It's International Women's Day, so here are 33 female-founded brands you should have on your radar

All products have been independently selected, and prices are accurate at time of publication. Daily Hive may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page at no cost to you.

Happy International Women’s Day! Though we’re fans of female-founded brands all year round, we’re celebrating them extra hard today. There are many (many) amazing ones, but here are just a few of our favourites.

No matter what you happen to be shopping or hunting for — a hero skincare product, ingenious household helpers, eco-friendly cleaning products, chic wardrobe heroes, or anything else — somewhere, there’s a female founder who’s already thought of it and perfected it. So, while you may be meeting a few of these amazing brands for the first time on March 8, that leaves 364 other days to get better acquainted with them this year.

Sahajan

Rooted in Ayurveda, this Canadian brand’s skincare fuses traditional wellness secrets with modern-day science, resulting in products that are simultaneously effective and safe (even for pregnant people). Almost all their products contain vitamin C, which, for the uninitiated, means they’re full of powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from pollution and environmental stressors. Reviewers are especially fond of the Radiance serum, calling it a “holy grail” — especially during cold Canadian winters.

Mademoiselle Jules

Funky, chunky, statement-making, bold — all adjectives that can be used to describe MJ’s collections. Pieces are exuberant, an adult version of the glitzy, glimmering pieces reserved for costume jewellery (albeit iterated in gold vermeil, organic pearls, and sterling silver). Every necklace, earring, ring, ear jacket, and bracelet exudes personality through exaggerated proportions, unique design, and joyful expression of colour, so it’s no wonder the brand counts several big celebs among its fans, including Backstreet Boy AJ McLean and former Disney star Victoria Justice.

Knix

Every piece — like bras, undies, shapewear, swimsuits, and loungewear — is specially designed with women’s bodies in mind, translating to pieces that are comfortable, stylish, and full of genius features (with inclusive sizing to boot). Their leakproof panties are a serious game-changer for anyone looking to free themselves of pads and tampons, while their bestselling zippered sports bras have garnered over 2,000 positive reviews (they’re a snap to remove, too).

Nusa Holistick

Are oils good for your skin? The debate has raged in the beauty community for years, but the tide is finally turning — and that’s where Nusa Holistick comes in. The brand’s entire line centres around good-for-skin oils, each formula designed to tackle common skin issues (like acne, dryness, and dullness). Those prone to breakouts will love the Bulan oil, a cerulean-hued formula rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that’ll quell existing zits and prevent new ones from forming. The brand’s other hero product, the Matahari Youthful Oil, harnesses powerful anti-aging botanicals that’ll leave you glowing to the gods. Nusa has also since expanded its wellness offerings because self-care is more than just skincare, folks.

Parachute

Think of this as your one-stop shop for all your home textiles. Things like linen bedding, Turkish towels, plush bathrobes, and even rugs are all designed to coordinate with each other so you can add to, tweak, and curate your collection to your heart’s content (their colour selections rotate based on the seasons). Since its first foray into premium bedding back in 2014, the brand has even expanded into home decor, quilts and comforters, mattress toppers, and baby goods.

Girlfriend Collective

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the fitness fashion space — frankly, it’s oversaturated and chock-full of overhyped brands. Girlfriend Collective makes things infinitely simpler, offering sleek, minimalist silhouettes in fun, juicy hues so you can go straight from the reformer to brunch and everywhere in between. The devil is in the details here, with tank tops featuring hidden built-in bras, mini-dresses with rompers so you don’t reveal more than you mean to, and bodysuits in expansive, inclusive sizing.

Omy Laboratoires

Personalization is the name of the game with this brand. You start by taking an in-depth skincare quiz that creates a bespoke regimen just for you (everything is customized — right down to the scents). Outside of that, Omy offers several hero products, including a hydrating hydrogel mask that packs a moisturizing wallop and newly-launched eye masks for when you need a visible pick-me-up.

Mejuri

You’ve likely seen their pieces on major celebs, so it’s no surprise that Mejuri has cemented its cool-girl status among Gen Z and Millennials. It’s become a destination for commemoration, with the brand encouraging a sense of celebration. While other jewellery companies remind us to mark extraordinary moments, Mejuri reminds us that celebrating everyday occurrences is neither self-indulgent nor selfish but rather necessary. The brand also routinely taps iconic and trailblazing women for its collections and initiatives, including Insta-fave culinary maven Molly Baz, multimedia artist Chloe Wise, and saucy singer Renee Rapp.

