When it comes to menstruation, people often erase Black women. Menstrual care products make up a global multi-billion-dollar industry. Big corporations sell most products, but the brand often most favored are the ones owned by smaller woman-owned companies that understand first-hand what women want and need. At least six of those brands are owned by very motivated African American women entrepreneurs. Here are some Black owned menstrual care companies to support during your next cycle.
The Honey Pot Co.
Founded by Bea Dixon in 2012, The Honey Pot is the world’s first plant-based feminine care line that’s gained an enormous fan base for its chemical-free, environmentally friendly washes, as well as wipes, tampons, and pads. Dixon started The Honey Pot Co because she was suffering from bacterial vaginosis for months and couldn’t get relief. The design for each product was inviting and direct, and included a note that manages to speak almost exclusively to Black, Black queer, and Black trans women. The Honey Pot Company has since expanded from the first product Dixon concocted, The Normal Wash, to a full line of products ranging from wipes to menstrual cups to postpartum healing pads.
NIIMA
NIIMA was started to provide all women with organic and safe period care that is free of toxic chemicals and products that can be trusted. Canadian-based Toun Omezi launched the organic period care line because she was inspired by her own needs following the removal of an endometrial polyp. She desired cleaner feminine care products, and some of the options she’d used in the past, she realized, were far from that. “There is definitely a need for Black women to be aware of the adverse effects of exposing our reproductive parts to these harmful chemicals,” Omezi said in an interview with Essence. NIIMA strives to use biodegradable and sustainable materials that will help reduce environmental waste and has a lower ecological footprint on the plane.
Moozii
Tiffany Johnson started Moozii during the pandemic after she became aware that many Black women were not aware of sustainable period care products. Johnson created the brand where people of color have space to see themselves choosing more sustainable options. Moozii offers products ranging from 100% Medical Grade Menstrual cups, Organic Reusable Pads, and CBD Wellness and Beauty products. “For years I was an avid tampon user. Switching to menstrual cups was a game-changer for me, but when speaking to my girlfriends, I noticed that most were not aware of the environmental and financial benefits of menstrual cups,” said Johnson on the website. “From there, I made it my mission to create a space where women of color can see women like themselves choosing more sustainable and safer feminine care and wellness products.”
Femly
After suffering a cervical tumor that was linked to chemicals, founder Arion Long created an eco-friendly, organic line of products. Their best sellers include cotton pads, pantyliners, and menstrual cups. Femly was created to provide overachieving products, and education, and increase access to help end-period poverty. An eco-friendly & organic feminine care company that manufactures healthier alternatives and delivers them to your door. The brand’s top sellers include cotton pads, pantyliners, and menstrual cups.
Twistie On The Go
Tawana J switched to menstrual cups and noticed how inaccessible they were for people in developing countries. Tawana’s mantra is “why shouldn’t we all experience the ease, convenience and comfort of a menstrual cup? Especially when it helps the environment, we live in.” Twistie aims to provide a safe, healthy and sustainable alternative to period care, for all menstruating persons no matter social or financial status. The cup is available in North America, the UK and the Caribbean with plans to expand to other developing countries.
Femi Secrets
The story of Femi Secrets started in 2012, when the founder and President, Davielle Jackson, set out to create a better solution for a friend who was experiencing heavy menstrual flow and leaking. Their mission is to provide women of all ages with quality sanitary products that provide the ultimate protection and make women feel safe, confident, and comfortable at all times. “I decided to give women a better choice offering full coverage, all-natural, and chemical-free feminine hygiene care products. I want to lead the charge and teach women to ask questions about things that are going on with their bodies,” says Jackson on their website. “I look to a future where fibroids, PCOS, and all other feminine hormonal-induced disease will be minimized by the preventative effects of Femi Secrets.”
Ruby Love
Founded by Crystal Etienne in 2015 and formerly known as PantyProp, Ruby Love is an apparel company rooted in the belief that periods should never stop women from doing, being, and going. The company offers everything you’ll need for that time of the month, from double-sided pads and leak-proof swimsuits to “first-period kits” for teens. In the spirit of sustainability, Ruby Love’s reusable, stylish, and comfortable underwear offers leakproof coverage with its special dri-tech mesh.
Nene FemHealth
Created by Nerissa Olugbala, this brand provides toxic-free health and beauty products. The founder strongly believes that women deserve fem care that not only gives them the results they need, but fem care that will also inspires them to feel beautiful, powerful, and confident in their femininity. Her company also offers vaginal steaming services, which is used by midwives for postpartum care right after a woman has a baby. Vaginal steaming is also used as a hygenic post-period practice to get any left-over blood out of the vaginal tract once the period is over.
Here We Flo
Was founded four years ago by two Masters students. Here We Flo is on a mission to challenge shame and disrupt the period, bladder and sexual wellness markets with its organic and vegan products, including tampons, pads, reusable period underwear and condoms. FLO tampons are made from 100% organic biodegradable cotton, with silky-smooth BPA-free recyclable plastic applicators. Their bamboo pads are made from plant-material like corn fiber and bamboo (obvz), with biodegradable plant-based wrappers. They also donate menstrual products to fight period poverty through organizations like St. Mungo’s and Bloody Good Period, who provide for refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless. 5% of their profits go to charities like Orchid Project, dedicated to ending female genital cutting (FGM).
Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
