At Srising, our mission is to provide women with menstrual hygiene products that are safe, dependable, and of the highest quality. Yet, we’ve noticed an alarming rise in counterfeit and substandard sanitary napkins flooding the market. These fake products threaten women’s health and erode trust in hygiene solutions. In this article, we’ll break down why these counterfeits exist, how they get to you, what they’re made of, the conditions they’re produced in, and—most importantly—how you can spot and steer clear of them.

Why Do Fake Sanitary Napkins Exist?

The main driver behind counterfeit sanitary napkins is simple: money. Some manufacturers see an opportunity in the constant need for affordable menstrual products, especially in areas where good options are scarce. They cut corners, copy trusted brands, and offer their fakes at tempting low prices to trick buyers.

These products sneak into the market in a few common ways:
Unregulated Channels: Think roadside stalls, small shops, or sketchy online sellers with no proper checks.
Repackaging Tricks: Old or thrown-out pads get a new wrapper and a fake “fresh” label.
Brand Mimicry: Packaging that looks almost like the real deal, with logos and designs meant to fool you.

A 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report pointed out that about 10% of health-related goods—like menstrual products—in lower-income countries are fake. That’s a big number, and it hits the most vulnerable women hardest.

What’s Inside Substandard or Refurbished Pads?

Real sanitary napkins are made with care, but fakes? Not so much. Counterfeit or refurbished pads often use cheap, risky stuff like:
Recycled Scraps: Old cotton, paper, or even bits from used products, cleaned up just enough to look okay.
Harsh Glues: Low-cost adhesives that might leak chemicals onto your skin.
Dirty Fillers: Things like sawdust or rough pulp that haven’t been properly cleaned or tested.

These materials aren’t just low-quality—they can irritate your skin, cause infections, or fail to absorb properly. At Srising, we stick to medical-grade materials, tested thoroughly to keep you safe and comfortable.

Where Are They Made?

The places making these substandard pads are often far from clean or safe:
Dirty Workshops: No sanitation, no rules—germs can easily get into the product.
Uncertified Factories: No official standards like ISO 9001 or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to keep things in check.
Backyard Setups: Small, homemade operations with zero oversight or sterilization.

Compare that to Srising’s facilities: certified, audited regularly, and built to meet global health standards.

How Can You Spot the Fakes?

You don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself—just pay attention. Here’s how:
Look at the Package: Misspellings, fuzzy logos, or weird fonts are warning signs.
Check the Price: Too cheap to be true? It might be fake.
Feel and Smell: Rough patches or a chemical whiff mean trouble.
Test It Out: Pour a little water on one—if it leaks or falls apart fast, it’s no good.

Counterfeit sanitary napkins are a real problem, but you’ve got the power to avoid them. Know why they’re out there, what they’re made of, and how to spot them. At Srising, we’re proud to offer products that meet international standards, because your health and trust are what drive us. Stay sharp, shop smart, and choose quality every time.