Disposable sanitary napkins are a convenient choice of feminine hygiene product for many women during their periods. However, with a wide variety of sanitary napkins available on the market, differing in size, material and design, selecting a product that absorbs well and suits personal needs is not easy. The Consumer Council tested 36 models of disposable winged sanitary napkins of different lengths and found that their absorption speed (known as “wicking rate”) varied considerably. While 16 models could completely absorb the synthetic test solution simulating menstrual blood within 10 seconds or less, 1 model took 73 seconds, exceeding the requirement under the Mainland’s current recommended National Standard of no more than 60 seconds. All models met the relevant Mainland standards in tests for pH value, formaldehyde content, migratable fluorescent substances and microbiological content. Their performance in dimensional and weight consistency, as well as peel adhesion of positioning adhesive, was also satisfactory. The measured moisture content of 31 models was below 10%, indicating that these products were able to maintain a low moisture level after leaving the factory and entering circulation, which helps preserve absorbency and reduce the risk of microbial growth. In terms of labelling, 19 models did not indicate their major ingredients or surface materials in either Chinese or English, while some also failed to provide shelf-life information or supplier details. The Council urged suppliers to strengthen quality control and conduct regular testing to ensure product hygiene and safety, while improving product labelling so consumers can make informed choices. Consumers are also advised to carefully inspect sanitary napkin packaging before purchase to ensure it is intact and to pay attention to the expiry information. After purchase, products should be stored in a clean, cool and dry place to prevent moisture absorption, which may affect product quality and safe use.
The Council purchased 36 models of winged sanitary napkins from personal care stores, supermarkets and online shopping platforms. The models were categorised into 4 groups according to their claimed lengths. The price per piece ranged from approximately $1.0 to $5.6, with longer models generally costing more. The tests were conducted with reference to the Mainland’s current recommended National Standard GB/T 8939-2018 “Sanitary Absorbent Pads (Panty Liner)”, covering the deviation between actual and claimed length, weight deviation, absorption speed, peel adhesion of positioning adhesive, moisture content, pH value, formaldehyde content and migratable fluorescent substances. In addition, the Mainland’s current mandatory National Standard GB 15979-2024 “Hygienic Requirements for Disposable Sanitary Products” was referenced for microbiological testing, including total bacterial count.
Absorption Speed Within the Same Group Differed by 7 to 10 Times
1 Model Took 73 Seconds Failing to Meet Mainland Standard
If a sanitary napkin absorbs too slowly, it may leave the intimate area feeling damp, affecting comfort and potentially increasing the risk of side leakage. With reference to GB/T 8939-2018, 5ml of synthetic test solution simulating menstrual blood was applied to each model, the time required for complete absorption was recorded, and the average absorption speed was calculated based on 5 samples of each model.
Results showed substantial variation in absorption speed across all 4 groups. Within the same group, the fastest and slowest models differed by around 7 to 10 times. In Group 1, comprising the shortest models (22cm to 25cm), the absorption speed ranged from 7 to 73 seconds; Group 2 (26cm to 29cm) ranged from 4 to 44 seconds; Group 3 (30cm to 35cm) ranged from 3 to 30 seconds; while Group 4 (40cm to 43cm) ranged from 3 to 25 seconds. Excellent performers were found in every group, with 16 models completely absorbing the test solution within 10 seconds and receiving 5 points. However, 2 models in Group 1 absorbed more slowly, taking 57 seconds and 73 seconds respectively, thus were rated 3 points and 2 points respectively. The model requiring 73 seconds failed to comply with the Mainland standard requirement that absorption time should not exceed 60 seconds.
Over 50% Models Did Not Label Materials in Chinese or English
Some Lacked Shelf Life and Supplier Information
Consumers with sensitive skin may pay particular attention to the composition of sanitary napkins. However, more than half of the tested models (19 models) did not indicate information such as key ingredients or surface materials in either Chinese or English, making it difficult for consumers to obtain sufficient information when making purchasing decisions. Regarding shelf life, 1 model did not provide any related information, while 6 models only displayed the production date without specifying the shelf life or expiry date, leaving consumers unable to determine whether the products had expired. Furthermore, 5 models did not provide any local supplier information at all; 1 model provided only an email address; and 3 models displayed only the company name without any contact details. Overall, 6 models had deficiencies in labelling relating to materials, shelf life and supplier information, showing considerable room for improvement.