Merit Beauty

Pioneers of the minimalist beauty movement (ever heard of the “five-minute morning”?), Merit was born out of a desire to simplify. That’s why all their makeup products are easy to apply — no tools needed — with their new forays into skincare and fragrance rounding out your routine with hard-working, multi-tasking formulas. The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is the OG of multipurpose makeup, thanks to a ballpoint pen-inspired tip that allows for concealing, contouring, and all-over coverage, while the Flush Balm Cream Blush has achieved cult status for its blendable, saturated shades and foolproof application.

Sporty & Rich

If you’ve pinned Lady Di’s off-duty outfits to your moodboards, then Sporty & Rich is the brand for you. What started initially as an annual publication has since transformed into an entire lifestyle brand, replete with vintage sportswear with a luxury touch (think cozy cashmere and wool sweaters, cable knit skirts, and, now, crisp denim). Entire collections of covetable pieces — including limited-edition collabs with brands like Frame and Adidas — are designed to mix, match, coordinate, and contrast, making it easier than ever to nail the cool-girl aesthetic while building an actually functional capsule wardrobe.

Monday Haircare

Award-winning formulas without the huge price markup are what you can expect from this aesthetic, Insta-friendly, millennial-pink brand. Product lines are curated for all sorts of hair concerns — the newly released leave-in conditioner is already garnering huge praise for its hydrating powers — but each formula has a few things in common. They’re all free of potentially troublesome ingredients like SLS, parabens, formaldehyde, and triclosan, and they don’t use animals during the testing process. If you’re looking to dip a toe in, make sure to start with their curl-defining shampoo and award-winning dry shampoo.

Barbet

Step aside, sparkling water — there’s a new player in town. Each can of these delicious sippers has all the requisite fizz you’d expect, with fun flavour combos that are equally tasty solo as they are mixed into your fave cocktail (or mocktail). We’re absolutely loving the brand’s new launch, Deep Dive, and it seems everyone else does, too — the white peach, yuzu, and mint-flavoured sipper has sold out multiple times. You can also quench your thirst with Light Wave, a crunchy cuke, pineapple, and lavender flavour extravaganza, or Love Bite, a joyful blend of spicy ginger, pink grapefruit, and juniper.

Maguire

Founded by two sisters and still proudly independently owned, this homegrown fashion brand wants to narrow the gap between quality and affordability. While the company’s classic footwear collections might get you in the door, it’s since expanded into sleek and modern accessories (we’ve got the Cow Tote on our wishlist ATM) and has even collaborated with other Canadian and female-founded brands — like candle darling Lohn — for limited-edition releases.

U Beauty

Their plasma lip compound continues to make serious waves on TikTok and Instagram, and the brand’s streamlined skincare offerings are no less impressive (not to mention hard-working). Each one is a combo of high-powered ingredients meant to help you tackle all your biggest skincare woes quickly and easily — and without the need for endless product cocktailing. Those looking to streamline their routine and invest only in what works will love this brand. And don’t sleep on U Beauty’s newly launched fragrance, either! The same approach to minimalism and versatility has been applied, resulting in a scent that’s equal parts comforting, elegant, and cool.

Emily’s Pillow

Sleeping on silk has tons (and we do mean tons) of benefits: it’ll keep your head cooler than cotton or even linen, absorb less of your skincare products so they can stay on your face and work like they’re meant to, and the fabric is way kinder (and gentler) on hair than any other. Emily’s Pillow knows this and offers a comprehensive array of sleep accessories to help you get your best snooze. Grab yourself the night cap to protect your locks from knots and frizz, or swap your regular pillowcases out for Mulberry silk ones to take advantage of their thermoregulating powers.

Tanya Taylor

Textures, patterns, and vibrant colours are mainstays in every TT collection, as is inclusive sizing. Pieces favour classic shapes and silhouettes but marries them with funky details — an embroidered puff-sleeve here, a saucy slit there — which means you’ll be able to craft a timeless wardrobe that never feels stuffy or outdated. Who doesn’t love that? Favourites include gorgeous summer dresses (perfect for all those weddings on your social cal) and lightweight knits, but their swim and resortwear are not to be missed, either.

