FFS! Bodyform are making "perfume free" towels that aren't perfume free!

[tectonicplates]

I know there's been discussions on these boards about people accidentally buying Bodyform's "deo fresh" towels due to the confusing packaging. Today at the shop I noticed they'd changed their packaging - maybe due to customer complaints?

I bought the ones in the attached photo. I was a bit unsure about the "fresh feeling" claim as you never really know what that means, however it actually says "perfume free" at the bottom left.

I've just opened the packet and they absolutely stink. Even though they're labelled as perfume free.

Would I be within my rights to go back to the shop and ask for a refund, even though I've opened the packet? I haven't used any of the towels but I've opened one of them. Surely it's false advertising or something?

I'm getting increasingly annoyed as I only switched over from Always a couple of years ago and was pleased that Bodyform are a lot more comfortable and less scratchy. I think I'm going to have to change brands again.

So annoyed.

I have the same ones and they don't smell like anything. They have been in my bathroom drawer for a month incase that makes a difference somehow?

I switched to [[https://www.cheekywipes.com/bamboo-minky-cheeky-mama-cloth-sanitary-pads.html
reusables]] & honestly, they're brilliant. I just put them all through a cold wash at the end of the week & they come out fine.

www.cheekywipes.com/bamboo-minky-cheeky-mama-cloth-sanitary-pads.html

That's really annoying. I use bodyform now because the always perfume gave me constant thrush. I walked past the always section the other day in the supermarket and nearly puked.

Does anyone know of pads/liners which don't cause irritation and aren't reusable and I don't think I fancy that. Also any wipes/creams/lotions which soothe said irritation? Sorry to butt in, I was about to start a thread when I stumbled upon this

Basic products like E45 cream are the best in my opinion.

It says perfume free, not fragrance free.
People who are irritated by perfume may not be irritated by all fragrances.
Explanation of differences (according to FDA regulation) here alharamainperfumes.com/is-there-a-difference-between-fragrance-and-perfume/

I think it's been brought up before, it's the little absorbent crystals they put in them.

So they get away with non perfumed statement, but the I'm sure somewhere they'll be a reference to Odour absorbent on the packet, and yes still causes itching!

(though if the scent makes them unusable to you then yes I think you could take them back, as the wording may be technically correct but is ambiguous in meaning to the average consumer and therefore misleading)

Exactly, it's just misleading packaging again.

Do Bodyform still make any that really don't smell?

There is a list of chemicals that was made from running tests on always pads. personally I think pads tampons and nappies should come with an ingredients list.

www.womensvoices.org/feminine-care-products/detox-the-box/always-pads-testing-results/
-----
Products Tested
Always Ultra Thin unscented

Always Ultra Thin Clean Scent

Always Infinity unscented

Always Radiant Infinity Light Clean Scent

Methodology
Analysis of the samples for volatile organic compounds was conducted by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with EPA Method TO-15 using headspace containers.

Results
The Always menstrual pads were found to contain several chemicals of concern, including the following:

Styrene: carcinogen
Chloromethane: reproductive toxicant
Chloroethane: carcinogen
Chloroform: carcinogen, reproductive toxicant, neurotoxin
Acetone: irritant.
Volatile Organic Compounds Detected in the Headspace of Menstrual Pads
Chemicals Detected Clean Scent Always Ultra Thin Unscented Always Ultra Thin Clean Scent Always Radiant Unscented Always Infinity
Chemical Name ppbv ppbv ppbv ppbv
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 0.64 0.54 ND 1.20
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene ND ND ND 0.54
2-Butanone 7.50 7.70 ND 4.20
4-Ethyltoluene ND ND ND 0.46
Acetone 480.00 340.00 92.00 93.00
Chloroethane ND ND 4.40 6.10
Chloroform 1.20 1.50 ND ND
Chloromethane ND ND ND 16.00
Cyclohexane 0.50 0.78 ND 1.10
Ethyl acetate 8.00 5.50 ND 2.30
Ethylbenzene ND 0.52 ND 0.84
Heptane 1.10 1.50 ND 0.86
Isopropyl Alcohol 170.00 39.00 ND 17.00
m,p-Xylene 1.40 2.00 ND 2.80
o-Xylene 0.54 0.68 ND 1.50
Styrene 0.44 ND ND 1.10
Toluene 3.20 6.20 ND 7.00
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene ND 0.50 26.00 ND
Vinyl acetate 14.00 ND ND 6.60
Xylenes, Total 2.00 2.70 ND 4.30
ND = not detected

Oh fuck.

I've just bought some for DD. I was taken in by the claim, as I thought it meant no added smell

What brands are completely unscented and lacking in any form of 'freshness"?

It's misleading claims like this, that have made me switch to cloth pads & a menstrual cup.

A good piece on the industry and chemicals.

m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3359581

Naturally Savvy notes that 10 years ago, House Representative Carolyn Maloney introduced legislation requiring research into the potential health risks of feminine hygiene product use, including cervical, ovary and breast cancers and endometriosis. Unfortunately, the legislation failed to pass, and it doesn’t appear there’s been any research

Blimey thats quite the list of chemicals, Im completely shocked!
I will look into getting something different..

both links talk about what the chemicals are and do.

interestingly (but off topic for the thread) each pad typically has the same amount of plastics in as 4 carrier bags

Washables washables washables.

Sorry I know lots of people think they're a bit minging or hard work but I honestly promise you they are neither. I rinse them in cold water after use then pop in a net laundry bag. When I'm putting a wash on I sling the net bag in the machine, do a cold rinse cycle, then add the rest of the wash and wash as usual. They are so much more comfortable and absorbent and I know I sound like a zealot but honestly try them, you won't look back. Not the cheapy ones off Amazon or eBay though, you want ones made with natural fibres from somewhere like Earthwise Girls or Honour Your Flow. The cheapy ones tend to be a bit hot and sweaty and slide around in your underwear, I think they put a fair few people off.

Natracare are the only ones I find don't irritate. They're a bit harder to get hold of but I think Waitrose stock them. I just have mine on a regular order on Amazon.

With the washables what do you do during the day? As in, when I'm on my heaviest day I have to change my towel at least four times in the day.

Oh ffs! I switched from Always for this reason. Not happy if Bodyform have now been ruined too. Tweet them for an answer. I always find twitter works best to get an answer from a company.

Can people recommend some disposable pads that aren't scented?

I'm not interested in reuseables and I do find it annoying when people ask a valid question then get continuously told they should be doing what the poster thinks rather than getting answers to the actual question.

That is so shocking. And this stuff is in nappies too? I've been meaning to switch to a mooncup for ages, I will be getting cloth pads too now. Luckily DD is starting potty training soon, I can't believe I didn't question what chemicals made disposable nappies work.

I don't know if Cottons are completely scent free but they didn't used to smell and are hypoallergenic.

Asda own brand are unscented.

I desperately hope they don't have plans to change that. I will be somewhat upset.

Do they make you itch Hawkeye? I used Tesco own brand for a while but they made me itch like mad and it put me off own brands.