Sexual Innovation
Means Sexual Liberation

Even a decade ago, owning a pleasure device of any kind felt slightly shameful. It was as though it was a secret to be hidden away, in our most private drawer only to be seen on dark lonely nights (or maybe this was just my experience). This feeling was in part due to how sex toys were manufactured to be blatantly realistic and obnoxiously large. Let's just say before the 90s, vibrators were not discrete—or cute, for that matter.

As we continue to shift our cultural narratives surrounding sexuality, we are able to propel a ripple effect throughout the industries dedicated to catering to our sexual desires. The pleasure toy industry has slowly but surely shifting been alongside us toward the prioritization of women’s pleasure along with innovations for transgender pleasure as well. There is an emphasis on innovative, anatomically driven designs and celebrating women designers who are modernizing the industry. They are helping us to comfortably explore our sexuality and desires without feeling shame or that there is a one-size-fits-all approach.

Below are some of the leading pleasure brands started mainly by women founders who are leading the industry into a new frontier of empowerment and liberation. If you’re looking for other sexual wellness products, check out our guide to vegan condoms and our favorite nontoxic lube brands!

1. Dame

Price | $30–$135

This badass sex toy brand was started by two female founders: one is a credentialed sexologist and the other an established engineer and MIT alumnus. Dame’s devices are futuristic—the Eva, for instance, resembles an alien baby. The designs are truly a glimpse at how sex toys can be revolutionized, and they challenge our ideas of what these products should look like. The two founders are continuously developing new and innovative products for all.

Shop Dame

2. Dipsea

Price | Free with in-app purchases

This pleasure brand doesn’t sell toys, but rather "imaginative sexual experiences" through storytelling. Dipsea is an app created by another set of badass ladies changing the game. The steamy stories are rooted in three principles: real, elevated, and feminist, pulling from narratives that allow for women to feel empowered in their own pleasure. Dipsea is essentially a pleasure-inducing listening experience that is customized to your desires and mood. Choose how you listen with options like "In Bed" or "With Partner," then choose stories with titles like "Submerged."

Shop Dipsea

3. Je Joue

Price | $29–$139

With an emphasis on being sex-positive, Je Joue sells uniquely designed pleasure devices that are “sophisticated and elegantly naughty,” as described on the brand’s website. The company’s approach to its eye-catching products is to empower and facilitate sexual exploration. The designers worked with gynecologists and midwives to help make sure their vibrators are beautiful and effective—so they to do the job right!

Shop Je Joue

4. Crave

Price | $35–$149

Crave was founded by a female industrial designer with a goal of creating sophisticated and appealing products to help change the narrative around women's pleasure. In fact, some are so elegant that it’s okay to have them in plain sight. We love the portability and sleekness of these devices, making them feel less like a secret to be hidden away. The "Vesper," for instance, doubles as a fashionable necklace and a vibrator, giving the wearer a sense of pride about their sexual desires. It’s almost like wearing a badge of honor!

Shop Crave

5. Ohnut

Price | $65

This fascinating contraption is a revolutionary device that offers those who experience painful or uncomfortable penetrative sex some relief. The brand was founded by a woman who experienced painful sex and went on a journey to create something to alleviate the discomfort. During her research, she found that one in every 10 women experiences pain during sex. This staggering research inspired her to create the Ohnut. The product is BPA-, phthalate-, and latex-free and made from FDA-approved body-safe material.

Shop Ohnut

6. Chakrubs

Price | $50–$425

We just love how artistic and beautiful these sex toys are. Made entirely out of natural crystals and minerals, Chakrubs is derived from the word "Chakra" which is Sanskrit for "energy wheels." This handcrafted brand was created by a woman inspired to energize other women. These toys help to not only pleasure but also heal, calm, and rejuvenate the "energetic body" with the help of natural materials.

Shop Chakrubs

7. Maude

Price | $10–$114

We appreciate the minimalist approach to this inclusive and beautifully designed "bedroom essentials" brand, Maude. Its goal is to help modernize the pleasure industry by selling body-safe products that not only look cute on your nightstand but are functional—like the "burn" candle that also doubles as a massage oil and the vibrator that looks like a cool art piece.

Shop Maude

8. Unbound

Price | $4–$160

This brand, Unbound, is fully women-led and women-run with an emphasis on creating a feminist space for women to explore and experience their own unique sexuality. The products are discreet, playful, and inclusive. The Palma Vibrator Ring is a favorite—it’s a gorgeous multi-speed waterproof vibrator ring you can also wear as an accessory. As the website says, it’s a secret that can also be right there in the open.

Shop Unbound

Sexual exploration can be a powerfully healing self-care practice and is, of course, different for each individual person. As we move into a future that further encourages us to embrace our sexualities and desires, let’s all give ourselves the freedom to explore.

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Sexual InnovationMeans Sexual Liberation