Tatcha

You won’t need to head to the Far East to take advantage of Japan’s timeless skincare rituals — Tatcha brings them close to home, using traditional ingredients to make your skin look its best from top to bottom. For example, the brand’s Indigo line takes advantage of Japanese indigo’s powerful healing and soothing powers, resulting in products (like the cleansing balm) that help your dermis heal itself every time you use it. The Silk formulas, on the other hand, use silk proteins that boost your skin’s resilience and smooth out fine lines (the retinol alternative serum is a great place to start with this one).

Chillhouse

If you’re pressed for time and in desperate need of a mani, you can safely skip the salon trip when you pop on a set of these gorgeous nails. Even if you’re no pro, you can get ’em on in 15 minutes — they’ll last up to three weeks without chipping or breaking, and since they’re ready to go, you won’t have to worry about any smudging or budging like you might with regular polish. Because each set comes with everything you’ll need (including glue, files, and a cuticle stick), it’s basically like a perfect manicure in a box. Plus, there are enough shapes, colours, and lengths to customize your look and switch things up at the drop of a hat.

Helfrich Collective

Spotted on the bods of Emily Ratajkowski and Alexandra Cooper👀 and soon to be on you — that’s how good this plush loungewear is. Pieces toe the line between perfectly thermoregulating and unbelievably cozy, making them perfect for camping, chillin’, or popping out for a quick errand. Sizing is unisex, and colourways are streamlined, so you can mix and match to make your own coordinated sets. Once the weather warms up, we’ll have our eyes on their bike shorts, sports bras, and dad hats that’ll help keep unkempt summer hair under control. Since everything’s made in small batches, make sure to grab your favourites before someone else does!

Drunk Elephant

We’re no chemists, but we love the cocktailing approach of DE — they don’t call them skincare smoothies for nothing. Thanks to a simple, streamlined set of ingredients (like azelaic acid, niacinamide, marula oil, and lactic acid), you can mix, match, and swap formulas depending on what your skin needs at the moment. Start with the serum trio kit to get acquainted with the brand’s bestsellers, or introduce a cooling overnight mask when your face needs a dose of protective moisture from wild weather. The TLC doesn’t have to stop at your neck, either, with cleansing bars, glycolic acid body lotions, and almond milk body scrubs rounding out the offerings.

Dagne Dover

No matter what you’re toting — gym clothes, travel essentials, diapers, toiletries, daily bits and bobs — DD has a bag to fit the bill. However, there are a few details that distinguish the brand from the many other similar ones on the market: pieces are non-toxic and made of eco-friendly fabrics (even their scraps get reused) without sacrificing either style and function. What we’re especially fond of are the thoughtful details — the pet carrier, for example, is fully washable, has seat buckle clips and a luggage sleeve, and even includes a bungee leash clip. Despite their functionality, they also look damn GOOD to boot.

Danessa Myricks

DM’s products are all shade-inclusive, 100 per cent cruelty-free, and use some pretty innovative tech (a boon for an oversaturated market). Bestsellers Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder and Yummy Skin Flushed both use upsalite, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane to keep things mattified but hydrated. Colourful formulas, like any of the brand’s saturated palettes, are intense, high-coverage, waterproof, and infinitely layerable, allowing you to customize your look and go as bold (or muted) as you damn well please.

Mave & Chez

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to leave your style at the door. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Audrey loafer or the backless Maya mule, your feet will get the full M&C treatment. That means podiatrist-approved support, washable insoles, and a durable sole that’ll let you wear them outdoors if the mood strikes.

Hero Cosmetics

Probably most well-known for their iconic (and skin-saving) pimple patches, the brand has since branched out into other skincare essentials, doubling down on acne-clearing with cleansing balms, dark spot serums, and targeted treatments. We’re loving the holistic approach to acne, allowing us to fight zits on our noses and chins, or just tackle large swathes of body breakouts. Make sure to cop the post-blemish moisturizing cream to quell any dark spots or scarring, too.

