Kotex is a global brand of menstrual hygiene products owned by Kimberly-Clark. Established in 1920 in the United States, it is one of the world’s oldest and most recognised feminine care brands 1. The company manufactures a wide range of menstrual products, including sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, and period underwear, which are sold in more than 80 countries 1.

Kimberly-Clark introduced Kotex in 1920 following the development of Cellucotton, an absorbent material originally created during World War I for surgical dressings 1. Nurses serving in military hospitals discovered that the material could also function as disposable menstrual pads, inspiring Kimberly-Clark to develop the first commercially successful disposable sanitary pad under the Kotex brand 1.

The name “Kotex” is generally understood to derive from the phrase “cotton-like texture”, reflecting the absorbent characteristics of the original product 1.

During the early 20th century, menstruation was widely considered a taboo subject. Kotex helped normalise conversations around menstrual health by advertising in women’s magazines and making disposable menstrual products more widely available 1. Over subsequent decades, the brand expanded its product portfolio to become one of the leading names in feminine care 1.

Kotex offers products designed for different menstrual flow levels and personal preferences 2. Availability varies by country, but core categories include:

• Ultra Thin Pads: Slim sanitary pads designed for everyday comfort.
• Maxi Pads: Thicker pads intended for heavier menstrual flow.
• Overnight Pads: Longer pads providing leak protection during sleep.
• Panty Liners: Thin liners for daily freshness or light discharge.
• Tampons: Internal menstrual protection available in multiple absorbencies.
• Period Underwear: Absorbent underwear for menstrual protection.
• Teen Products: Items designed specifically for younger users experiencing menstruation.

Product availability and specific lines differ across markets 2.

Throughout its history, Kotex has introduced several innovations in menstrual care, including:

• Disposable menstrual pads
• Ultra-thin absorbent technology
• Flexible wings for improved fit
• Overnight protection products
• Breathable materials
• Period underwear
• Products using plant-based or bamboo-derived materials in selected markets

The brand continues to develop products focused on comfort, absorbency, leakage protection, and skin compatibility 3.

Kotex states that its mission extends beyond manufacturing menstrual products. Key pillars of this mission include:

• Providing safe and comfortable menstrual care
• Improving access to period products
• Reducing period stigma
• Supporting menstrual education
• Promoting confidence and body positivity

The brand has also partnered with organisations addressing period poverty, donating millions of menstrual products to underserved communities 3.

Kotex is recognised for marketing campaigns that encourage open conversations about menstruation. Rather than portraying periods as embarrassing, many campaigns focus on confidence, education, and normalising menstrual health. In recent years, the brand has expanded its digital presence through educational resources, period trackers, and online menstrual health information 2.

Kotex products are sold across numerous regions, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Product names, packaging, and available product lines may differ by country.

Kimberly-Clark has announced initiatives aimed at improving product sustainability. These efforts include:

• Responsible sourcing of raw materials
• Reduced environmental impact in manufacturing
• Increased transparency regarding product ingredients
• Development of products containing renewable or plant-based materials in selected markets

Specific sustainability initiatives vary by region and product line 3.

• Kotex is one of the oldest disposable menstrual hygiene brands still in operation.
• The brand celebrated over 100 years of history in 2020.
• Kotex originated from technology developed for World War I medical supplies.
• Kimberly-Clark later adapted similar absorbent technology to create the Kleenex facial tissue brand 2.

1. Kotex
2. Home page
3. Why Kotex | Kotex® US