The New Era of Feminine Health Is Here, and These Are the Products Worth Trying

The new, unapologetic era of feminine health is here. We’re no longer hiding our pads under a box of cereal while waiting in line at the store. We’re no longer settling for tampons with unsafe ingredients, or suffering through menopause symptoms or painful intimacy without support. We’re advocating for better and safer, and there’s a whole new crop of products designed with these non-negotiables in mind.

“I think feminine health is in the spotlight right now because of the recent concern over national policy decisions highlighting the disparities in health care for women,” says New York OBGYN Angela Wilson, MD. “It’s clear that some aspects of our health have not been fully explored, and research for women’s health has been limited. In the past, women’s vaginal and sexual health was considered taboo to speak about. Now more than ever, women want to be certain that their concerns are heard, their differences are prioritized and embraced, and health care is accessible. We need to ensure this movement continues. There is lot that still needs to be explored, and the need for new research is the way we will get there.”

Period Care

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DIVA Cramp Care Patch ($18)

DIVA, the brand known for pioneering the reusable menstrual DIVA Cup, enters a new category this year with its self-heating Cramp Care Patch for the most painful days of your cycle. Infused with motherwort, it delivers up to eight hours of gentle heat to soothe frustrating aches (try it on your lower back, too). “The menstrual wellness category is evolving rapidly, with people embracing a more holistic view of cycle care and pain management,” says Carinne Chambers-Saini, CEO of DIVA.

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Cora Invisi-feel Daily Liner ($9)

At half the thickness of a regular liner, Cora’s Invisi-feel Daily Liner is its thinnest one yet for a barely there feel. Whether you have a light flow, spotting, discharge or sweat, this liner offers the kind of discreet protection we appreciate. It’s also made with a 100-percent organic cotton topsheet that is dermatologically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. “At Cora, we’ve seen a powerful shift toward prioritizing comfort, confidence and transparency in this category,” says Dana Cohen, Cora’s chief marketing officer.

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LOLA Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons ($11)

Free of chlorine bleaching, fragrances and other potential toxins and irritants, LOLA’s Compact Plastic Applicator Tampons are made of 100-percent organic cotton and BPA-free plastic. We love that you can also customize your assortment—Light, Regular, Super or Super+—depending on your flow. “Technological advances are helping us find more natural products for such a sensitive area, as well as more products and ingredients that are environmentally safe,” Dr. Wilson says.

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Menopause Care

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Alubri Vaginal Moisturizing Gel ($30)

Durham, NC OBGYN Nicole Kerner, MD cofounded Alubri after hearing many patients express a need for hormone- free products to treat vaginal dryness, a common symptom of menopause. This Vaginal Moisturizing Gel provides up to 72 hours of hydration and uses a proprietary blend of activated oils to normalize the vaginal microbiome. “This reduces the bad bacteria while promoting the good,” says Dr. Kerner, who suggests using it twice a week before bed.

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Bonafide Health Thermella ($60)

Thermella is a first-of-its-kind, clinically proven supplement from Bonafide Health that provides relief from moderate-to-severe hot flashes and night sweats in as soon as two weeks— no prescription needed. New York OBGYN Alyssa Dweck, MD, the brand’s chief medical officer, says the hormone-free tablets (two per day) help “rebalance the body’s thermoregulatory center by blocking the neurokinin B (NKB) pathway, which is the same mechanism of action as current prescription options.

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Evvy Estradiol Vaginal Cream ($69)

For those who prefer a hormonal option (the trend is growing), Evvy Estradiol Vaginal Cream is an intravaginal cream that offers a low dose of USP-grade estradiol (0.01 percent) to reduce vaginal dryness, painful sex and UTIs. “Vaginal estrogen is one of the most effective and underused options for restoring comfort after menopause,” says Seattle OBGYN Kate McLean, MD, Evvy’s chief medical officer. “Most people begin noticing improvements within

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Intimate Care

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Nakery Beauty Intimate Cleanser ($24)

Many body wash formulas are too harsh for our delicate spots, but not Nakery Beauty’s creamy, gynecologist-tested Intimate Cleanser. It boasts a luxurious lather and is clinically proven to support a healthy microbiome thanks to bacillus ferment and lactic acid. “For those who have vaginal issues, from itching to not being able to wear workout clothes because of irritation, this formula is free of both fragrance and glycerin, and hydrates for 24 hours,” says brand founder Liz Folce.

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Playground Free Love Lubricant ($18)

Playground, the intimacy brand cofounded by Christina Aguilera, created this silky, water-based Free Love Lubricant for women who are prone to infections and irritation down below. Infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and ashwagandha, it moisturizes and protects delicate vaginal skin from friction and micro- tears while also boosting blood flow to heighten sensitivity. Another bonus: It’s free of fragrance and glycerin, which can aggravate intimate areas.

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Lemme Play Daily Intimacy Gummies ($30)

From Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness brand Lemme comes these cherry-flavored, gluten- free Lemme Play Daily Intimacy Gummies, which are designed to give a little boost in the libido department. The key ingredient, S7 Nitric Oxide Complex (it comprises seven plant-based ingredients), is clinically proven to increase blood-circulating nitric oxide and maintain elevated levels, which the brand says “ignites your play” with just two yummy gummies per day.

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