Use-dependent indicator system for absorbent articles

A method of forming an absorbent article containing an active chemical comprising the steps of: provision of an absorbent web containing fibers and that active chemical substance; characterized by applying a formulation to said web, said formulation comprising an indicator system, said indicator system comprising a mixture of reticulazos, water swellable polymers and at least one dye component, said component or dye components adapted to provide color to said web being applied, said component or dye components capable of dissolving into a liquid when the web is in contact with a liquid, dissolving the component or dye components at a faster rate than said active chemical when said element it sheet is in contact with a liquid, wherein the rate at which the component or dye components dissolved in said liquid is at least partially controllable by the polymer mixture, said indicator configured system so being that color of the web is altered before said active chemical is completely exhausted during the use of said article, providing said mixture of crosslinked, water swellable polymers, control of the dissolution rate of the dye component or components.