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Chinese singer-actor Huang Zitao is making headlines, but not for his music or drama roles this time. Instead, he's turning heads after promoting and selling women’s sanitary pads for just 1 Chinese cent during a livestream.
The livestream session, reportedly viewed by hundreds of thousands, resulted in the sale of roughly 49,500 trial packs of the pads.
Earlier, some netizens even called for Xiaomi's Lei Jun to launch his own sanitary pads. However, before Xiaomi made any announcement, mainland singer Huang Zitao recently began selling products from a sanitary pad factory he co-invested in during a livestream, offering 49,500 packs for trial at just 1 penny each.
Huang Zitao, along with his product team, claimed that the pads were of “medical grade” and had passed several rounds of product testing.
The label “medical grade” instantly sparked curiosity and controversy online, prompting medical professionals in China to weigh in on the claim.
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According to health experts, “medical grade” is not a nationally recognised classification in China.
Rather, it’s typically a marketing term used by manufacturers or specific industry groups.
One doctor explained that while “medical grade” lacks official standards, the pads did meet microbiological indicators comparable to China’s national “disinfection level” standards used for regulated feminine hygiene products.
Based on those comparisons, professionals have stated the pads should still be safe for everyday use by most consumers.
However, they warned that terms like “medical grade” or “disinfection level” don’t necessarily mean the product is completely germ-free.
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In fact, full sterilisation is rarely required in standard sanitary products.
Medical experts reassured the public that, for general use, regular pads that meet national hygiene standards are more than sufficient and safe.
The debate has reignited conversations about marketing practices in China’s booming livestream e-commerce industry.
Many viewers praised Zitao’s generosity and willingness to offer such essential items at an ultra-low price.
Others, however, questioned the use of health-related buzzwords that might mislead consumers who are unfamiliar with regulatory standards.
Huang Zitao has yet to release a formal statement addressing the professional concerns.
Meanwhile, the livestream clip continues to circulate on Chinese social platforms, with netizens split between admiration and caution.
Regardless of intent, Zitao's livestream has successfully highlighted the importance of transparency when it comes to products related to women’s health and hygiene.
Doctors continue to urge consumers to focus on certified safety standards rather than catchy labels.
As the e-commerce world grows more competitive, experts say it’s crucial for influencers and sellers alike to strike a balance between innovation, affordability, and responsibility.