Potential Allergens in Feminine Hygiene Products

Objectives: Genital allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) can profoundly affect quality of life. The role of different chemical compounds used in maxi pads and pantiliners as potential allergens remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate potential allergens present in these products.Methods: A search for pantiliners and maxi pads was conducted on websites of common drug stores, and compounds were identified through online listings, packaging, or manufacturer contact. Compounds were grouped based on chemical composition, structural similarities, or association with compound families using Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers and synonyms from De Groot's Patch Testing, 4th edition.Results: From August 2021 to December 2022, 59 pantiliners and 111 maxi pads were analyzed, identifying 139 unique compounds. On average, pantiliners contained 8.4 compounds, and maxi pads 11. Common compound groups included wood pulp and cellulose materials (100%), polyolefins (100%), adhesives (88.2%), metallic pigments (80.6%), polyethylene glycol (PEG) (72.3%), and unspecified pigments (61.7%). Organic pigments and azo dyes, surfactants, fatty acid diester sulfates, higher alkanes, and synthetic fibers were found in over 25% of products. Antioxidants, solvents, fatty alcohol PEG ether compounds, fragrances, polysiloxanes, salts, and botanical extracts were also common ingredients occurring in over 10% of products. Only 11 products contained no known allergens.Conclusions: Pantiliners and maxi pads often contain compounds previously linked to genital ACD. Only California, New York, and Nevada require full ingredient disclosure, suggesting many products lack comprehensive ingredient labeling.