Born from a mother-daughter invention in 1889, Frownies makes its signature facial patches along with complementary skincare designed to smooth and care for expression-prone skin. The woman-owned company remains in its fifth generation, and its Dayton, Ohio team handcrafts small batches of products such as its Bulgarian rose hydrosol spray. Frownies’ original patches use a water-activated adhesive that hardens to hold skin relaxed and flat, a distinctive approach the brand says predates injectable wrinkle treatments.
Badgerface Beauty SupplyFounded by Kristina Strain in 2014, Badgerface Beauty Supply makes small-batch, handmade bath, body, and natural skincare products with an unapologetically irreverent voice. The woman-owned company pairs practical self-care with low-waste packaging and a “you don’t need fixing” philosophy, while donating 15% of one week’s profits each month to women’s-rights organizations.GILBERTSVILLE, NY
HēladermWoman-owned and operated Hēladerm makes skincare for women in their 40s, 50s and beyond, pairing professional-recommended ingredients with simple morning and evening routines. Its products are made in the USA in GMP-certified facilities and are cruelty-free, with a focus on helping changing skin restore its natural-looking radiance. Co-founder Margot describes the brand as a practical skincare gift created among friends.CINCINNATI, OH
OY-LFounded by Andrea Pierce-Naymon after her daughter became ill, OY-L makes small-batch, plant-derived skincare for face and body with a “beauty without secrets” approach. The Hudson, Ohio company handcrafts its products without animal testing and builds its formulas around transparent ingredient choices such as hemp seed oil and Manuka honey. OY-L also uses sustainable packaging where possible and donates 15% of bath-salt and body-scrub sales to Dysautonomia International.AKRON, OH
ZibaZiba grew from founder Shayda Michele’s experience as the daughter of Persian immigrants in a small Midwestern town, where her grandmother’s skincare rituals became part of her family heritage. The company translates those traditions into modern skincare for people seeking products grounded in cultural connection and cosmetic science. Its first product is a brightening and hydrating face mask developed with skincare professionals and feedback from more than 60 diverse consumer testers.