Periods are a part of life; yet for too long, they have been covered with shame, secrecy, and often subpar products. But today’s generation of women entrepreneurs in India is breaking that silence and revolutionizing how we care for our bodies during that time of the month. They are not just offering period pads or pain relief; they are delivering comfort by creating brands that offer eco-conscious and skin-friendly products.
What’s more? These wellness brands for women are also reshaping the conversation around menstrual health, giving us options that make us feel not only taken care of but also empowered. Check out these 5 homegrown wellness brands for women that are making period care a little easier, empowering and eco-conscious.
1. Carmesi
Co-founded by Tanvi Johri in 2017, the idea for Carmesi came to her after personally struggling for a long time with rashes and allergies caused by the usual pads available in the market. Seeing the scarcity (and the need) of sanitary products that were safe for the body and the environment, she started working towards finding solutions of her own.
Carmesi offers biodegradable sanitary pads made from bamboo fiber and corn starch, giving you a chemical-free experience. The brand also addresses the issue of hygienic disposal of used pads, as each of the sanitary pads that you order come with their own eco-friendly disposal bag. From sanitary napkins and menstrual cups to period panties and period cramps relief patches you will find it all here. There is also a range of self-care and grooming products that you can check out on their website.
2. Nua
Speaking of homegrown wellness brands for women, we cannot skip Nua. Co-founded by Swathi Kulkarn, this brand brings a unique approach to menstrual care. It offers customization and subscription services to allow customers to curate a pack with different sizes of pads to address their flow and comfort. All their products are dermatologically tested, made with 100% safe ingredients, with no harmful chemicals or fragrances. And, each sanitary pad comes in an individual secure shield cover with a resealable flap to provide disposal convenience.
Nua also provides intimate hygiene and PMS relief products, addressing the broader spectrum of menstrual health. The brand is also building a wellness community which encourages open conversations around menstruation and feminine hygiene.
3. Avni Wellness
Founded by Sujata Pawar and her husband, Avni Wellness offers eco-friendly products like reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and disposable natural cotton sanitary pads. All their products are lab tested for biocompatibility, antimicrobial effect and toxic effluents. Its flagship reusable period pads are designed with organic cotton that protect against bacterial growth and rashes. They can be washed and reused up to 100 times, helping menstruators reduce both waste and monthly spending. You can also find plant-based liquid detergent on their website, for stain and odor removal from your reusable products.
Avni has a community-driven approach, supporting users with the “AvniBuddy” helpline, a 24/7 service offering advice and guidance regarding menstruation. And it is a size-inclusive brand, where you can find perfect products for yourself going up to 6XL in size.
4. The Woman’s Company
Anika Parashar and Roopam Gupta founded The Woman’s Company with the belief that menstrual wellness should be comfortable, and environmentally responsible. Their pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and panty liners are made from organic cotton and biodegradable materials. They also have bamboo razor and an all-natural shaving cream available on their website.
With the idea to create a “waste-free period,” everything from their products to packaging is biodegradable. This women-led brand has also introduced “Stand-and-Pee” Sticks, a uniquely designed product to help women reduce the chances of infections contracted by using public toilets.
5. FabPad
FabPad was founded out of Shripriya Khaitan Dhelia’s need for affordable, healthy and reusable cloth pad. And when she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she decided to create something herself to address the needs of many other women like her.
Their pads are crafted from soft, breathable and 100% biodegradable materials that are free from synthetic dyes and chemicals, and come in various sizes to suit different flow levels. They also have a variety of reusable cloth pads, in pink, red and maroon colors. Apart from pads, you can also find tampons, menstrual cups and panty liners; and a range of personal care products such as maternity breast pads, sweat pads, and stand and pee funnels. And, they have also launched cotton underwear for men.
Fabpads also has a sustainability mission to empower women with employment opportunities, and for every 25 pads sold, they donate 1 pad to the economically disadvantaged menstruator.
So, the next time you look for period essentials or personal care products, consider these homegrown wellness brands for women. They are addressing real issues faced by menstruators, whether it’s the need for chemical-free products or environmentally sustainable options.
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