4 Women-Owned Wellness Brands Prioritizing Science, Inclusion And Innovation

Women are well aware of the gender healthcare gap. How could we not be? It was not until 1993 that the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring the inclusion of women in clinical research – a glaringly overdue change. Despite women representing 51% of the U.S. population, a 2022 study found that women accounted for just 40% of participants over thousands of clinical trials.

Adding to this disparity, a more recent study confirmed that women live longer than men, but spend more of their lives in poor health. For far too long, the health and wellness industries have approached women’s health as an afterthought rather than a cornerstone.

There is a critical need for health and wellness solutions that prioritize women’s unique biological, psychological, and social needs. Thankfully, women-owned wellness brands are stepping up to bridge this gap. By integrating science, innovation, and inclusivity, these wellness brands are creating products designed with women at the forefront.

With PFAS and volatile organic compounds, as well as arsenic and lead, being found in menstrual products, herbs emerge. Bea Dixon, founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, created the first feminine care system powered by herbs after struggling with bacterial vaginosis for eight months. Determined to find a solution, Dixon developed products that combine natural ingredients with science-backed effectiveness.

Honey Pot has conducted several clinical studies to ensure its products are non-irritating and effective for sensitive skin types. For example, one clinical test analyzed swabs from vaginal and skin microorganisms to evaluate how their products interact with and support the microbiome. The results confirmed that their formulas are microbiome-friendly, helping to maintain and support a healthy balance of microorganisms.

Maven is a women-owned wellness brand and the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family healthcare, according to its website. Founded by Katherine Ryder in 2014, Maven provides access to licensed healthcare professionals, from OB-GYNs and mental health therapists to lactation consultants and pediatricians, through its innovative telehealth platform. With its commitment to inclusivity, Maven ensures that individuals across diverse backgrounds and family structures receive personalized care, according to its website.

″When you take care of women and families, not only do you have a better healthcare system in all of these countries but you have a better company,” Ryder told CNBC.

The platform’s services, which include fertility support, postpartum care, and mental health resources, are designed with input from leading medical professionals and backed by rigorous research. This year, Maven received several awards, including Modern Healthcare Top Women Leaders. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative healthcare companies, Maven continues to redefine what accessible, high-quality healthcare looks like for women and families worldwide.

Glamourina, co-founded by Kia Phillips and Nekol Gaskins, is an activewear brand dedicated to empowering women of color through representation and culturally inspired designs. Recognizing the lack of inclusivity in the fitness industry, Glamourina creates high-quality, size-inclusive activewear that celebrates diversity while providing comfort and functionality. The brand’s patterns and designs draw inspiration from Kente and Ankara prints, promoting cultural pride and self-expression, according to the website.

Philips and Gaskins founded Glamourina to inspire women of color to embrace wellness while honoring their cultural roots. Gaskins explained to Essence how intentional they were in making the brand culturally inspired, since they hadn’t seen that done at the time.

“The fact that Black women weren’t put into the forefront of these fitness ads for major brands, we wanted to do something about that,” Gaskins added.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with Glamourina’s Melanin Leggings being recognized as a winner of the 2022 SELF Certified Activewear Awards for Best Leggings. The wellness brand has also been featured in Essenceand Black Enterprise, proving that fitness and fashion can be a celebration of identity.

Ritual has quickly become a leading wellness brand by offering a new approach to vitamins and supplements for women. Founded by Katerina Schneider in 2016, Ritual aims to provide high-quality, science-backed products with full transparency in ingredient sourcing and formulation, according to its website. Ritual’s multivitamins are crafted with bioavailable ingredients, making them easier for the body to absorb and utilize.

Ritual’s clinical study on their Essential for Women multivitamin highlights the brand’s dedication to transparency. In the study, a diverse group of women showed improvements in key areas like energy levels and immune function. Plus, all Ritual products are Clean Label Project certified, meaning you can trust its sourcing.