Sanitary Pads Market Report 2026

The sanitary pads market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $26.12 billion in 2025 to $27.58 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing menstrual hygiene awareness, expansion of retail and pharmacy distribution, rising female workforce participation, availability of affordable disposable products, government-led hygiene initiatives.

The sanitary pads market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $34.22 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable menstrual products, rising adoption of reusable hygiene solutions, growth of e-commerce distribution channels, increasing focus on health and wellness, product innovation in absorbent materials. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of biodegradable sanitary pads, rising demand for ultra-thin and high-absorbency pads, growing preference for organic and cotton-based materials, expansion of reusable sanitary pad offerings, enhanced focus on comfort and skin-friendly designs.

The rising menstrual health awareness is expected to propel the growth of the sanitary pads market going forward. Menstrual health awareness is the understanding and open discussion of the physical and emotional aspects of menstruation, aiming to promote better care and break societal constraints. The rise in menstrual health awareness is largely due to increasing advocacy and education, empowering individuals to seek better hygiene solutions and challenge longstanding cultural barriers. Sanitary pads enhance menstrual health awareness by providing accessible and comfortable hygiene solutions, making them essential for promoting better menstrual care and breaking societal stigmas. They contribute to improving personal well-being by offering convenience, protection, and comfort during menstruation. For instance, in May 2024, according to WASH United GmbH, a Germany-based non-profit organization, Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Day generated 23,400 pieces of media coverage and 293,000 social media contributions, collectively reaching 966 million people worldwide. Additionally, South America experienced a notable surge in engagement, with social media contributions increasing by 191%, from 2,799 to 8,143, and media coverage rising by 801%, from 184 to 1,664 pieces. Therefore, the rising menstrual health awareness is driving the growth of the sanitary pads market.

Key players in the sanitary pads market are focusing on developing innovative products, such as biodegradable sanitary pads, to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. Biodegradable pads are sanitary pads made from natural, compostable materials that break down naturally in the environment without causing pollution. For instance, in June 2023, Niine Private Limited, an India-based hygiene and personal care company, launched polylactic acid (PLA)-based biodegradable sanitary pads. These pads feature a biodegradable top sheet and a leak-proof layer, ensuring over 90% biodegradability within 175 days. This launch offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pads, catering to consumer hygiene needs and growing ecological concerns.

In May 2023, Birla Cellulose, a division of the Aditya Birla Group, an India-based manufacturer of man-made cellulosic fibers, partnered with Sparkle Eco Innovations Pvt. Ltd. to develop a plastic-free feminine care pad. This partnership aims to develop eco-friendly, high-quality biodegradable menstrual products using Birla's sustainable fibers, addressing environmental concerns and reducing plastic waste through responsible menstrual hygiene solutions. Sparkle Eco Innovations Pvt. Ltd. is an India-based sustainable hygiene products company that manufactures sanitary pads.

Major companies operating in the sanitary pads market are Procter & Gamble (P&G), Johnson & Johnson, Unilever PLC, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Essity AB, Kao Group, Unicharm Corporation, Drylock Technologies, Soothe Healthcare Private Limited, Lagom Labs Private Limited, Premier FMCG Ltd, The Flex Company, Rael, Natracare, Aakar Innovations Private Limited, Saathi Eco Innovations India Private Limited, Redcliffe Hygiene Private Limited, Veeda, BellaPremier Happy HygieneCare Pvt. Ltd., Care4 Hygiene.

North America was the largest region in the sanitary pads market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sanitary pads market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sanitary pads market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sanitary pads market consists of sales of biodegradable pads, organic cotton pads, and specialty pads for different flow levels and needs. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, meaning the value of goods sold by manufacturers or producers, whether to intermediaries (such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to consumers. These values may also include associated services offered by the manufacturers.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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