Stasher

We’re all about taking a more eco-friendly approach to daily storage, and we’re starting with Stasher bags. Made of durable silicone, they have thick resealable tops that’ll never bust open when you’re least expecting it, and you can toss them in the freezer or even use them to boil, steam, or braise your favourite foods. They even have options for on-the-go, like portable bowl bags, snack packs, and makeup essentials. Though they’re pricier upfront than other resealable bags, they’ll literally last for years (and you can pop them straight into the dishwasher to get them nice and clean).

Supergoop

You may recognize this brand from their cult-status sunscreens — and for good reason. The brand revolutionized the beauty industry’s approach to SPF, offering everything from invisible formulas and glowy primers to tinted mattifying creams and weightless body sprays (all with sun protection, of course).

Blueland

Founded on the cusp of the huge movement toward more eco-friendly cleaning products, Blueland is all about reducing plastic waste — and streamlining your cleaning routine. Snap up one of their starter kits first, then just top up as you go. Because their refills come in powder or tablet form (depending on the formula), your cabinets won’t get cluttered up with humongous refill bottles and you won’t need to worry about sticky spills (a nightmare). They’ve got laundry essentials on lock, too, including a mega-powerful Oxi Laundry Booster that’ll lift away stubborn and annoying stains sans bleach or other harsh chemicals.

Vasanti

What began as an effort to fill a void in the traditionally shade-deprived makeup market has since blossomed into a self-funded hero line specially catered to deeper skin tones. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s in any way exclusionary — if anything, it’s the opposite, offering blendable formulas that melt into any skin type and shade so it can look its best (instead of the way the beauty industry tells you it should). Plus, their products are multi-purpose and free of any potential irritants — looking at you, microbeads, triclosan, and sulfates!

Londre Bodywear

As it turns out, crafting the perfect bathing suit is no easy feat, but Londre comes pretty darn close. Their bestselling Minimalist suit is a one-piece marvel with an ultra-low back and flattering bum that’ll make you feel like you’re chillin’ at your own private villa — and other styles are just as fab, cut to flatter all body types and loved by celebs like The Birds Papaya and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Resortwear and apparel round out their offerings, which is great if you’re in the midst of crafting a capsule wardrobe. It doesn’t hurt that the brand’s homegrown, too, hailing from Vancouver.

Nuxe

The brand has since expanded into more skincare (including skin-reviving masks, haircare, and deodorant), but Nuxe’s hero product is, without a doubt, their Huile Prodigieuse, an intensely moisturizing dry oil that not only smells fantastic but helps keep your hair and body looking and feeling fabulous. It was a straight-up stroke of genius to put it in a spray bottle, making application a total breeze (and saving your hands from a greasy fate). Because it’s non-comedogenic, you can even mist it on your face!

Crown Affair

When it comes to hair, few brands have garnered such immediate popularity as this one. Could it be the elegant and elevated green tea and bergamot scent? Or it could be due to the certified clean ingredients that leave tresses softer and shinier after every use — we’re not trichologists, but we can say for certain that the brand has firmly solidified its place in our rotation. Our favourites include the refillable dry shampoo and the ultra-hydrating hair mask that busts dryness without leaving our hair heavy, limp, or greasy (and you can bet we’re adding their viral hair towel to our carts as we speak).

Ecksand

Handmade fine jewellery with a French-Canadian twist? Sounds pretty great to us. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or adding some heirloom pieces to your current bling wardrobe, Ecksand is one to consider — and watch. Since its 2009 founding in Montreal, the brand has expanded its offerings and storefronts and takes care of each and every piece themselves. That means everything is designed and made right here in Canada, closely focusing on sustainable practices (especially poignant through the lens of gem sourcing). Additionally, all gold used is recycled, so you can feel good knowing every unused nugget ends up in your jewellery — instead of in the waste.

Glow Recipe

You can’t swing a cat around #beautytok without hitting Glow Recipe. The brand has become synonymous with glow, making products that’ll help you find yours (the Watermelon Glow Dew Drops are iconic for this reason). Recently, GR launched their Dewy Flush, a serum blush that leaves behind a perfect flush while treating your skin to more TLC than traditional makeup products. Our next must-try is the Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment and the Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum.