• Brand Name: Kotex

• Owner: Kimberly-Clark

• Industry: Feminine hygiene / Personal care

• Founded: 1920

• Country of Origin: United States

• Headquarters (Parent Company): Irving, Texas, USA

• Products: Sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, period underwear

• Markets: Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, Africa)

Kotex was introduced in 1920 by Kimberly-Clark following the development of Cellucotton, an absorbent material originally created during World War I for surgical dressings. Nurses serving in military hospitals discovered that the material could also be used 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 have been derived from the words “cotton-like texture”, reflecting the absorbent characteristics of the original product. [1]

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

Kotex offers products designed for different menstrual flow levels and personal preferences, including:

• Ultra Thin Pads – Slim sanitary pads for everyday comfort.

• Maxi Pads – Thicker pads designed for heavier menstrual flow.

• Overnight Pads – Longer pads for overnight leak protection.

• 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 – Products designed specifically for younger users experiencing menstruation.

Product availability varies by country. [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. The brand emphasizes:

• Providing safe and comfortable menstrual care

• Improving access to period products

• Reducing period stigma

• Supporting menstrual education

• Promoting confidence and body positivity

Kotex has also partnered with organizations that address period poverty, donating millions of menstrual products to underserved communities. [3]

Kotex has been recognized for marketing campaigns that encourage open conversations about menstruation. Rather than portraying periods as something embarrassing, many of its campaigns focus on confidence, education, and normalizing menstrual health.

In recent years, the brand has also expanded its digital presence through educational resources, period trackers, and online menstrual health information. [2]

Kotex products are sold across many regions, including:

• North America

• Europe

• Southeast Asia

• East Asia

• Australia

• Latin America

• Middle East

• Africa

Product names, packaging, and available product lines may differ by country.

Kimberly-Clark has announced initiatives aimed at improving product sustainability, including:

• 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