Ontex Focuses on Skin Health in Hygiene Products

Skin irritation is a widespread but often overlooked issue for people using personal hygiene products. Ontex research shows that almost one in two people living with incontinence experience dermatitis or skin irritation, while clinical studies indicate that up to one in five incontinent patients develop skin damage in care settings, underlining the scale of the challenge for both users and caregivers. 

In response to these findings, Ontex has launched the Sensitive range with products combining fast absorption, up to 2.5 times faster than previous designs, hypoallergenic materials, and a skin-focused top sheet with ingredients such as zinc oxide, designed to help prevent skin irritation.

In these products, performance is not just about absorption. It is increasingly about keeping skin dry, protecting the skin barrier and preventing irritation over time, especially for aging and more fragile skin.

“Around 80% of caregivers are not trained to recognize dermatitis. Education and better product design are key to preventing complications,” said Dr. Maria Panourgia, geriatrician at Milton Keynes University Hospital (UK).

The same shift is visible in feminine care. Ontex consumer research and external market data confirm that demand is moving toward pH-balanced, microbiome-friendly and “natural on skin” products, as users become more attentive to comfort and skin sensitivity.

 “At Ontex, the direction is clear: in personal hygiene, skin health is part of product performance,” says Annick De Poorter, Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, confirms. “We design products that protect the skin and make that level of care accessible in everyday life.”