Sofy Sidewalls and Sofy Bodyfit Sanitary Napkins Review

Sofy Sidewalls and Sofy Bodyfit Sanitary Napkins Review

This is a review of Sofy Bodyfit Sanitary Napkins. Sofy Body Fit is the new line of Sanitary Napkins launched by Unicharm in India. Those of you who don't know, Unicharm is a famous Japanese brand that makes Mamy Poko Pants (Baby Care item) and SOFY Sanitary Napkins (Feminine Hygiene).

Both their diapers and Sanitary Napkins are just super awesome, and they literally changed the scene in India by making excellent quality sanitary napkins available to women at a very competitive and economical price. The launch of SOFY Sanitary Napkins in India actually came as a breather after a long monopoly of Whisper (a P&G product) and it's ever increasing prices.

In December 2013, I saw the ad for SOFY Body Fit and it instantly aroused my interest. I checked all local shops but being a new product, it was not available here and still isn't. I contacted Unicharm for a sample and they generously sent me samples of the entire SOFY Body Fit range. I have used them for 3 months/menstrual cycles now along with my previously stocked Sofy Side walls napkins.

So here's the review. I am going to discuss all the 4 varieties of SOFY pads currently available in India.

Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review

Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review

This is a review of Everteeen Natural Intimate Wash, India's first 100% natural intimate wash. This intimate wash is the first of its kind, and I am glad that a brand finally thought of the harmful effects of chemicals on the sensitive female genitalia and came up with a fabulous product like this. Everteen Natural Intimate Wash not only cleans, but also tones the skin in your sensitive area.

Quantity: 105ml / 3.55fl oz

Price: INR 180

Shelf Life: Best use within 24 months from mfg date

Availability: You can buy from (these are direct links to the product) Flipkart.com, ebay.in, Privyshop.com, shopping.rediff.com, snapdeal.com, healthkart.com, safetykart.com, healthyogre.com etc. Also available at Delhi and Mumbai Pharmacies/ Chemist shops - You can message their Facebook page to get the address of your nearby store selling this.

The packaging is quite attractive and travel friendly. No special handling required.

Clean and Dry Intimate Wash Review

This is a review of Clean And Dry Intimate Wash (pH Balanced) for women.

Quantity: 100 ml

Price: Rs 100

Shelf Life: 36 months

Availability: Available at privyshop.com and a few other online stores. May also be available at chemist shops.

So far I have tried Avon, Lactacyd, Vagisil and now Clean and Dry. Lactacyd is still the best and safest so far. The thing that sets Clean and Dry Intimate Wash apart from other such washes in the Indian market is it's skin lightening claim.

Lactacyd Feminine Wash Review

This is a review of Lactacyd Perineal Wash with Lactic Acid and Lactoserum. This particular packing is available in India. The packing varies in other countries.

The bottle comes laminated and the mouth is further sealed with a thick tape that says 'Peel Off'.

Quantity: 100 ml (other size variation available)

Price: INR 113.50

Shelf Life: 24 Months

Lactacyd Feminine Wash is a medicated wash and is usually prescribed by gynaecologists to treat vaginal infections along with other medication. I bought from a drug store/pharmacy on my own, to maintain feminine hygiene and to avoid infections.

It is a pearl white liquid (looks like shampoo) with mild pleasant fragrance.

PACKAGE DESCRIPTION AND INGREDIENTS:

I have added detailed information on the ingredients later in the post. Those who don't want the details can skip that part.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH LACTACYD FEMININE WASH:

I have used 3 bottles in the past and recently got my 4th one. But I have never used it continuously one bottle after another.

I have used feminine washes from Avon and Vagisil in the past and Lactacyd is much milder than them. The Avon Feminine Wash felt quite acidic and Vagisil irritated my skin for some time. Even the ingredient list of Lactacyd is much milder than Vagisil Feminine Wash. Except for Phenoxyethanol and Bronidox L, I did not find any other possible irritants in this product.

• You need a very very small amount and it foams up well giving you a squeaky clean feeling.
• Rinses out easily as compared to other feminine washes
• I prefer using on alternate days. 
• Especially helpful in maintaining hygiene during periods.
• Does not burn on the skin
• Does not cause irritation

If you feel any irritation using this wash, please discontinue immediately. If you have doubts, consult a gynecologist before using this product. Else use raw milk / curd / curd water (yellowish water in curd) / lactoserum (yellowish curd water obtained while making cheese or sour milk). You can also soak oats for a few minutes in any of these, or milk or water, and use it as a vaginal scrub.

DO NOT USE LACTACYD FOR DOUCHING:

Lactacyd feminine wash is for external use only. Do not use this or any vaginal wash to clean deep inside the vagina forcing the liquid inside the body (Douching).

