Starting your own brand of sanitary pads might feel huge but it’s possible. Right now, many factories in China produce pads for big brands you already know. What most people don’t realize is that those same factories can also make products with your name and your design on them. This process is called private label or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
In this guide, we’ll break everything down in plain words: what private label means, how sanitary pads are made, how much it costs, how to avoid mistakes, and how to take your first steps. If you’re young, new, or still learning, this will give you a clear picture without the heavy business talk.
What does “private label” mean?
Private label means:
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The factory makes the product.
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You own the brand.
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Your logo, design, and packaging go on it.
For example: A Chinese factory might produce 10 different pad brands. Each one has a different package and logo, but the pads all come from the same machines.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): The factory already has the pad design. You simply put your brand name on it.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): The factory helps you create a new design; for example, pads made with bamboo fiber or special packaging.
Most beginners start with OEM. It’s faster, cheaper, and requires smaller orders.
Why sanitary pads are a good product to private label
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High demand: Every month, women need pads. This means constant, repeat sales.
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Room for new brands: Women want more choices like organic cotton, bamboo, chemical-free options, or even just nicer packaging.
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Small start possible: Some factories accept lower orders if you’re clear about testing the market.
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Strong export market: Pads made in China are shipped all over the world to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
How sanitary pads are made (simple breakdown)
Factories make pads in layers:
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Top sheet: The soft cover that touches the skin. This can be cotton, bamboo fiber, or synthetic.
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Absorbent core: The inside that holds liquid. Usually a mix of pulp and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP).
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Back sheet: The waterproof layer that stops leaks.
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Wings and glue: To stick the pad to underwear.
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Individual wrap: Each pad is wrapped in a small film for hygiene.
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Outer packaging: Plastic bag or box with your brand name.
When you private label, you can choose details like:
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Size (day pads, night pads, panty liners).
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Thickness (ultra-thin, normal).
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Materials (organic cotton, bamboo, or standard pulp).
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Packaging (matte or glossy, small packs or big packs).
Step-by-step: How to start your own sanitary pad brand
Step 1: Decide your product style
Ask yourself: Who is my customer?
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Is she looking for cheap daily pads?
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Does she want premium organic cotton?
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Does she want extra-long night pads?
This choice will guide which factories you talk to.
Step 2: Shortlist factories
Search for “sanitary pad OEM China” or check platforms like Made-in-China and Alibaba. Pick 5–8 factories.
When you review them, look for:
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Certifications: ISO (International Organization for Standardization), CE (European Conformity), FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) registration.
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Export history: Have they shipped to your region before?
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MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): This is the lowest amount they will produce in one batch.
Step 3: Contact them
Send a short, clear message:
Hello, I want to build my own sanitary pad brand. Can you share:
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Price per pack (day pad and night pad)
Lead time (days needed to produce)
Factory certificates (ISO, CE, FDA)
Sample cost
Keep it simple. Most factories understand basic English.
Step 4: Order samples
Always test before buying. Order samples from 3–5 factories.
Check:
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Comfort (softness on skin).
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Absorption (does it leak under pressure?).
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Fit (wings, glue, shape).
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Smell (good pads should not have a strong odor).
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Packaging quality.
Step 5: Build your brand identity
Now work on:
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Name: Something simple, easy to remember.
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Logo and colors: Bright, soft, or eco-friendly depending on your market.
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Packaging design: Start with simple plastic packs. You can upgrade later to boxes or eco-friendly wrap.
Step 6: Negotiate a small order
Most factories will say MOQ is 50,000 packs or more. But you can ask for a pilot run: 5,000–10,000 packs. You may pay a little more per pack, but it lets you test the market without big risk.
Step 7: Do a quality check
Hire a third-party QC (Quality Control) team in China. They will check:
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Pad weight and size.
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Absorption test results.
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Packaging consistency.
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Random samples across the batch.
This step is small money compared to the risk of shipping poor-quality pads.
Step 8: Ship to your country
Two main shipping styles:
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FOB (Free On Board): You arrange shipping through your own forwarder.
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DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The factory or forwarder handles everything, and the goods arrive at your door.
For beginners, DDP is easier, even if slightly more expensive.
How much money do you need to start?
Numbers vary, but here’s a guide:
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MOQ (pilot order): 5,000–10,000 packs.
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Price per pack: $0.10 – $0.30 (depends on material and size).
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Design/plate fee: $200–$500 (one-time for your packaging).
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Quality check: $200–$400.
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Shipping: Depends on weight and country — often $1,000–$3,000 for a pilot order.
So, a first test launch could cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Skipping samples. Never trust factory photos alone.
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Making medical claims (“stops infection”) — this can cause legal trouble.
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Ordering too many on the first batch. Start small.
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Ignoring packaging. Good pads in ugly packaging don’t sell well.
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Forgetting customs duties in your country. Always check local import rules.
Example factories (for research only)
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Shuya (Guangxi, China): Known for pads and panty liners, OEM/ODM services.
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Tiico Paper (Jiangsu, China): Large exporter of feminine hygiene products.
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Winner Medical (Shenzhen, China): Specializes in medical and hygiene disposables.
(Note: These are examples, not endorsements. Always run your own checks.)
Where Boxbuy can help
Factories are busy, and they don’t always explain things clearly in English. Some may push for high orders, others may delay.
Boxbuy helps you by:
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Finding the right factories for your budget.
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Negotiating lower MOQ for test runs.
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Arranging samples and QC inspections.
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Handling shipping and paperwork.
That way, you focus on building your brand and customers, not chasing suppliers.
Final word
Starting your own sanitary pad brand is not as impossible as it looks. You don’t need to be a big company. With a clear plan, small pilot order, and the right partner, you can enter the market step by step.
This is a product with steady demand, global reach, and space for new brands. Start small, test carefully, and grow.
👉 Ready to try? Contact Boxbuy to begin your first private label sanitary pad project.