Upon getting our first bleed, we are taught how to use sanitary pads, panty liners, and the different lengths offered. We are also advised when to change our pads or panty liners to ensure they’re all clean down there.
However, some studies have claimed that pads and panty liners contain harmful chemicals, with many manufacturers being called out by the public and authorities, and consumers switching to alternative period products such as period cups and discs, reusable pads, and period undergarments.
That said, when we asked some of our female friends and family members, they said they wouldn’t use these products and would just stick to pads and panty liners.
This got us thinking: Are alternative period products even in demand, especially in Singapore and other Asian countries where pads are more commonly used?
We reached out to three Singaporean brands for their insights, but only one got back to us. Here’s what Ann Gee, co-founder of The Period Co., says about the scepticism around alternative period products.
Introducing The Period Co.:
Ann Gee first started the brand as a side hustle together with her partner back in 2015, where they started selling on Carousell. Previously known as LiveLoveLuna, The Period Co. has now evolved into an online distributing platform that aims to make alternative period products available to the Asian market.
Why do some switch to alternative menstrual products?
Like Gee, those who have made the switch often describe it as “life-changing”. She shared that she wanted to find a way to manage her period during an overseas mountain-climbing trip and came across menstrual cups on the internet.
While it did take her a while to use it correctly, given that there was not a lot of information and advice online at that time, Gee, who leads an active lifestyle, has been able to enjoy sports a lot more since then.
Aside from reaching out to The Period Co., we’ve also asked for inputs from alternative period product users in and out of Singapore, but only one consented to share their thoughts. 24-year-old Ali Fahizal shared that they started using menstrual cups after discovering their allergy to menstrual pads and panty liners.
I used to use panty liners every day and wonder why I’d get so itchy, and my skin would become inflamed. And if I scratch, I’ll get cuts, which hurt when I go to the toilet, and it was a nightmare.
I’ve been using the period cup for five years now, I’ll never go back.
Ali Fahizal, 24, Singapore-born student based in Australia
Safe to say, they have become “a pro” at using menstrual cups after some “finessing”.
Debunking myths
You might notice that most alternative period product brands, if not all, use the words “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” as their main selling point—given that the average woman disposes about 150 kilograms of single-use menstrual products, which contain 90 per cent plastic, creating an, in our opinion, obvious incentive here.
In the case of The Period Co., they focused on generating interest from those already interested in conscious living and zero-waste lifestyles, which turned out to be the right move for the brand to grow and establish its own online platform in 2019.
Gee added that the company has also grown their offline presence in sustainability retail stores, notably The Green Collective and UnPackt. This allowed them to gain over 13,000 orders from their online store and generate “a healthy number of sales” at their offline locations.
Ali also pointed out that rather than simply having an alternative option, people who switch to reusable menstrual products are driven more by morality than personal preference in a bid of the global “push” to become environmentally friendly.
However, that said, there are still misconceptions surrounding reusable menstrual products, which Gee debunks here:
In a separate interview with CNA, a gynaecologist raised concerns about the risks when using menstrual cups, pointing out that bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the vagina when inserted.
In particular, one could experience a life-threatening condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is caused by toxic bacterial infections.
Gee acknowledges the risks of TSS associated with internal menstrual products, notably tampons, period cups and discs, and emphasises that as long as the products are cleaned properly, it minimises the risk of bacterial infections.
Ali also pointed out that the risk of getting TSS from menstrual cups is lower compared to tampons and that you would be prone to the condition if you leave it in for days, which is not what it is intended for.
Many reusable menstrual product companies have been debunking misconceptions like the ones above since they started. Still, the lack of education seems apparent, especially in more conservative cultures.
However, Gee shared that more people are willing to talk openly about menstrual health over the years, with the increased awareness and market interest driven by adopters’ enthusiasm.
The alternative period product market is still growing
This brings us to two million-dollar questions: Are these companies making money? Is there a demand for alternative period products in Singapore?
For The Period Co., it’s a yes for both.
Gee shared that they were unsure of the demand for alternative period products in Singapore when they started. Hence, they used Carousell as a test platform and only introduced one alternative period product brand to gauge consumer interest.
“As we started small, we did not have to invest too much in it,” said Gee, adding that it minimised their risks and costs if the business did not work out.
Despite low demand initially, her brand started gaining traction on social media, and sales and inquiries increased. This gave them the confidence to launch their online platform and expand their product offerings with other reusable period products like period underwear.
“As such products were similar to normal underwear, they did not have a steep learning curve, and customers were more willing to try them if they were not ready to try menstrual cups,” explained Gee. This was the right move, allowing the brand to achieve profitability.
She highlighted that the Singaporean market has become more receptive to alternative period products, thanks to the internet and social media. In particular, the younger audience is more open to these products as they seek better ways to manage their periods in line with changing lifestyles.
However, they have not become the “de-facto” period product people turn to. Ali, who was born in Singapore and is now based in Australia, pointed out that not many people use menstrual cups as often, even in “less conservative countries”.
They also raised concerns that menstrual cups may not be accessible for those with physical disabilities, making pads the easier option to use.
Convenient products definitely have their place! It’s not a one size fits all solution, but I do think menstrual cups have lots of benefits and those who are willing and can, should definitely try the switch.
Ali Fahizal, 24, Singapore-born student based in Australia
Gee added that there are still opportunities for growth within the market as more people learn more about these alternatives and are interested in trying them.
“As these products become more commonplace, we look forward to seeing how companies can further improve and iterate to make them easier to switch to.”
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- Learn more about The Period Co. here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.
Featured Image Credit: The Period Co.