DistantNews
Support us
Some period panties falsely claim 'non-toxic' status, lack objective basis
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

Some period panties falsely claim 'non-toxic' status, lack objective basis

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A consumer review found that some disposable period panties in South Korea falsely advertised "toxic-free" claims without objective evidence.
  • Product performance varied, with absorption times differing by up to 20 seconds and prices varying by as much as double.
  • While basic quality and safety met standards, the Korea Consumer Agency recommended improvements in product information accuracy.

Several disposable period panty brands in South Korea have been found to be making "toxic-free" claims without objective evidence, potentially misleading consumers. A review by the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) also revealed significant variations in absorption performance and price among the tested products.

The KCA evaluated seven popular brands, focusing on absorption, fit, comfort, basic quality, safety, and price. Three brands โ€“ Natural Cotton, Lael, and Liberty โ€“ were found to be using "Toxic free" labels and markings without substantiation. The agency has recommended these companies improve their product information, and the brands have since agreed to remove the unsubstantiated claims.

Toxic free

โ€” Natural Cotton, Lael, LibertyThe unsubstantiated marketing claims identified by the Korea Consumer Agency.

Performance differences were notable. For instance, one product absorbed menstrual fluid in just 3.6 seconds, while another brand, Lael, required over 20 seconds for absorption in repeated tests. Leakage, measured by how much absorbed fluid reappeared on the skin, was lowest in the Good Feeling product. Fit and overall comfort received high marks for Lael and Liberty.

Despite these variations, all products met basic quality and safety standards, with no harmful volatile organic compounds detected. However, prices ranged from 580 won to 1,160 won per panty, a difference of up to 100%, highlighting a significant price disparity. The KCA advised consumers to carefully compare fit, absorption performance, and price before purchasing.

panties are different in terms of fit, size, etc., so it is advisable to compare fit, recommended size, absorption performance (backflow, absorption time), and price carefully before purchasing.

โ€” Korea Consumer Agency officialAdvising consumers on how to choose the right product.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.