Scented sanitary pads

[WobblyLondoner]

Not sure this is the right topic, but I'd welcome views.

I've always used Always or Bodyform sanitary pads, the very thin ones with wings. But they now all seem to be scented, with not much visible info to let you know (ie so you can avoid them). I'm bewildered as to why the manufacturers do this - who the hell wants perfume right up against the most delicate bits of their body? But they must do some kind of market research, right - so does that mean that most of their target market say they like this?

What do those of you who use pads think of of perfumed products like this? Do you get on with them? They just give me the creeps - all I can see are the disadvantages (the smell, the risks re thrush, the message it sends about how we have to overpower that icky blood etc).

More practically, does anyone have any recommendations for very thin but absorbent pads that don't have scent? I noticed that Bodyform have a 'sensitive' range - I wondered if that was subtle code for not scented but it wasn't clear on the packaging. I don't get on with tampons btw. I suppose this could be the point to try a mooncup ...

Anything that has "fresh" on means it stinks. Always went through stage where just walking down aisle you were over come by toilet tree poms fresh small. Not sure if they have toned it down or triple packaged, and you get the full on pong at home.

They are foul (and don't cover up any menstrual odours anyway imho it makes everything smell worse). I wish they'd mark the items as scented so they are easier to avoid. I had to toss a box of always pantiliners as they were particularly pungent and irritating.

I didn't think bodyform was scented but knew always were. Sniff the packets? Own brand seem to be unscented

Demented - I did start sniffing the packets but I was with my son in Boots and he started to look a bit mortified! I'll try again on my own.

So glad others think they are gross too.

Kotex are unscented

Tescos own brand cheapie ones are unscented. I'd been an Always customer for years but can't stand the stench.

MrsS - they are quite thick aren't they (Kotex)? Or am I just remembering my first Kotex pads as a teenager .. ?

If they say deo -fresh on the bodyform pack then those ones seem to be scented (why?)

I use Naty which is an eco cotton type brand so no nasties.

Kotex do thin ones too as I have bought them for dd

Cross posted - I tried to buy an emergency pack in Boots recently and asked an assistant for help to find unscented ones. She was shocked and indignant at how hard it was to identify from the packets which ones were and weren't.

Always soft fit (the pink ones) are like always used to be, unscented! And only £1 a pack!

Thanks all, will have a look at Kotex and Naty.

No point I'm sure but I'm going to email Always to ask for the logic behind this, how they market tested adding scent and whether they get any medical advice. Will let you know if I hear anything back ...

The scented ones make me itch and give me a really nasty rash. They also smell like toilet cleaner. Yuck!

I switched to washable pads and now if I ever have to wear a disposable one I hate it. I find washables far more soft and comfortable.

Husband picked up scented tampons for me on the weekly shop. They went straight in the bin, just knew I'd have some thrush type reaction. At least he tried...

Easily - scented tampons? 🤔
Please tell me you're joking ..

I think Always claim that their towels are not actually perfumed, but that the special filling bit that wicks the blood away has a smell? I seem to recall a MNer writing to complain and getting a response along those lines. I'm inclined to believe it, as although it is a horrible smell it doesn't induce migraines for me in the way actual perfume, body spray etc does. I use Morrisons own brand and find them fine and not scented.

I use either washables or Always Infinity, both recommended on other threads about this and neither have disappointed.

This thread has reminded me that I've bought myself a mooncup and I can't remember where I put it!

The problem I'm having with changing brands is that the Always system for rolling and sticking to put in the bin is so much better than anything else I've tried.

Tampax Pearl were the scented ones I believe.

I hate it! Great post. Bloody things. I go to my local health food shop and get nature care.

I used to be fine with Kotex. I use a mooncup so only really need a pad as back up, especially at night. Now I'm suddenly allergic to all of them, so I bought some bamboo washables. They work fine and they just go in the machine on a hot wash with my underwear.

I think they are awful, and for some reason the smell just stays in my head all day, I am so glad I'm not the only hater - I thought I was going mad!

Hate the smell too, after recently coming off the pill it seems so hard to work out which ones smell. It's a horrible smell that's worse than any odour from menstruation and it makes the skin down there feel red raw. Yuck