As heatwaves persist across South Korea, consumer demand for “cooling” personal hygiene products has surged, with LG Unicharm’s “Sofy Cooling Fresh” line securing the top sales position in the sanitary and hygiene product category at Olive Young. According to data reported by Media In News, the product line reached the number one spot in both the monthly and weekly sales rankings for the category as of 9:00 a.m. on August 10.
The popularity of these products reflects a broader market trend where consumers increasingly prioritize comfort and cooling technology during the summer months. LG Unicharm, the manufacturer, attributes the strong performance to its proprietary “Refreshing Cooling Sheet” technology. This feature is designed to provide a cooling sensation upon contact with the skin, a development that has resonated with users seeking relief during high-temperature periods.
Market Performance and Product Evolution
The commercial success of the Sofy Cooling Fresh brand has been consistent over several years. Since its domestic launch in 2020, the product line has seen significant growth, surpassing 100 million units in cumulative sales as of July, as reported by Media In News. The brand’s momentum continued into the second quarter of this year, with sales volume increasing by 450% compared to the previous quarter. This performance earned the brand a “MD’s Pick” designation in the W-Care category for the 2025 Olive Young Awards, following a top-ranking performance in the retailer’s overall product listings in May of last year.
To sustain this growth, LG Unicharm has expanded its product offerings significantly. The current lineup includes 12 variations, comprising four types of sanitary pads, three types of overnight panties, and two types of panty liners. Recent additions to the portfolio include the “Sofy Cooling Fresh Organic Sanitary Pads,” launched in April, which feature a 100% organic cotton cover—excluding the side wings—and a “Cooling Fresh Feminine Cleanser” introduced in May.
Technical Specifications and Safety Standards
Beyond the cooling sensation, the product design focuses on functional efficiency and safety. The items utilize a “Dive Hole” design intended to facilitate rapid absorption of menstrual fluid, alongside a “convex-fit structure” meant to adhere closely to the body’s natural curves. These design choices aim to improve user comfort during active use in hot weather.
Safety and quality control remain central to the product’s marketing and production. According to Media In News, the Sofy Cooling Fresh line received an “Excellent” rating, the highest grade, in a primary skin irritation test conducted by the German dermatological research institute Dermatest, involving 30 adult subjects. Furthermore, the manufacturing facility operated by LG Unicharm in Gumi, South Korea, has secured certification for compliance with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for quasi-drugs.
Consumer Impact and Future Outlook
The reliance on cooling technology in feminine hygiene products underscores a specific consumer demand for products that mitigate the discomfort associated with high humidity and heat. An LG Unicharm representative stated that the product range was specifically developed to meet the needs of customers who seek a more comfortable and pleasant daily life, even during their menstrual period, during the summer season. The company expressed its commitment to continuing the release of various sanitary and feminine products based on proven cooling technology and product quality.
Consumers seeking the latest updates on product availability or brand-specific promotions can refer to the official Olive Young online store and mobile application, which provide real-time updates on category rankings and “8월 올영픽” (August Olive Young Pick) selections.
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