A Feminine Care Clinical Research Program Transforms Women's Lives

Area of Science:

• Women's health research
• Urogenital health
• Product development science

Background:

• Feminine hygiene products and education significantly impact women's lives globally.
• P&G's Clinical Innovation Research Program advances scientific knowledge and product development in feminine care.
• Research extends beyond menstruation to urogenital health and the role of sex hormones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key contributions and findings in feminine hygiene, urogenital health, and method development.
• To highlight advancements in understanding skin sensitivity and the impact of products on women's health.
• To showcase innovative testing methods for product evaluation and consumer well-being.

Main Methods:

• Clinical safety studies to assess product acceptance.
• Development of novel testing methods including the behind-the-knee (BTK) test for irritation.
• Proprietary methods for evaluating skin mildness, lotion transfer, and visual grading of irritation.
• Creation of the Farage Quality of Life tool to measure consumer well-being.

Main Results:

• Skin sensitivity is relevant to the genital area, not just the face.
• Estrogen's role in autoimmune diseases and premenstrual syndrome is elucidated.
• New methods provide reliable, predictive data on wear comfort, skin health, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• P&G's research has significantly advanced feminine hygiene product development and women's urogenital health understanding.
• Innovative testing methods, including the FDA-accepted BTK test, enhance product safety and efficacy evaluation.
• Developed tools better address the evolving health and well-being needs of women across life stages.