Welcome to a deep dive into Ladibug's Stamps!
We are committed to improving health literacy by making essential health information clear and accessible. You will find these stamps tagged against products, empowering you to make more informed buying decisions 💪 No more complex, medical jargon!
Happy learning! 📚
Clinically Studied

Ah yes, the good old 'clinically studied' label is a tricky one to understand but very valid to highlight! Advertisers often use this term to convey the effectiveness of their products. Clinically tested means the product has undergone testing in a clinical environment, but doesn't necessarily mean that the results were conclusive or that the product demonstrated significant efficacy.
However, it does mean the brand has gone to extensive efforts to have their product tested in a clinical environment - which, at Ladibug, we believe indicates the brand's efforts to prove the effectiveness of their product. Very rarely do we see brands take their product this far, so we think it's important to highlight those that do!
Independent Consumer Study
An Independent Consumer Study occurs when the brand has engaged a third party (usually a researcher or organization they are not affiliated with) to conduct independent testing and evaluation on users. Results are typically documented through a self-reported survey.
Brand-Led Consumer Study
A Brand-Led Study occurs when the research or testing of a product is funded or overseen by the brand that produces the product. This typically means the brand will organize a consumer study and request for participants to complete a survey or provide feedback.
It is important to note that these studies are not conducted in a clinical setting and may be bias. However, Ladibug wants to appreciate brand's attempts to highlight product evidence, especially when clinical trials and studies are very expensive.
FDA Approved & FDA Cleared
'What does FDA cleared vs FDA approved mean?', 'Should I be concerned if a product isn’t FDA approved?', 'What female health products are FDA regulated?'
The world of FDA regulation is very confusing - let alone for women who are targeted ads on social media, with marketing snapshots claiming a product is ‘FDA cleared’ (when sometimes, they actually aren't…). We break down the different FDA classifications and gear you up with a quick guide to help you make a more informed decision.
The FDA has four classifications in its regulatory process:
- FDA Registered
- FDA Cleared
- FDA Granted
- FDA Approved
FDA Registration
This is just an annual legal requirement for companies in seven different categories, including manufacturers of food, drugs and medical devices. This is a mandatory step for compliance and does not imply approval or evaluation of the safety or effectiveness of products.
The next three classification terms apply to companies bringing new medical devices to market, each carrying a different patient risk value. The FDA considers a product to be a ‘medical device’ if it meets the definition per Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The three types of medical classifications are:
Class |
Risk level |
Example |
Class I |
Low |
Oxygen mask, bandages, electric toothbrush |
Class II |
Medium |
Tampons, lubricants, electric breast pumps |
Class III |
High |
IUDs, pacemakers, heart valves |
FDA Clearance
Before you market some Class I and Class II medical devices, companies must file a pre-market 510(k) form which proves that the device is safe and effective, by comparing it to a similar, legally marketed device.
FDA Granted
Manufacturers can file a De Novo request, in the case where there are no suitable predicate devices currently available and the device is not considered a Class III risk.
FDA Approval
FDA approval is required for Class III medical devices, which are considered high-risk to a patient. This is the most stringent and extensive review process conducted by the FDA.
At Ladibug, we tag products with a cute little FDA stamp if applicable!
For more information regarding Medical Devices and the FDA regulation, please visit their website.
Fragrance Free

Ok, but why does Ladibug hate fragrances!? We don't hate fragrances but we certainly don't love them. Fragrances can cause irritation on the skin and if used on your vulva or vagina, it can upset your vaginal pH balance. You may find fragrances or scented ingredients in:
- Tampons and pads (yes, can you believe, there are 'scented' pads on the market)
- Lubricants
- Vaginal moisturizers
- 'Feminine washes'
- Vulva balms
- & more
Your vagina is a self-cleansing organ and operates a very clever bacterial environment! However, chemicals found in fragrances can disrupt this natural flora and cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria, which could cause irritation, itching or infection.
Remember: your vagina is meant to smell like a vagina, not flowers, candy or perfume 🌹❌.
Dr Jennifer Gunter does a fabulous job breaking down why a flavoured vaginal wash is NOT good for you - "Your vulva shouldn't smell like "island splash" or "amber nights', which totally sound like a cloying range of cocktails geared for spring breakers at the beach"
Sustainable
Products that are considered sustainable at Ladibug are defined as brands that are committed to reducing their environment impact, engage in ethical sourcing, fair labor practices and transparency.
Specifically, this includes brands that:
- Engage in sustainable sourcing for ingredients and are guided by reducing environmental impact
- Use sustainable packaging, such as recycled materials
- Make financial contributions to non-profit organizations that focus on reducing carbon footprint
Gender Inclusive Brand
Ladibug believes in the power of representation and the importance of creating a world where everyone feels seen, respected and celebrated. Therefore, we want you to know what brands specifically design, market and communicate products that are gender-inclusive and non-binary.
A few of our favs:
- Monthly have designed planet friendly underwear for ALL people who bleed
- Soul Source have designed GRS vaginal trainers to help transgender women throughout their transition journey
-
August is dismantling period stigma and markets to all menstruators, regardless of gender and background.
Organic
Ah yes, the world of 'organic' can be a bit tricky to navigate. When a product is labeled as organic it typically means it was made from natural ingredients that have been grown without synthetic chemicals, pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
You will find 'organic' on a range of female health products, including:
- Tampons & Pads (commonly seen as organic cotton tampons or pads)
- Period underwear
- Prenatal vitamins
- Belly butters or nipple creams
There are different organizations and bodies that govern 'organic' labelling on products. In the U.S., we have the the USDA which certifies that a farm operation meets the USDA organic standards. There is also GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which has a rigorous certification process for organic suppliers. They assess the entire product process based on the use of organic fibres from textile processing and manufacturing up to licensing and labelling.
Remember: while we have been conditioned to think that 'organic' means better, it is always important to review the product for any other hidden ingredients (i.e. fragrances).