The rising prices of sanitary pads and tampons in the United States have left millions of women facing difficult choices between basic necessities and essential menstrual products. According to the Wall Street Journal, inflation has driven up the costs of these products at a rate outpacing even food prices. Since before the pandemic, the price of sanitary pads has surged by 41% to an average of $6.50 per pack, while tampons have seen a 36% hike, reaching $8.29 per pack, according to data from Circana.
This significant price increase has led to a decline in annual sales of pads and tampons by 12% and 16% respectively since 2020, as reported by research firm NielsenIQ. Despite the drop in sales, the few companies dominating the feminine care market continue to thrive due to the near-monopolistic nature of the industry. Menstrual products are classified as medical devices in the U.S., requiring federal clearance to be sold, which limits market competition.
