A company employee living in Seoul, Ms. Lee (34), has recently started using "cool sanitary pads" for the first time and is actively recommending them to those around her as a so-called "essential item for surviving the heatwave." Lee said, "At first, I was skeptical, but after using them, I found they were definitely different from regular products. I struggled with sweating during tropical nights, but the (cool sanitary pads) felt refreshing, and I think I will keep using them in the summer."
As the heat persists, cool sanitary pads, which gained attention in hot and humid countries like Southeast Asia, are also establishing a presence in the domestic market.
According to the industry on the 8th, major corporations are continuously launching new sanitary pad products emphasizing "cooling" functions. Cool sanitary pads are products that apply refreshing ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint or special cooling fibers. When worn, they stimulate cooling receptors to provide comfort.
Korea's heatwaves and tropical nights are becoming more severe each year. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the average temperature nationwide in July this year was 27.1 degrees Celsius. This is the second highest temperature recorded after 27.7 degrees in 1994. It was even higher than the record heat of 25.5 degrees in 2018. The number of heatwave days in July was 14.5 days, which is more than 10 days above the average for summer, and the tropical nights increased to 6.7 days, nearly 4 days more than the average year.
The full launch of cool sanitary pads in the domestic market began last year. Yuhan-Kimberly released a new product last year, adding a cooling function to the summer version of their existing "Good Feeling" line, and in April of this year, they introduced "White Stay Cool," which uses natural-derived cooling sheets. LG Unicharm also released "Sofy Cooling Fresh" in May last year, while KLEANNARA and Secret Day each launched their own cool sanitary pads (Dear Skin Air Cooling, Gentle Cotton Mild Cool) in May of this year.
Such changes are spreading not only in sanitary pads but also across cooling products targeting the heat, including household goods, clothing, and bedding. Cooling blankets and functional cooling clothing are also becoming essential items for the summer.
Market responses are also notable. According to Yuhan-Kimberly, sales of cool sanitary pads in June and July of this year increased nearly threefold compared to the same period last year. A representative from Yuhan-Kimberly's women's products department noted, "As the heat continues to intensify each year, the demand for functional women's products that address summer menstrual issues is continuously increasing."
An official from the household goods industry stated, "Cool sanitary pads have been products exclusive to hot and humid countries like Southeast Asia, but due to Korea's recent heatwaves and tropical nights, the seasonal functional sanitary pad market is expanding significantly." They added, "The sanitary pad market is being realigned from four-season products to seasonal-focused products in response to changes in Korea's climate."