Female entrepreneurship is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. Forty percent of U.S. businesses are owned by women. These 12.3 million women-owned businesses are contributing a colossal $1.8 trillion a year to the economy. In other words, there have never been more opportunities for women in business.

As part of our ongoing Female Forces series to celebrate Women’s History Month (March), we’re highlighting some of the talented women leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) beauty businesses. These dynamic women-led DTC beauty brands are challenging the status quo, building engaged online communities, and developing innovative products that change how we think about beauty and wellness.

Check out some of our favorite women-led DTC beauty brands below.

GILDED BODY

Founder Blair Armstrong launched luxury body care brand GILDED BODY to elevate the conversation around body care and provide women with higher quality, more effective wellness solutions. GILDED BODY aims to help women rediscover the art of skincare one product at a time. According to the company’s website, “At GILDED, we believe that everyone, regardless of their social and/or economic status, should have regular access to dermatologic care.” The body skin care products are inspired by the practice of gilding — an ancient and timeless beauty practice used to protect what is precious.

Bite

Cleaning your teeth has never been easier or healthier with Bite. Founded by Lindsay McCormick, Bite is revolutionizing dental hygiene one bite at a time. Bite is the only all-natural, plastic-free toothpaste brand and is highly sustainable. The company is on a mission to end plastic waste, one healthy smile at a time. The tablet form products come in three all-natural flavors: Fresh Mint, Activated Charcoal, and Berry Twist. They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals, artificial dyes, and preservatives.

OSEA

Jenefer Palmer founded OSEA Malibu with her daughter, Melissa Palmer. Inspired by the coast of Malibu, OSEA stands for the natural elements: Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere. Since 1996, OSEA has been a leader in the clean beauty movement, offering a range of products made from a potent blend of organic seaweed combined with active botanicals and essential oils to deliver nutrients deep into the skin. Made in California, OSEA products are vegan, non-toxic, biodegradable, and cruelty-free.

Soko Glam

Soko Glam has humble beginnings. What started as a passion project soon developed into a global beauty phennomen. Founded by Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam was built on the foundation and values of truly helping even just one person and making a positive difference in their lives. Launched in 2012 as an educational platform called The Klog to share how people can implement the Korean ‘skin first’ philosophy into their own daily routines, the brand evolved into a skin care line in 2020.

They Call Her Alfie

They Call Her Alfie offers modern, intimate wellness essentials formulated by board certified doctors for deeper penetration, unparalleled results, and full body glow. Founded by Bianca Cheah, the products are made from natural ingredients highlighting premium certified CBD and collagen.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Facebook