposable incontinence boosters rely on polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and waterproof backings; Tranquility's approach is typical in this respect. Competitors like Tena and Attends also rarely disclose PFAS status, making this category-wide opacity rather than brand-specific failure. Reusable or washable booster pad alternatives (cotton-polyester blends) eliminate the waterproof polymer hazard but require laundering and are less convenient.
If you buy it
Store pads in a cool, dry location away from heat or prolonged sunlight, which can degrade polymer layers. Change pads regularly to prevent skin maceration and irritation, especially in warm or humid climates where moisture accumulates. Do not dispose of used pads in compostable waste streams due to the waterproof synthetic backing. If skin sensitivity or rash develops, switch to an alternative brand or consult a healthcare provider, as nonwoven materials can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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
Cellulose, rayon, cotton absorbent core (standard pad materials)
Chlorine bleaching byproducts (dioxins)
Limited concern
Allergens in fragrance or additives
Limited concern
Lower concern with standard absorbent materials and no PFAS-prone features.
⚠Risky category by default
BetterCare
Because Booster Pads
Cellulose, superabsorbent polymer, cotton blend
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.