We’re all for the idea of period power, but that doesn’t change the fact that menstruation can be a real pain in the ass.
We won’t go into all the reasons why periods can suck (we have a feeling you already know), but we will tell you all about the places that are trying to change that.
Below are some of the coolest (and cutest) indie period brands that you should know about.
Sustain Natural
This is perhaps the most vagina-positive company we’ve ever come across. Sustain is all about embracing women’s sexuality and sexual health, from their organic tampons and pads to their condoms and lube. Sustain allows you to build your own “period kit” with a mix of whatever sized tampons, pads, and liners you think you’ll need for your period. The kit comes right to your door every two months. Oh, and did we mention the packing is freaking adorable? (Priorities, people!)
Check out Sustain here
Aunt Flow
Aunt Flow is a buy-one-give-one subscription box for only $13/month. So, every time you get your period, you get to give menstrual products to those in need. They currently support six organizations across the U.S. including Friendship of Women (a non-profit shelter for survivors of domestic violence) and Gracehaven (an organization working to eradicate child sex trafficking). They’ve already donated over 30,000 tampons and pads.
Check out Aunt Flow here
GladRags
Two words: reusable pads. GladRags’ aim is to reduce the horrifying amount of waste created by period products every year. Their comfy all-cotton cloth pads are reusable and easily cleaned. The company hopes to make an impact on our menstrual trash, as well as make an impact on your budget (the idea is that you’ll spend less on their pads than you would on disposable pads in your lifetime). The company also offers menstrual cups, cleaning supplies, and panty liners.
Check out GladRags here
Lunette Cups
This is not just another menstrual cup — not only are Lunette cups all about giving back, but they also happen to be super cute. They recently teamed up with fashion brand Monki for a stylish pink cup and travel bag and it’s pretty much a must-have.
As for their charity work, the brand has started The Cup Project, which helps bring sexual health education to girls in Nairobi.
Check out Lunette here
Cora
Cora started as a subscription organic tampon box but has expanded into so much more. Now, they offer period underwear as well as menstrual cups. On top of that, they’re chic AF. You can actually get a vegan mini leather clutch to carry your period supplies in. Hey, if you’re going to bleed for a week every month, you may as well feel like a queen doing it, right?
Check out Cora here
#HappyPeriod
The last one on our list isn’t actually a retailer but a social movement. The non-profit #HappyPeriod aims to provide you (yes, you!) with the tools to give back on your own. The organization helps you hold your own tampon drive or collect pads to distribute in your local homeless community. It makes it super easy to spread the word and get out there on your own.
Check out #HappyPeriod here