OTHER LACTACYD VARIATIONS:

Lactacyd is also available in numerous other variations in different countries. Some variations are Lactacyd pH3.5, Lactacyd Lasting Freshness, Lactacyd Nourish, Lactacyd Fresh Radiance, Lactacyd Teenage Vaginal Wash etc. There are also Lactacyd Feminine Wipes available in some countries.

Lactacyd has launched two new variations in Singapore, Malaysia and some other countries a few months ago.

1. Lactacyd White Intimate Whitening Daily Feminine Wash
2. Lactacyd Revitalize Youth Reviving Daily Feminine Wash

The first one claims to clear and whiten the skin and the second one claims to tighten the skin

None of these are available is India yet.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LACTACYD PERINEAL WASH INGREDIENTS:

Zetesol MGS : Blend of Magnesium Laureth Sulfate and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate  Offers rich and creamy foam. Protects from low temperatures. Possesses very good skin and eye compatibility. Used in shampoos, foam baths, shower gelsHigh foaming surfactant for all types of body cleansing formulations, developing a very creamy foam.

Tegobetain HS = Cocamidopropyl Betaine (and) Glyceryl Laurate. It is a high purity grade amphoteric surfactant which has a low viscosity making it easily pumpable. It gives good foaming properties with a very mild skin feel and gives some mild *refatting properties. It is particularly useful in mild formulations such as baby cleansing formulations and intimate hygiene solutions.

*Refatting means something that replenishes the lipids of the hair or of the top layers of the skin.

Euperlan PK810: Blend of Glycol Distearate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide-MEA and Laureth-10. Used as a bath opacifying pearlescent agent (that gives pearl shine) for shampoos, foam baths, washing lotions, and other surfactants.

Lactoserum: The watery part of milk that separates from the curds, as in the process of making cheese.

Cetiol HE = PEG-7-Glyceryl Cocoate. It is highly soluble in water, has excellent cleansing effect and is also a reffating agent.

Phenoxyethanol: It is a preservative and is being widely used today as an alternative to parabens. So it is hard to avoid as it is present in most products. It is allowed up to 1% concentration in certain countries as it can be a potential skin irritant and can also cause neurotoxicity even at low concentrations.

Antil 141: It is used as a thickening agent in surfactancts. Has good dermatological compatibility.

Lindum TE 5482: I have no idea what it is as I could not find a single source of information on this on the internet.

Bronidox L = Bronidox L. is a solution of 5-bromo-nitro-1,3-dioxan in 1,2 propylene glycol. Just like Phenoxyethanol, it is also a preservative and acts as antimicrobial/ anti-bacterial agent. It is corrosive to metals so it may react with any metal rings you may be wearing.

Lactic Acid: Also known as milk acid occurs naturally in rancid/sour/ milk  and curdled milk. It is also produced commercially. It is a disinfectant.

Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review
Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Review
Clean and Dry Intimate Wash Review

Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Review

This is a review of Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash. This was released in India by Elder Pharmaceuticals in Feb this year, along with two other feminine hygiene products: Vagisil Anti-Itch Creme and Vagisil Intimate Feminine Lubricant. I bought it online from Medplusbeauty.com. In the past I have used a few bottles of Lactacyd and another feminine hygiene wash from Avon. Since Lactacyd is not readily available in my current city, I thought of giving this a try.

 Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash India 

Quantity: 100 gms

Price: INR 120

Shelf Life: 24 Months

Packing: Flip open cap, Inverted Tube, nozzle comes sealed with aluminium foil. Need to puncture the seal before using.

 Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Swatch 

Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash looks and smells like Clinic Plus Shampoo (blue gel). It is highly concentrated and very sticky. Initially a lot of liquid used to come out and I felt that this kind of liquid product should not come in such tube packing. This comes in a bottled packaging in other countries. Later as the level went down, it wasn't that runny. 

PRODUCT CLAIMS:

Well, despite the 'gently cleanses without irritation, even on sensitive skin' claim, this product is causing me itching. I have been using this daily for 2 months now. Initially a lot of liquid used to flow out, and because it was difficult to put it back in, I would use the whole amount. It would take almost a bucket of water to rinse off. I have reduced the quantity to just a pea sized amount and still it's such a pain to rinse off :(

Dashing a direct stream of water in the feminine private area is not advisable, as it disturbs the natural pH and washes off the body's natural defense layering against infections. Then if you have to dash a lot of water there just to rinse off this product, it defeats the whole purpose of using it in the first place. Honestly, I have seen no difference between washing my private parts with this or any other highly foaming shampoo. Initially I didn't like it for excessive foaming and now I hate it even more because it has eventually started itching.

