Skin Sensitivity is a Major Concern for Users of Incontinence and Feminine Hygiene Products

Following Mass production of personal care products, such as diapers, incontinence and feminine hygiene pads, began following World War II.  Manufacturers used cotton as the absorbent material that protected the user and their clothing from becoming soiled. Over time, it became more cost effective to produce these products with very little cotton; now, they are instead made with mostly chemicals, plastics, dyes, and fragrances to perform better and appeal to the senses of today’s consumers.  

The problem is, today’s personal hygiene products are not conducive to keeping skin healthy, and FDA regulations make more ecologically-oriented, cotton-based products more expensive and, to a certain extent, cost prohibitive for consumers. 

 Fresh, Clean Chemicals?

In 2015, CenterBrain Partnership conducted a study that indicated that more than half of women who use incontinence products are concerned about skin health.  And more than 60% of those who participated in the survey prefer these products are made of cotton.

In fact, most consumers believe their absorbent products are made with some cotton; however, 95% of them are unaware that these products do not contain any cotton at all. Increasing numbers of studies show that mass-produced personal hygiene products are made with components that are considered toxic, but that convey a clean look and pleasant scents.  

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola in a 2013 article he wrote for the Huffington Post, sanitary pads are made with the equivalent of four plastic bags. Though they seem compact, super-absorbent, fresh, and clean, these and other absorbent products are comprised of “synthetics and plastic [that] restrict air flow and trap heat and dampness,” according to Dr. Mercola. This  can promote the growth of yeast and bacteria in the damp area, causing skin irritation, infection, and other serious health conditions. 

A Natural Solution

Whether manufactured in a factory, or made at home by industrious individuals, fabric alternatives to the mass-produced personal hygiene products are made with real cotton fabrics certified as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They are simply a healthier option for consumers looking to promote skin health when using absorbent products.  They are also a more ecological choice, as they are re-usable.  

However, reusable sanitary pads have been classified as medical devices by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which requires costly product registration and annual fees.  This may cause the product to be cost-prohibitive to make for the manufacturer; and if the product is produced, the expense is passed along to the consumer, who is seeking a healthier and/or more earth-friendly alternative.  Conversely, disposable products are not considered medical devices, so they are not held to the same standards, which includes more relaxed reporting to and oversight by regulatory agencies.  

Ultimately, this hurts the reusable products manufacturers and benefits the pharmaceutical companies who fabricate the mass-market disposable products, perpetuating the availability of less healthy, more available products.

Wazoodle’s ongoing mission and commitment is to bring you safe, high-quality products for your use. They meet the highest standards of health and safety in the world.  If you have any questions about Wazoodle Fabrics’ safety certifications, please visit our Contact Us page or e-mail customerservice@wazoodle.com

Links:

Absorbency and Protection Are No Longer Good Enough. 13 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Jul. 2016.

Dear FDA: Cloth Pads Are Not Medical Devices [Op-Ed]. 8 Dec. 2014. Web. 23 Jul. 2016.

Women Beware: Most Feminine Hygiene Products Contain Toxic Ingredients.  17 Jun. 2013.