Black Girl Vitamins has announced the launch of Her Balance, a vaginal probiotic formulated specifically for Black women. This groundbreaking product was created to honor and address the unique diversity of the vaginal microbiome within the Black community. For far too long, vaginal wellness has lacked representation and culturally aligned solutions. Her Balance steps into that gap with intention and scientific precision.
Anna Palomino, Head of Product Development at Black Girl Vitamins, shared the heart behind this innovation.
“Black women’s health has historically been marginalized, particularly in areas like vaginal wellness which remain largely taboo,” said Palomino. “Her Balance is uniquely crafted to transform that experience, uniting scientific research with authentic community voices to deliver a solution that meets women where they are.”
More than a supplement, Her Balance is positioned as a tool for empowerment. It blends cutting-edge research with cultural understanding and insight gathered directly from Black women. The result is a bespoke wellness solution designed to support both immediate and long-term vaginal and reproductive health.
The development process behind this probiotic reflects deep engagement with the community it was created for. Black Girl Vitamins shared an inside look at the journey from research to formulation.
Can you walk us through the initial research that sparked the idea for Her Balance and what gaps you identified in the vaginal wellness space for Black women?
At Black Girl Vitamins, we noticed a gap in vaginal health products specifically designed for Black women. Many products on the market did not account for the unique needs of our community, including the diversity and balance of the vaginal microbiome. Our research highlighted the importance of safe and effective ingredients and products developed with input from our community. Her Balance was created to address these gaps, combining science-backed formulation with insights drawn from the community to support overall reproductive wellness.
What were some of the most meaningful insights your team gathered from the focus group of Black women in Chicago, and how did those conversations influence the product’s development?
The focus group provided invaluable insights into the experiences and priorities of Black women around vaginal health. Participants emphasized the need for transparency, representation, and guidance that reflects their unique wellness concerns. Their feedback directly shaped the formulation, messaging, and educational resources around Her Balance, ensuring it meets real needs while also empowering women to feel confident and informed about their vaginal wellness.
With more than 3,300 Black women participating in your vaginal health survey, what data points or recurring themes had the biggest impact on shaping the final formulation of Her Balance?
The survey highlighted several key themes, including the lack of education around vaginal health, desire for natural and effective solutions, and a better understanding of product ingredients, as well as concerns about maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome. These insights guided the formulation of Her Balance, ensuring it addresses the specific health concerns voiced by Black women and provides a solution that is both safe and informed by lived experiences.
How did the webinar with Dr. Standifer Barrett and the broader community engagement further validate the need for Her Balance, and what do you hope women feel when they use this product?
The webinar gave us an opportunity to hear directly from the community and confirm the importance of products like Her Balance. Women shared experiences that reinforced the need for accessible, informed vaginal health solutions. Through Her Balance, we hope women feel empowered, educated, and confident in taking control of their vaginal health with a product designed specifically for them, backed by science and Black doctors who understand their needs.
Her Balance represents a step forward in addressing the unique health needs of Black women and reshaping conversations around vaginal wellness.
The product is now available on the Black Girl Vitamins website.
Follow Us On Social Media!
