Personal hygiene, sexual wellness and period care have made a greener, planet and health-friendly come-back – and it’s about time. With the wave of personal wellness taking over the minds of Millennials and Gen Zers, it only makes sense that natural and eco-friendly sexual wellness and period care takes its place in the spotlight. Many are becoming increasingly curious or committed to clean sexual wellness or period care products. The good news is that a variety of options are more widely available.

For some, menstruation can be considered as a time of mild to deep discomfort. You can include the various challenges of sex in that category too. The health dilemmas and complications that may arise from the added synthetics, chemicals, and dyes in these products also need to be considered. Research has proven that PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) can be found on menstrual products. According to studies held between 2020 and 2022 by Mamavation and Environmental Health News, “48% of sanitary pads, incontinence pads, and panty liners tested were found to contain PFAS, as were 22% of tampons and 65% of period underwear.”

A solution: high-quality, chemical-free, and eco-friendly alternatives that support the health and wellness of the planet and the individual.

Meet Here We Flo

While some have been on the trend for a minute, others may just be catching on and wondering how easy it is to transition to using more eco-friendly, natural products. Here We Flo is a women-of-color-owned, sustainable period care and sexual wellness brand. Co-founders Susan C. Allen and Tara Priya Chandra keep it real and shameless when it comes to their products: sustainable, chemical-free and natural products for the win. Here We Flo proudly produces organic and vegan products, including tampons, pads, reusable period underwear, and condoms.

Addressing a Gap

21Ninety: What initially sparked the creation of Here We Flo?

Susan C Allen: Tara and I found ourselves in a college bathroom one day, lamenting the lack of access to organic tampons. That moment sparked the idea of Here We Flo—a brand committed to providing safer and eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. We wanted to address the gap in the market by offering products that prioritize both health and environmental sustainability.

21N: How can period and sexual wellness care affirm individuals?

SA: Period and sexual wellness care is about more than just products—it’s about empowerment. By offering safe and effective products, we affirm individuals’ agency over their own bodies and destigmatize conversations around menstruation and sexual wellness. It’s about fostering confidence and comfort in one’s own skin.

21N: What are the top questions you receive from people who menstruate about your products?

SA: Customers often inquire about the safety and sustainability of our products. They want to know about the materials we use, our manufacturing processes, and how our products contribute to a healthier planet. Additionally, they’re curious about the benefits of organic and vegan period care compared to conventional options.

21N: That’s so encouraging! Could you share the health benefits of using organic and vegan period care?

SA: Organic and vegan period care products offer numerous health benefits. They’re free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Plus, they’re biodegradable and produced using sustainable practices, promoting both personal and environmental well-being.

21N: Finally, what do you hope to see more of in the period care industry?

SA: In the period care industry, I hope to see a greater focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. This means expanding addressing period poverty through initiatives like donation programs, and promoting comprehensive menstrual health education. Ultimately, it’s about creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals, free from stigma and shame.