A personal absorbent article (e.g., feminine care pad, sanitary napkin, diaper, incontinence pad etc.) has a color change indicator that employs a synergistic combination an acid component and a basic component for signaling to a user when the absorbent article may foster bacterial growth due to moisture absorption. After a certain period of time, the user can visually inspect the color of the color change indicator to obtain an indication of when it is time to replace or remove the article.
