81% of women report discomfort using tampons. A revolution in period care is needed.

That 81% of women, reported via a study conducted by the Mintel Market Research Firm, shows that many women are turning to pads – which are often seen as bulky and inconvenient, and may limit activities like swimming or sports.

Enter Marlow with the first-to-market lubricated tampon that provides smoother, more comfortable insertion. This award-winning product is empowering women to participate in their daily lives without being hindered by period discomfort.

Marlow’s success is driven by its dynamic women-led team, CEO Nadia Ladak, COO Harit Sohal and CMO Kiara Botha who started Marlow because they wanted to create the period care brand they wish they had growing up.

“We often have customers reach out to us saying they thought they were ‘broken’, or something was wrong with them because they couldn’t use a tampon,” said Nadia Ladak. “Our innovation is impacting thousands of menstruators to feel seen and comfortable. We have a slack channel called “Marlow Love” where we share positive reviews and testimonials we get from our community.”

Ladak leverages her extensive experience in management consulting and digital marketing to guide the company’s strategic direction. Recognized as a member of Forbes 30 Under 30, Ladak’s also a member of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance where she works with G20 leaders on international youth entrepreneurship policy and on Startup Canada’s Women Advocacy Network where she works with government leaders to advocate for women entrepreneurs across the country.

Rounding out the team, Harit Sohal brings her expertise in operations to optimize supply chain management and product development, while Kiara Botha’s creative vision is behind Marlow’s impactful social media presence.

Impact on everyday life – not the environment

Crafted from 100% organic cotton, Marlow’s tampons feature a plant-based applicator made from sugarcane and are packaged in a compostable wrapper, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability in the period care industry.

The lubricant is water-based, pH-balanced, and free from glycerin, parabens, and other common irritants that can disrupt the vaginal biome. The innovative bottle design allows users to easily dip the tampon for a quick, mess-free application, ensuring a smoother, stress-free experience that allows users to focus on their day rather than discomfort.

Breaking Barriers – For Everyone

Targeting two distinct demographics, Marlow supports young women transitioning from pads to tampons as well as premenopausal women seeking comfort solutions for vaginal dryness. This customer-centric approach has enabled Marlow to meet underserved needs in the period care market.

Drawing on support from Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund, Marlow is developing an improved lubricated tampon. This new design simplifies the user experience even further, offering on-the-go convenience while maintaining comfort and sustainability.

“Marlow is breaking barriers in an area long overlooked, bringing real innovation, empathy, and science to period care,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “They are a powerful example of how women-led entrepreneurship can transform everyday health experiences, and through Ontario’s Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), we’re proud to support their mission to make period care more comfortable, accessible, and empowering for all.” 

Beyond product innovation, Marlow developed “The TMI Club,” a content platform that provides “big sister” educational content. With over 90K engaged followers and partnerships with school programs, the TMI Club empowers young women to navigate period care confidently. By fostering open conversations about menstruation, Marlow breaks taboos and equips individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health.

“When it comes to period care, we’re often on ‘autopilot,’ says Ladak. “We put an emphasis on the ingredients in our food, skincare, and make-up, and yet, when it comes to a key product that we put into our body every single month, we don’t take the same level of care to understand the products we’re using. Our goal is to empower menstruators to choose safe, clean, and toxin-free products that are better for their body and the planet.”

In the long-term, Marlow plans to expand its product portfolio with solutions for common period-related concerns such as cramps, bloating, and acne. Upcoming strategic milestones include enhancing Amazon sales, launching a retail pilot with major chains, and introducing the improved lubricated tampon to encourage widespread adoption. Through continuous innovation and education, Marlow is redefining period care and setting a new standard for comfort, accessibility, and empowerment.