Current Mainland standards require sales packaging of sanitary napkins to indicate information such as main raw materials, length, production date and shelf life (or production batch number and use-by date), as well as the name, address and contact details of the manufacturer or responsible party. The Council recommends local suppliers to refer to the current Mainland standards and provide such information on product packaging so that consumers can better understand the product. Consumers can also contact the relevant companies if they encounter product quality or usage issues.
5 Models Had Relatively High Moisture Content
Manufacturers Recommended to Review Packaging and Supply Chain Management
As sanitary napkin materials are absorbent, they may absorb moisture from the surrounding environment during storage. Factors such as packaging integrity, storage duration and environmental conditions may therefore affect moisture content. Excessive moisture not only reduces absorbency but may also encourage microbial growth. Mainland standards require the moisture content of sanitary napkins to be no higher than 10% when leaving the factory. However, no specific requirement is set for products available on the retail market.
Results showed that 31 models had moisture content below 10%, reflecting relatively sound manufacturing, packaging and logistics management practices. The remaining 5 models recorded moisture content ranging from 10.7% to 12.8%. However, it could not be determined whether their moisture content exceeded 10% when they left the factory. The Council recommends relevant manufacturers to review their production and packaging technologies and strengthen monitoring throughout the supply chain, including storage, transportation, retailing and delivery, to prevent product quality from being affected by moisture and to minimise the risk of microbial growth.
All Models Had Suitable pH Values
Chemical and Microbiological Safety Test Results Were Satisfactory
As sanitary napkins come into direct contact with intimate areas, excessively high or low pH values may cause irritation, discomfort or allergic reactions. All models recorded pH values ranging from 5.7 to 6.2, complying with the current Mainland standard requirement of between 4.0 and 9.0. In addition, all models were not detected with formaldehyde, and all passed the migratable fluorescent substances test, satisfying the relevant chemical safety requirements. In microbiological testing, none of the models were found to contain Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Hemolytic Streptococcus, demonstrating satisfactory performance.
Satisfactory Dimension and Weight Consistency
Peel Adhesion of Positioning Adhesive Met Standard Requirements
The actual length of sanitary napkins should be consistent with the declared length, and the weight of each sanitary napkin within the same model should also be consistent. Excessive variation in length and weight may indicate inadequate quality control and negatively affect user experience. Test results showed that all models complied with the Mainland standards for dimensional and weight consistency, with all rated 4 points or above.
If the positioning adhesive is not strong enough, the sanitary napkin may shift during use. However, if the adhesive strength is too high, residue may remain on clothing when the napkin is removed. The current Mainland standard specifies that the peel adhesion of positioning adhesive should range from 100mN to 800mN. Based on testing of 5 samples from each model, all models recorded values ranging from 175mN to 608mN, meeting the relevant standard requirements.
Consumers may refer to the following advice when selecting and using sanitary napkins:
- A wide variety of sanitary napkin products are available in different sizes, materials and designs. Consumers should choose products that best suit their individual needs;
- Carefully inspect packaging before purchase and ensure it is not damaged;
- Store products in a clean, cool and dry place to prevent moisture absorption;
- Pay attention to expiry information and do not use expired sanitary napkins; and
- As the individual wrappers of some sanitary napkins are not fully sealed, products should be properly stored during storage and transport to avoid contamination.
Manufacturers may refer to the following recommendations to improve consumer experience:
- Continue strengthening quality control and conducting regular testing to ensure product quality and safety;
- Clearly indicate the production date, shelf life and expiry date to avoid health risks arising from the purchase or use of expired products; and
- Indicate key materials and other relevant information in Chinese or English so that consumers can select suitable products according to their own conditions and needs.
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