A decade ago, conversations about menstrual and intimate hygiene products were largely transactional something bought monthly, used discreetly, and rarely discussed beyond brand preferences or price points. But from 2015 to 2025, a remarkable transformation quietly unfolded. What was once a functional necessity has become a nexus of scientific ingenuity, sustainability imperatives, and cultural momentum, and the patent landscape tells this story more vividly than any market forecast alone.
The global market for feminine hygiene products surpassed USD 45 billion in 2025, with strong projected growth into the next decade. Sustainability has emerged as a dominant theme: biodegradable pads and reusable alternatives are no longer fringe offerings but tangible commercial segments experiencing double-digit growth. The biodegradable sanitary pad segment alone was valued in the billions in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a 15 % + CAGR through 2034, underscoring the industry’s pivot toward eco-responsible materials and manufacturing approaches.
Research shows that consumers are increasingly choosing products that minimize waste and personal cost over time, creating fertile ground for patenting novel materials, absorbent structures, and design configurations that can be reused.
Against this backdrop, this report delves into patent activity from 2015 through 2025 to reveal patterns of inventive emphasis, technological clusters and emerging frontiers in feminine hygiene products.
Many products can cause skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions due to synthetic materials, fragrances, dyes, and adhesives. Breathability and moisture management remain critical issues, as poor airflow can lead to discomfort, odor, and increased risk of infections. Fit and leakage control are also persistent challenges, especially across different body types and activity levels.
Conventional pads and tampons rely heavily on plastics and non-biodegradable materials, contributing to significant waste and long decomposition times. Recycling is limited, and disposable products generate a large environmental footprint. This has created pressure to develop biodegradable materials, reusable solutions, and lower-impact manufacturing processes.
Concerns exist around chemical residues, such as bleaching agents, absorbent polymers, and potential trace contaminants. Lack of clear labelling and material transparency can reduce consumer trust, pushing demand for safer, dermatologically tested, and chemical-free alternatives.
In many regions, feminine hygiene products remain expensive or inaccessible, leading to period poverty. Limited availability, social stigma, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure further restrict safe usage, especially in developing markets.
Balancing high absorbency with thinness, flexibility, and comfort remains technically challenging. Products must perform reliably under varying flow levels and extended wear times without leakage or odor buildup.
Overall, these problems highlight why innovation in feminine hygiene products continues to focus on skin safety, sustainability, inclusivity, and performance optimization, shaping ongoing R&D and patenting trends in the sector.
Are you wondering why there is a drop in feminine hygiene patent filings in 2024 and 2025? The reason is simple: patent applications take time to get published, often up to 18 months. So, the recent dip doesn’t mean innovation has slowed down it just means many filings are still waiting to appear in the records.
Why filings rose
Material innovation: Advances in ultra-absorbent cores, breathable layers, skin-friendly coatings, and odor-control technologies pushed companies to patent improved performance and comfort features.
Rising awareness: Greater global focus on menstrual health, hygiene education, and demand for safer, higher-quality products encouraged brands to invest in differentiated designs and formulations.
Sustainability shift: A strong move toward biodegradable fibers, reusable products (like menstrual cups and washable pads), and plastic-free alternatives drove a wave of eco-focused R&D and patent activity.
Health-tech integration: Innovation expanded into smart and health-monitoring solutions, including pH-sensitive materials, infection-detection concepts, and wearable-linked hygiene products blending personal care with digital health.
The top assignees in the feminine hygiene products domain are led decisively by Unicharm, reflecting its long-term and sustained focus on product innovation, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes. Procter & Gamble follows as a strong second, highlighting its emphasis on performance improvement, comfort, and large-scale global product deployment. Japanese firms such as Daio Paper and Kao further reinforce Japan’s dominance in this sector, driven by advanced absorbent materials, skin-friendly designs, and continuous incremental innovation.
European and North American players, including Essity, Kimberly-Clark, and Ontex, maintain steady patent activity, indicating a focus on hygiene safety, sustainability, and regulatory-aligned product development. Emerging contributions from Asian manufacturers such as Hengan Group and Baiya Corporation suggest growing regional competition, particularly in cost-efficient and mass-market solutions. Overall, the company landscape reflects a mature industry where innovation leadership is concentrated among a few global players, supported by steady contributions from regional specialists.
The geographical distribution of patents in feminine hygiene products shows a strong concentration of innovation in Asia and North America. China leads by a wide margin, reflecting its large manufacturing base, strong domestic demand, and sustained R&D investment in hygiene materials and product technologies. The United States follows as the second-largest contributor, driven by innovation in product performance, comfort, and premium segments, while Japan and South Korea demonstrate consistent activity linked to advanced materials, product design, and process optimization.
Europe also represents a significant innovation hub, with notable contributions through EPO filings, indicating a region-wide focus on regulatory-compliant, sustainable, and health-oriented hygiene solutions. Emerging contributions from countries such as India, Brazil, Australia, and Taiwan highlight the gradual expansion of innovation into developing and mid-sized markets, largely supported by growing awareness, population-driven demand, and localized manufacturing capabilities. Overall, the distribution reflects a mature yet globally expanding innovation landscape, with leadership anchored in Asia and steady diversification across other regions.
