At Kotex®, we believe that periods should never get in the way of a woman’s potential. For over 100 years, it has been our mission to create innovative feminine care products that offer protection, comfort and freedom, so that women can confidently take on each day.
Our History
The Kotex® brand was born in 1920, when nurses working for The Cellucotton Products Company discovered an unexpected use for the company’s Cotton Cellucotton material. Originally created as bandaging for wounded soldiers during World War I, the super-absorbent Cellucotton was compacted into disposable pads by nurses who needed a solution for managing their own periods with dignity while on the job.
Recognizing the opportunity, The Cellucotton Products Company quickly patented and launched the Cellucotton sanitary napkins as the first commercially available disposable menstrual pads. The name “Kotex” was coined by combining “cotton” and “textile” to reflect the material used in these new feminine hygiene products.
In the 1920s, advertisements for Kotex pads adopted discreet messaging and euphemisms like “sanitary napkins” in consideration of the sensitive nature of periods. But Kotex was also instrumental in helping to remove the stigma around menstruation, even working with Walt Disney to produce an animated film called “The Story of Menstruation” in 1946 that taught young girls about their periods.
Over the decades, the Kotex brand continued innovating with products like the beltless napkin in 1970 and the introduction of ultrathin maxi pads in 1984. Incorporating consumer feedback and the latest technologies, Kotex gives women the high performance solutions they need for protection during their periods, lighter days, or in between.
Today, Kotex offers a full range of pads, liners and tampons, including overnight pads, lightweight liners, and compact tampons. Kotex is dedicated to supporting women through every life stage, because we know that periods are an indicator of health that can impact how a woman feels each day.
Our Products
The Kotex® product line provides a range of pads, liners and tampons designed for protection on heavy, medium, light and discharge-only days.
Pads
Kotex® pads come in maxi, super, regular and thin sizes to handle different flows. The multilayer design quickly pulls fluid into the core, helping avoid leaks. Features like wings, clean edges and odor neutralizing technology keep you comfortable and confident.
Choose from:
- Kotex® Overnight Pads with Wings: Extra long and ultra absorbent for overnight protection.
- Kotex® Heavy Flow Pads with Wings: Large and super absorbent for your heaviest days.
- Kotex® Regular Pads for Medium Flow: Intermediate absorbency for medium flow days.
- Kotex® Lightdays® Liners: Thin and flexible for light flow.
Liners
When you don’t need the full protection of a pad, trust Kotex® liners to keep you fresh and clean. The soft cotton touch liner and innovative adhesive keep liners in place even during activity. Choose from regular absorbency for everyday backup or ultrathin for light discharge days.
- Kotex® Lightdays® Liners: Everyday backup when you need more than a panty liner.
- Kotex® Barely There® Liners: Ultra thin and flexible for light discharge days.
Tampons
Kotex® tampons expand in all directions to fit your unique shape for comfortable protection during your period. The leakguard braid helps stop leaks before they happen. With compact and super absorbency levels, Kotex® tampons provide a custom fit.
- Kotex® Sleek® Tampons: Smooth insertion and protection.
- Kotex® Pocketbook: Mini tampons that fit discreetly in your pocket.
Pantiliners
The Kotex® pantiliners collection helps protect your underwear from light discharge when you don’t need the absorbency of a full liner. Choose from regular absorbency or an ultrathin liner.
- Kotex® Lightdays® Pantiliners: Everyday backup with moisture absorbing layers.
- Kotex® Barely There® Pantiliners: Ultra thin pantiliners.
Our Innovation
Staying at the forefront of feminine care and protection drives the Kotex® brand. We are committed to designing products that fit women’s lives today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow.
Comfort
Features like clean edges and soft fabric touches minimize discomfort during your period. Kotex® pads bend to move with your body while providing protection against leaks.
Odor Control
Odor neutralizing technology and a light clean scent keeps you feeling confident and fresh throughout your period.
Fit
A range of absorbency levels and sizes allows you to find the Kotex® pad, liner or tampon that fits your unique flow. Extras like wings and leakguards work with your motion for superior protection.
Discretion
Thin profiles and discreet wrapping help our pads, liners and tampons fit seamlessly into your life. For on-the-go convenience try our compact tampons and portable pantiliners.
Sustainability
Kotex® aims to provide protection with purpose driven by social and environmental responsibility. Our U by Kotex® brand offers organic cotton cores and plant-based applicators as more sustainable options.
Our Values
At Kotex, women inspire everything we do. We strive to reflect the diversity of our consumers worldwide and amplify the voices of women through partnerships focused on advancing equal opportunities.
Confidence and Comfort
Every woman should feel secure and comfortable during her period. Our products give you worry-free protection so you can take on your day without distractions.
Inclusiveness
Regardless of body type, flow, or preferred products, Kotex® aims to provide solutions that work well for women across the spectrum. We offer a range of sizes, absorbencies and choices.
Open Conversations
By talking openly about periods, we can erase stigmas and taboos. Kotex® supports education campaigns that encourage girls to feel empowered by their periods.
Health and Well-Being
Your period is vital to understanding your health. Tracking your cycle can provide insights and identify issues early. Kotex® products offer the carefree protection that allows you to tune into your body.
Sustainability
Kotex® strives to lessen our environmental impact through responsible raw material sourcing, ethical manufacturing practices and eco-friendly disposal options.
For over 100 years Kotex® feminine care products have helped women boldly take on each day without worry. Try our pads, liners and tampons designed for your flow and life.