Made for Us, Backed by Science: How Black Girl Vitamins’ Her Balance Is Redefining Vaginal Wellness

For decades, vaginal wellness products have been built on a one-size-fits-all model; one that rarely accounts for the lived realities, biology, or voices of Black women. Black Girl Vitamins is changing that narrative with Her Balance, a daily probiotic designed specifically to support vaginal health for Black women.

At the helm of its development is Anna Palomino, Head of Product Development at Black Girl Vitamins, whose approach combines rigorous science with deep community listening. We sat down with Anna to talk about the gaps Her Balance was created to fill, the myths it aims to dismantle, and why vaginal health deserves both honesty and ease.

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Filling a Gap the Industry Ignored

From a product development standpoint, Anna saw two major gaps in the vaginal wellness market: scientific oversight and lack of representation.

“Research shows that vaginal microbiome composition varies by ethnicity,” she explains. “Black women are more likely to have microbial profiles associated with increased risk of imbalance, yet most products aren’t formulated with these differences in mind.”

Rather than viewing those differences as defects, Her Balance recognizes them as normal biological variation; variation that deserves targeted, thoughtful support.

Centering Black Women in the Research Process

True to its tagline, “Made for Us. Backed by Science,” Black Girl Vitamins built Her Balance using a four-stage research and usability testing process that centered Black women at every step.

The team collaborated with scientists and doctors, conducted in-person focus groups with Black women over 30 years of age in Chicago, surveyed over 3,300 Black women about their vaginal health experiences, and hosted a webinar that created a safe, open space for education and questions.

“Every stage centered Black women’s voices,” Anna says. “We wanted to make sure the product actually met real needs... not assumptions.”

Breaking the Silence Around Vaginal Health

One of the biggest misconceptions Her Balance hopes to dismantle is the idea that vaginal health should be taboo.

“Our data showed that 50 percent of Black women said these topics were rarely discussed growing up,” Anna shares. “Silence creates shame. Our goal is to replace that with empowerment through knowledge and open conversation.”

Rather than positioning vaginal health as something to fear or obsess over, Black Girl Vitamins reframes it as a normal, manageable part of overall wellness.

Why Lactobacillus Matters; Especially for Black Women

At the core of Her Balance is its focus on supporting lactobacillus levels; the “key defenders” of vaginal balance. “These bacteria produce compounds that keep vaginal pH in the sweet spot,” Anna explains. “When lacto populations drop, pH rises, and that’s when issues like BV or yeast infections can show up.” Research shows Black women naturally tend to have more diverse vaginal microbiomes with lower lactobacillus levels. That’s not inherently a problem... until disruption occurs.

To support balance, Her Balance includes 10 billion CFU daily of three clinically significant strains: Lactobacillus crispatus, gasseri, and jensenii. These strains help create an environment where harmful bacteria struggle to thrive.

Built for Real Life, Not Perfection

Stress. Antibiotics. Sex. Skincare. Life happens; and it can disrupt the vaginal microbiome.

“The reality is we can’t avoid life,” Anna says. “And we shouldn’t have to be on ‘vagina watch’ 24/7.”

Instead of rigid rules or unrealistic advice, Her Balance offers backup. When the microbiome takes a hit, consistent probiotic support helps strengthen resilience and speed recovery.

A Practical Alternative to Unrealistic Wellness Advice

In an era where vaginal health advice can feel overwhelming; monitor your hormones, avoid antibiotics forever, schedule your sex life... Black Girl Vitamins takes a simpler approach.

“Two capsules, once a day,” Anna says. “No need to stress over your vaginal pH.” Her Balance isn’t positioned as a cure-all or a replacement for medical care. It’s foundational support; something that works with your life, not against it.

What’s Next for Black Girl Vitamins?

While the brand continues to innovate in the vaginal and hormonal health space, Anna says the current priority is clear. “Right now, our focus is getting Her Balance into the hands of women who need microbiome support today. That’s where we’re seeing real impact.” And that impact goes beyond supplements. It’s about visibility, validation, and finally building wellness solutions that see Black women fully.