Well, the embarrassing feminine odour they are using as a marketing stunt, it is important to note here that the feminine private part and discharge do have their own distinct smell and it is something natural and nothing to be embarassed about. But if it smells really odd or foul, it is advisable to see a doctor than use such a stupid wash full of Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

INGREDIENTS:

Here comes the best part. A product that looks so innocent at face value and uses attractive terms like 'hypoallergenic, enriched with skin-soothing chamomile, Vitamin E and Aloe', can you imagine what all goes into it. I researched each ingredient and found that besides SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), this feminine wash contains other potentially harmful chemicals, which are restricted from use in cosmetics in certain countries. Even where these are allowed, there is a certain % in which they can be used, but the percentages are not mentioned anywhere on the packaging.

SLS: A surfactant commonly used in shampoos. Carcinogen and can cause skin allergies.

DMDM Hydantoin: Used as a preservative instead of Formaldehyde. But this product itself slowly releases formaldehyde in a product, therefore posing a bigger danger. This is suspected of causing skin or sense organ toxicity.

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Again a preservative, used as an alternative to parabens. It is acutely toxic by inhalation and should not be used in products that can be aerosolized or inhaled. It is a potent and proven contact allergen, which causes allergic dermatitis. This is also commonly found in skin wipes though it is banned in cosmetics in certain countries.

Benzothonium Chloride: This compound is highly toxic by ingestion. It is also harmful by inhalation or skin absorption. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition this chemical emits very toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrogen chloride gas. It is sensitive to light, meaning can cause chemical reaction when exposed to light.

I had been thinking of checking the ingredients ever since the itching started. At first glance, I thought it could be SLS but I see there are other potential allergans in this product that could be causing it.

People with sensitive skin, stay away from this. If you use a feminine wash in your daily routine please share your views/comments.

Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review

Lactacyd Feminine Wash Review

Clean and Dry Intimate Wash Review

SOFY Side Walls vs Whisper Ultra - Review

This is a review of SOFY Side Walls Sanitary pads and also its comparison with the leading brand Whisper Ultra. Reader discretion is advised. To see an updated review of this napkin and a review of SOFY's new body fit range, click HERE.

Sofy Side Walls Sanitary Napkins Available as SOFT or DRY 

SOFY Side Walls Sanitary Napkins Available as SOFT or DRY

I had been loyal to Whisper Ultra since it was first available in my city, I don’t know how many years ago. Procter & Gamble first launched Whisper in India in 1989. It was a revolution and a God sent when it came into the market, though it has always been the costliest sanitary napkin brand. This is how I currently feel about it:

WHISPER ULTRA

1. In the last few years I have seen a steep fall in their quality, and a steep rise in their price every few months.
2. The Whisper Ultra Sanitary napkins are all the more 'plasticky' now, very uncomfortable and itchy to be used during summers as your skin just can’t breathe through it. Earlier it used to be better.
3. The green disposal wrap around the pad just tears off into pieces while taking out the napkin. Earlier it used to be better.
4. The used napkin mostly tears off while removing to dispose it.
5. Being plastic like, it hurts and creates rashes on the inner thighs, and the plastic wings absorb less, making the inner thighs dirty.
6. Worst, the perfume they have now added to it just stings your sensitive skin the moment you wear it, making it a very uncomfortable experience off late.
7. The lemon/fluorescent green pad cover attracts unwanted attention when you carry it along while travelling.

I had been unhappy with Whisper Ultra off late and had no choice because no other sanitary napkin in the market did the job as well as it did all these years. Whisper Ultra has given me years of comfortable periods and I wish their product quality had not deteriorated. Anyways, I am happy to have discovered my new comfy friend SOFY Side Walls.

When I first saw the ad for SOFY side walls a few months ago with Prachi Desai walking the ramp in a white dress promoting this sanitary pad, I thought it may be just another low end bad sanitary napkin brand. One fine day, while browsing through goodlife.com’s newly launched personal care section, I happened to discover that SOFY is a product of Unicharm, a Japanese brand which also manufactures the bestest baby diapers Mamy Poko pants. The name Unicharm was enough to change my view for this product. I wanted to buy and try out this product at the earliest.

