Box of 20 Playtex Gentle Glide Odor Absorbing non-deodorant plastic applicator tampons, Super

Box of 20 Playtex Gentle Glide Odor Absorbing non-deodorant plastic applicator tampons, Super, "With all natural odor absorber", Playtex Products Inc., USA, 1998-1999

Scented tampons were first introduced in the mid-1940s, playing on fears that even wearing ‘internal protection’ wouldn’t prevent unpleasant odours revealing you were menstruating.

Despite the fact that menstrual fluid has no smell until it is exposed to air, Playtex – keen to have the edge over market-leader Tampax – launched deodorant tampons in 1971, swiftly followed by domed tipped plastic applicators from or around 1973.

This pack of ‘odor absorbing’ tampons from the 1990s features an absorbent strip to “neutralize odors without a fragrance or scent for an extra confident feeling.” As well as reinforcing shame and social stigma, deodorising period products contain chemicals that can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance, potentially leading to irritation or infection. After receiving complaints from Planned Parenthood, Playtex added a warning label advising consumers to discontinue use and seek medical attention if they experienced irritation.