Progress on a global scale
Curious about the latest in feminine hygiene and hormonal wellness? The European feminine care market is booming, with revenues hitting $7.72 billion in 2024, according to Statista. Experts expect it to grow by 3.84% annually through 2029. Eco-friendly and sustainable products are especially trending in Germany. Copenhagen recently hosted the European Personal Care Program, spotlighting feminine hygiene and wellness. Embracing sexual health products can help in de-stigmatizing the category– from period care to contraception and hormone therapies. Read on to explore this sensitive topic to help enrich the knowledge and comfortability of all genders with femcare options.
While the U.S. has made strides in accessing birth control without a prescription, stricter EU rules have made things a bit more challenging. The Atlas scores 47 countries on contraception access, funding, and counseling. In 2024, top performers included Luxembourg, the U.K., France, and Belgium, with Ireland and Slovenia close behind. The UK made waves in 2021 by making two progesterone-only pills—Hana and Lovima—available over the counter. Other countries like Armenia, Greece, and Ukraine also offer non-prescription hormonal contraception. The U.K. is taking significant steps with its Women’s Health Strategy for 2024, focusing on menstrual health, menopause, maternity care, and birth trauma support. They pursue the mission to raise awareness about menopause and ensure women know the option of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage it.
Celebrity awareness
What’s the “M word”? Menopause. Celebrities like Oprah are bringing much-needed awareness to premenopausal and menopausal support. Naomi Watts is also leading the charge—her brand, Stripes Beauty, was recently acquired by private equity firm L Catterton, fueling its growth even more. Naomi talked very openly about her menopausal journey and her mom’s struggle with limited information. So, she’s creating products and blogs to help. One highlight includes the Menopause Survival Kit—a curated bundle of top products for perimenopause and menopause relief. Halle Berry has also joined the movement, advocating for change, speaking out in the media with magazines like Essence, and promoting awareness through her wellness platform, RESPIN. Her recent collaboration with JOYLUX brought two innovative products to the market, further supporting women through menopause.
Support a click away
U.S.-based Wisp is reshaping women’s health by tackling stigmas and creating inclusive environments through entertainment and education. Across Europe, major strides are being made to improve access to healthcare, ensuring innovation and support keep pace globally. Traditionally limited to clinics and pharmacies, care is now available online thanks to platforms like Mobi Doctor, which treats gynecological issues, pregnancy, and menopause. In 2023, Dutch femcare brand Yoni, committed to sustainability, raised €2.3 million, spotlighting issues like “The Hidden Dangers of Forever Chemicals in Period Products” and offering organic tampons. Korean-based Rael provides a blog covering everything from hormone health to self-care, empowering women with knowledge. In Ghana, Femcare Ghana stepped up to fill the gap in doctor-recommended health products, making them accessible and affordable through their website.
Global wellness initiatives from companies like Symrise further push for change, supporting women’s health globally. What are some forward-thinking women’s health solutions you admire?