I bought it from a local super store, but I also bought my regular Whisper Ultra pack just in case the Sofy ones don’t live to my expectations. Whatever Japanese products I have used so far are simply the best, be it a laptop, or diapers or personal care or sanitary pads. My first use of this sanitary napkin and I was all praises for it and have been a convert to this brand for many months now. This is why:

SOFY SIDE WALLS

1. The wrapper around each pad is beautiful cottony white, which gives you a very pure clean happy feeling, easy to carry in purse without inviting unwanted attention.
2. The pads are super absorbent and very comfortable. As thin and light as Whisper Ultra. Don’t hurt inner thighs and keep them clean.
3. Made of cotton like breathable material which does not cause any itching like Whisper Ultra.
4. No useless perfumes added.
5. Economical as compared to Whisper Ultra. I found promotional packs in a shop near my home. Just Rs 99 for a (15 pads+8 pads) combo pack, which lasted 2 months lavish usage. Even without the offer, they cost less than Whisper Ultra, so you can change pads every 3 hours, staying clean and dry, without burning a hole in your pocket.
6. The Sofy pads are wider than Whisper Ultra and fit better on any style panties. Whisper doesn’t properly fit all panty styles/brands.
7. The Large and Extra Large Dry Napkins are the best from the Sofy Range.

SOFY Side Walls Sanitary Napkin

SOFY Side Walls Sanitary Napkin

SOFY SIDE WALLS CHART

SIZE & PRICE -> TYPE    |    V	DON’T BUY Regular (Pink) SLIM	RECOMMEND Large (Orange) SLIM	HIGHLY RECOMMEND Extra Large (Purple) ULTRA SLIM	Discounts
SOFT 8 Pads	INR 49  INR 39	INR 55 INR 44	INR 65 INR 52	20% off on goodlife.com
DRY 8 Pads	INR 49	INR 55	INR 65	None
SOFT 15 Pads	INR 89	INR 99	INR 120	None
DRY 15 Pads	INR 89	INR 99	INR 120	None

WHISPER ULTRA SANITARY NAPKINS CHART

	Regular	Large	XL	Discounts
DAY 8 Pads	INR 55	X	INR 70
DAY 15 Pads	INR 99	X	INR 125	Twin pack (30 pads) INR 250 INR 245
NIGHT 7 Pads	X	X	INR 70	None
NIGHT XTRA HEAVY FLOW 7 Pads	X	X	INR 75	None
NIGHT 15 Pads	X	X	INR 140	Twin Pack (30 pads) INR 280 INR 245

SOME MORE COMPARISON POINTS:

• Whisper pad’s top layer has broader funnel points, so even thick clots get into the core instantly. But actually it takes a few minuters to convert that into gel and lock it, during which, the fluid seeps back and stains your genitals. SOFY pad’s top weave funnel seems to have thinner points. So clots take a little longer to get to the core pad, but the fluid doesn’t seep back and it locks quickly into gel, leaving you clean, dry and comfortable.
• Both brands offer different pad lengths/thicknesses/variations for different women’s need, according to their body size or period flow. The Sofy REGULAR length pads are just useless even for a very thin woman/girl. They are insufficiently small. So DO NOT buy the REGULAR size in SOFY or keep them for the last days. If the Sofy XL size is not sufficient for your night flow, then the new Whisper Ultra Extra Heavy Flow night pads are your solution (longer and broader at back. I haven’t tried, so don’t know if they itch or not).

Whisper Ultra Sanitary Napkins Available as DAY or NIGHT

MY RECOMMENDATION:

To be honest, till yesterday, I didn’t notice that there is a DRY and a SOFT variation in SOFY. But I love the DRY ones.
UPDATE Sept 19, 2013: The 'SOFT' range of SOFY napkins have been discontinued in India. The DRY ones are anyways the best and they are still available.

Sofy Side Walls XLarge Dry 8 Pads Pack - Recommended

AVAILABILITY

UPDATE Nov 29, 2013: The discounted Rs 49 packs of 8 pads have been discontinued since SOFY recently launched its new SOFY BODYFIT range. Now you get 6 pads for Rs 49 instead of the promotional 8. Discounted economical packs of 8 pads are still available online only at privyshop.com, flipkart.com and ebay.in.

Easily available in local shops. If you have not seen it in your city, you can write to customercare@unicharm.com or call +91 9971988339 to know about your local stores selling these.

If you are a loyal Ultra user, do try out Sofy Side Walls. It’s definitely worth a try. If you have already used, please share your experience.Your feedback is important. If you feel different from the review above, would love to hear your experience with this (these) brands. Let’s make periods happy for others!

NEW: Click HERE to read SOFY Bodyfit Review.

Also Check out:

Sofy Bodyfit Review and updated Sofy Side Walls Review
CozyCare Comfy Thin Sanitary Napkins Review
Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review
Lactacyd Feminine Wash Review
Clean and Dry Intimate Wash Review
Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Review
PMS (Pre Menstrual Stress) Relief Aromatherapy Roll On Review