Kotex

Kotex is a global brand of menstrual hygiene products, which includes the Kotex maxi, teen and ultra-thin pads, Bamboo Pads and Liners, BioCare pads and Liners, U by Kotex Click tampons, and Kotex daily and absorbent liners. Kotex is owned and managed by Kimberly-Clark, a consumer products corporation active in more than 80 countries.

History

The modern, commercial, disposable pads started in the late nineteenth century with the Hartmann (company) company in Germany, and Johnson & Johnson in the United States.[1] In the UK, the Birmingham firm of Southall Brothers & Barclay was advertising "sanitary towels" in The Family Doctor and Home Medical Adviser in the early 1890s.[2]

In the United States, Kotex was launched in 1920 by Kimberly-Clark to make use of leftover cellucotton (wood pulp fiber) from World War One bandages.[3]

Product line

In August 2009, Kotex launched a premium sub-brand called Kotex Luxe in Singapore. It launched U by Kotex Tween, products aimed at girls aged 8–12 in the US in 2011.[10]

In March of 2010, U by Kotex was introduced as a platform re-brand focused on bold new packaging, feminine care product design and women's empowerment. Tampons, pads and liners under the Balance, Balance Teen, Clean & Secure, Click, Lightdays, Security, Cleanwear, Fitness, Sleek and Barely There banners highlighted some of the portfolio offerings during this era. [11]

In February of 2026, the brand opted to re-assume the Kotex brand name and introduced new ultra thin pads, teen pads, maxi pads, daily liners and absorbent liners to the market under the Kotex, Kotex Teen, Kotex Bamboo and Kotex BioCare banners. New innovations in this re-brand included the implementation of organically-grown materials and more focus on pH optimization in certain products.

Current products under the Kotex brand include:

Kotex Ultra Thin Pads – Kotex menstrual pads feature the brand's Gravity Core absorbent system to pull fluid toward the bottom of the pad and provide everyday leak protection, breathability, and comfort across multiple absorbency levels.

Kotex BioCare Pads – Kotex BioCare is a line of ultra‑thin pads and combining Gravity Core absorbent technology with a pH Proactive System that is designed to help defend against odor and irritants and is dermatologist‑tested to be gentle on skin.

Kotex Bamboo Pads – Kotex Bamboo is a line of pads that uses an ultrasoft, breathable top layer made from 100% bamboo‑derived viscose.

Kotex Teen – Kotex Teen is a teen‑focused extension of the Kotex pads portfolio, offering day and overnight pads that are sized for teens while retaining comparable protection and comfort.

Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight Pads – Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight and Extra Heavy Overnight menstrual pads feature Gravity Core technology to pull blood toward the bottom of the pad plus a raised back barrier and side guards to provide up to 100% leak‑free overnight protection for up to 12 hours and help you feel clean and dry no matter how you sleep. These features span across Bamboo, BioCare and Teen overnight pads.

Kotex Maxi Pads – Kotex Maxi Pads provide security through an Xpress Dri Core that absorbs instantly. Kotex Maxi Overnight and Extra Heavy Overnight pads are maxi pads designed for overnight use featuring a larger back (60–80% larger than comparable ultra thin pads) to provide up to 12 hours of night‑time coverage with a soft‑touch cover in winged and non‑winged formats.

U by Kotex Click - U by Kotex Click Compact Tampons are a line of compact menstrual tampons that extend from a small, portable applicator into a full-size tampon before insertion, designed for on‑the‑go use in regular, super, and super plus absorbencies.

Kotex Daily Liners – Kotex Daily Liners are everyday panty liners designed for sweat, light flow, and discharge. These are offered in thong, thin, regular, and extra‑coverage formats to better meet user needs outside of their normal menstrual cycle. For added benefits, Kotex also offers Bamboo Liners featuring a viscose top layer made from bamboo(for ultra-soft protection) and BioCare Liners (featuring pH Proactive System).

Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight Pads – Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight and Extra Heavy Overnight pads are Gravity Core–based menstrual pads that pull blood toward the bottom of the pad and use "Night Defense" features such as a raised back barrier and side guards to provide up to 100% leak‑free overnight protection and a clean, dry feel.

producttype	Menstrual hygiene products
currentowner	Kimberly-Clark
country	United States
introduced	1920
website	Kotex corporate website

History

Product line

Safety & Sustainability

Recalls and defects

"Red Dot" controversy

Further reading

External links

References

History

Product line

Social Causes

Safety & Sustainability

Recalls and defects

"Red Dot" controversy

Further reading

External links

References