Why are sanitary pads so expensive in the UK?

Despite being essential items, sanitary pads remain costly for many in the UK. Here's a deep dive into the factors driving their high price and why access remains a challenge.

1. Inflation & Supply Chain Disruption

Recent years have seen record inflation and ongoing supply-chain difficulties. According to Cheeky Wipes, per-pack prices have significantly risen due to raw material shortages and increased transport costs. Pads surged by 9% year-on-year, while tampons rose by 4% cheekywipes.com+1committees.parliament.uk+1.

2. The "Pink Tax" & Pricing Practices

Sanitary products, marketed only to women, often carry a "pink tax": a gender-based pricing strategy where women pay more for gendered goods. A Wikipedia article notes this leads to up to £200 in extra annual costs en.wikipedia.org+1cheekywipes.com+1.

3. VAT Removal Didn’t Lower Retail Prices

In 2021, the UK eliminated the "tampon tax" (VAT on pads and tampons) reddit.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12swlondoner.shorthandstories.com+12. Yet a 2022 study by Tax Policy Associates found only about 20% of those savings were passed on to shoppers, leaving retailers with a £36 million windfall context.news+1independent.co.uk+1.

4. Product Innovation & Marketing Costs

Brands heavily invest in:

  • Ultra-absorbent materials and ergonomic designs

  • Flexible packaging

  • Marketing campaigns
    These maintenance costs get passed on to consumers — meaning innovation can come with a higher price tag en.wikipedia.org+10weforum.org+10wired.com+10.

5. Single-Use Nature = High Long-Term Cost

Sanitary pads are single-use disposables, requiring monthly repurchasing. As Cheeky Wipes puts it, they become a monthly “ticket” to something nobody wants, steadily eating away at budgets cheekywipes.com+1independent.co.uk+1.

6. Period Poverty Is Worsening

According to the Economics Observatory, demand for free menstrual products rose 78% in Q1 2022 time.com+3economicsobservatory.com+3theguardian.com+3. Charities like Bloody Good Period report an 88% annual demand increase thesun.co.uk+7itv.com+7theguardian.com+7 — a sign that rising costs are pushing many to forgo basic hygiene.

✅ What You Can Do

  • Choose reusable products (e.g., menstrual cups, period underwear) — they save money over time and reduce waste.

  • Buy in bulk or during sales to reduce unit cost.

  • Monitor for supermarket markdowns: store brands often match the glucose of big brands at lower prices.

  • Access free or subsidised products through schools, NHS trusts, councils, and charities.

  • Advocate for change: call for retailers to pass on VAT savings and commit to fair pricing.

🔍 Summary Table

Factor Why It Matters
Inflation & supply issues Raises raw material and shipping costs
Pink Tax & gender pricing Women pay more for marketed goods
Poor VAT pass-through Retailers rarely pass savings on
Innovation & marketing R&D costs are passed to consumers
Disposable nature Requires frequent purchases
Growing period poverty More households can’t afford products

🧠 Final Thoughts

Sanitary products remain expensive due to a mix of external factors (inflation, supply chains), pricing decisions (pink tax, minimal VAT pass-through), and the ongoing costs of product innovation.

Switching to reusable, eco-friendly alternatives and leveraging free access schemes can offer both economic relief and reduce environmental impact — while advocating for fair pricing helps drive systemic change.

📚 References & Further Reading

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