Sannette Douche Powder

Object Details

Description: Paper-wrapped metal cannister with screw-on metal cap and paper label. The paper wrapper is sealed on top with a round paper label reading: "Sannette / DOUCHE / POWDER / SOOTHING / FRAGRANT". Net weight 5 ounces. Made by Sannette Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.; Use and Directions as provided on the product packaging: "Sanette is a fragrant and effective Hygienic Powder, prepared for women's personal use. Sannette solution is not too astringent. It may be recommended as a sanitary wash for daily use. Sannette should not be confused with mercury, caustics, acids, cresols or similar poisonous solutions. Sannette solution, while powerful, is cooling, soothing and cleansing to mucous surfaces.; Directions: For vaginal douche: Use a heaping teaspoonful of Sannette to a quart of warm water. Properly dissolved, Sannette gives a clear solution."; "Sannette Antiseptic Powder" (or "Sannette Powder") first appears in advertisements in the early/mid-1920s where it is described as a female remedy, patent medicine, or antiseptic. It begins being referred to in ads as a "douche" beginning in the 1930s, and appears to disppear from advertisements in the mid-1940s.
Location: Currently not on view

early-1930s to mid-1940s

Physical Description: boric acid; alum; zinc sulphate; zinc chloride; phenol; methyl salicylate; menthol (product active ingredients); metal (container material)
Measurements: overall: 3 5/8 in x 2 1/2 in; 9.2075 cm x 6.35 cm

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine; Health & Medicine; Beauty and Hygiene Products: Feminine Care; Beauty and Health

National Museum of American History

Subject: Women's Health; Feminine hygiene products; Birth Control/Contraception

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-256d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa