Top Pad Brands: Comfort and Reliability Unveiled

When it comes to personal care, choosing the right brand of pads can make all the difference in ensuring comfort and confidence. A wide variety of options are available on the market, each boasting unique features such as superior absorbency, skin-friendly materials, or sustainable manufacturing processes. Some top contenders in this realm are Always, Kotex, and Natracare, where each brand strives to meet different needs and preferences. For a comprehensive breakdown of these leading brands and what makes them stand out, take a look at the details below.

Illustration of pads

Best brands of pads in 2025

Always

Always is a leading brand in the menstrual hygiene products market, known for its high-quality sanitary pads, tampons, and pantyliners. Introduced in the United States in 1983 by Procter & Gamble, Always quickly gained international success, expanding to countries like the UK, Canada, and several African nations by the end of 1984. The brand is recognized for its educational initiatives, such as the BeingGirl website, and its commitment to addressing period poverty, as seen in its 2018 campaign that donated one pad to a woman in need for every package sold. Always products are manufactured in large facilities, including a significant plant in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. The brand has also made strides in inclusivity, such as removing the female symbol from its marketing in 2019. For more detailed insights, visit the Always Wikipedia page.

Kotex

Kotex, a renowned brand owned by Kimberly-Clark, has been a leading producer of menstrual hygiene products since its launch in 1920. Known for its innovative products such as Kotex maxi, thin, and ultra-thin pads, as well as the Security tampons and Lightdays pantiliners, Kotex has maintained a strong market presence. The brand introduced U by Kotex in recent years, targeting a younger demographic. By 2027, the global sanitary pads market, which includes Kotex products, is expected to grow significantly, with the Asia-Pacific region driving much of this growth due to increasing awareness of menstrual health. Kotex products are available in over 80 countries, reflecting their global reach and popularity. For more information about Kotex's range of products, you can visit their official website.

Stayfree

Stayfree, now rebranded as Carefree, is a leading producer of sanitary pads, celebrated for its high-quality and innovative products. The brand offers advanced features such as All-in-One multi-fluid absorption, Night-Guard® Zone with 24 anti-leak channels, and Tri-Block® Odor Protection, ensuring up to 10 hours of leak protection. Stayfree pads are 30% more absorbent compared to their ultra-thin counterparts, designed for maximum comfort and protection against periods, bladder leaks, and moisture. As one of the dominant players in the market, Stayfree has been a preferred choice for many consumers, particularly in regions like the Asia-Pacific where conventional sanitary pads are more accepted. The brand's market presence is significant, with a long history of dominating the market alongside other major brands like Whisper. For more details about their products, visit the Stayfree Maxi Pads Overnight with Wings page.

Natracare

Natracare is a leading brand in the feminine hygiene industry, renowned for its commitment to safety and sustainability. Established 28 years ago, Natracare is the first brand to achieve MADE SAFE certification, ensuring its products are free from known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxic chemicals. Their products, including tampons, pads, and maternity pads, are made from 75-100% renewable and sustainable materials, making them over 90% biodegradable and compostable. Distributed in over 60 countries, Natracare offers a range of high-quality products, including certified organic 100% cotton tampons and ultra-thin sanitary pads. This brand's dedication to health and environmental concerns has earned it numerous ecological and ethical awards. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Rael

Rael is a leading producer of high-quality, organic period care products, including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, founded in 2017 by three Korean American women in Los Angeles. The company is known for its innovative use of Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) technology, ensuring effective and comfortable products. Rael operates on a direct-to-consumer model, selling products through their website and major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The company has seen significant growth, with a 60% revenue increase in 2021, and is backed by notable investors such as Unilever Ventures and Softbank Ventures Asia. Rael's commitment to sustainability and women's health is evident in its partnership with SOS to give away 200,000 free tampons and pads.

L. Organic

L. Organic, a brand under the umbrella of 'This Is L,' is renowned for its high-quality organic feminine care products, including sanitary pads made from US-grown organic cotton, free from rayon, synthetic pesticides, and fragrances. The brand's commitment to using natural materials and its donation program, which aims to provide access to over 250 million products, have significantly contributed to its growth and social impact. L. Organic's products are part of a broader market that saw the organic sanitary napkins segment expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.04% from 2023 to 2030. The brand's efforts in improving local access to period products and supporting women's entrepreneurship in over 20 countries further solidify its position as a leader in the organic feminine care market. The increasing demand for organic sanitary products, driven by growing awareness of personal hygiene and rising disposable income, also supports the brand's dominance in this sector.

Cora

Cora is a leading brand in the personal care industry, particularly renowned for its innovative and eco-friendly products. As part of its revolutionary portfolio, Cora offers organic cotton pads and liners for light bladder leaks, incorporating patent-pending absorption technology. This brand is part of the growing trend towards environmentally conscious and chemical-free products, catering to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable hygiene solutions. Cora's products are included in the broader sanitary pads market, which is expected to grow significantly, with the global sanitary pads market projected to reach USD 56.83 billion by 2032 from USD 34.22 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.80%.

U by Kotex

U by Kotex, a premium sub-brand of Kotex, is renowned for its high-quality menstrual hygiene products, including pads, tampons, and pantiliners. Launched in 2011, U by Kotex has quickly gained popularity, especially among younger users with its U by Kotex Tween line aimed at girls aged 8-12. The brand has achieved significant market presence, contributing to Kotex's billion-dollar status in global net sales since 2011. A 2021 study by U by Kotex revealed that two in five people struggle to purchase period products, highlighting the brand's commitment to addressing period poverty. With its innovative products and social initiatives, U by Kotex continues to be a leading brand in the feminine hygiene market.

Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation is a prominent brand in the sanitary pads market, known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly products. As part of the global sanitary pads market, which was valued at USD 34.22 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 56.83 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 5.80%, Seventh Generation contributes significantly with its high-quality and environmentally conscious offerings. The brand is part of a market segment that is increasingly driven by health consciousness and the shift towards eco-friendly menstrual products. Seventh Generation's products are favored for their natural ingredients and minimal environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable hygiene solutions. The brand's presence in the market is notable, especially in regions like North America, where it competes with other major brands like Always, Kotex, and Natracare.

Hello Bello

Hello Bello is a notable brand in the baby product market, particularly for its premium and eco-friendly diapers. Launched by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, Hello Bello quickly gained a 10% market share in the plant-based baby product sector within its first year, highlighting its successful market penetration. The brand is known for its soft, hypoallergenic, and chlorine-free diapers, which are free from artificial fragrances, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Despite some users reporting issues with absorbency and leaks, the brand has achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate through continuous product improvements. Hello Bello's products are also affordable and accessible, making them a popular choice for many families. For more information, visit Hello Bello's official website.