Feminine Hygiene Products (2025)

Showing 1 to 24 of 105 items — page 1 of 5

Feminine Hygiene Products (1)

Cashay Sanitary Puffs

date made
ca 1934
patent date
1934-01-02
maker
Park and Tilford
Description
Maroon and cream colored cardboard box containing tampons of cotton batting and gauze, each individually wrapped in transparent cellophane. Patent issued to Miriam E. Rabell, Number 1,941,717, filed August 9, 1933, Serial Number 684,320, issued January 2, 1934. Rabell holds several patents for menstrual tampons ("sanitary appliances") dating from 1934 to 1947.
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: "Cashay - the moden internal sanitary protection for the menstrual period. Cashay is hailed as the miracle invention. No wonder! It has at last freed women from discomfort, embarrassment and social-inactivity during their "difficult days". Cashay, worn internally, eliminates chafing bulging pads, hot binding belts, offensive tell-tale odors. Cashay brings the new freedom demanded by modern women!"
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (2)

Fenizol

maker
Texas Medico Pharmacal Laboratories
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (3)

Fenizol

maker
Texas Medico Pharmacal Laboratories
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (4)

Norforms, Known to Physicians as "Vagiforms"

date made
after April, 1933
trademark registration date (parahydrecin)
1933-08-15
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (5)

Certane Hygienic Douche Powder

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (6)

Certane Medicated Douche Powder Packettes

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (7)

Certane Hygienic Douche Powder

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (8)

Certane Vaginal Jelly and Sample Packet of Certane Douche Powder

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (9)

Certane Feminine Hygiene Vaginal Cones

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
Blue and white and silver-colored cardboard box with divided interior for holding 24 vaginal cones (suppositories). Box is empty. Certane vaginal cones contained phenylmercuric acetate, 0.05% and oxyquinoline sulphate. Printed on box: "Must be kept cool to avoid melting." Information about the use of the cones is printed on the bottom of the box: "Convenient and quick to use. CERTANE Cones can be quickly inserted and pushed deeply into the vagina by the fingers. Their non-irritating base carrying the medical ingredients melts promptly in contact with body heat and moisture and after a little while spreads upon the vaginal membranes."
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (10)

Certane Feminine Hygiene Vaginal Cones

maker
Vogarell Products Company
Description
Blue and white and silver-colored cardboard box with divided interior for holding 12 vaginal cones (suppositories). Box is empty. Certane vaginal cones contained phenylmercuric acetate, 0.05% and oxyquinoline sulphate. Printed on box: "Must be kept cool to avoid melting." Information about the use of the cones is printed on the bottom of the box: "Convenient and quick to use. CERTANE Cones can be quickly inserted and pushed deeply into the vagina by the fingers. Their non-irritating base carrying the medical ingredients melts promptly in contact with body heat and moisture and after a little while spreads upon the vaginal membranes."
In 1930, Rosemarie Lewis established the Certane Company to produce "feminine hygiene" products in Los Angeles, California. "Feminine hygiene" was a code term used by marketers for women's contraceptive products at a time when dealing in these products was illegal in most of the U.S. Lewis's first products were antiseptic vaginal jellies and douche powders, but she soon added cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal suppositories (cones) to the Certane line. Lewis sold her products through drugstores and other retail outlets and mail-order. She was investigated by the Federal Trade Ccommission (FTC) in 1938 and charged with false and misleading advertising. She was charged again in 1942 by the U.S. Postal Service for conducting unlawful business (selling contraceptives) through the mail. By 1948, Rosemarie Lewis began doing business as the Vogarell Products Company, the maker name on this product. In the 1950's Vogarell added Lanacane skin ointment for acne and Hemex rectal ointment to the product line. Certane douche powder, vaginal jelly, and vaginal suppositories appear to have remained on the market through the 1960s, and Lewis continued to do business as Vogarell into the early 1980s.
Reference: Tone, Andrea. Devices and Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. New York: Hill and Wang, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (11)

Dewitt's Hygienic Powder

date made
after 1906
maker
Frederick Stearns & Co.
E. C. DeWitt and Company
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
superficial burns; prickly heat; insect bites; sunburn; after shaving; vaginal douche
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (12)

Massengill Powder, Sample

date made
ca 1950-1960
maker
S. E. Massengill Company
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cleansing Douche for Hygenic Purposes after Menstruation and Coitus. / Vaginal Douche: A pleasant nonirritating douche for routine hygenic purposes, use when needed.
Gargle and Mouth Wash: For minor irritations of the mouth and throat. Use when needed.
Foot Wash: As a refreshing bath for perspiring or itching feet. Use when needed.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (13)

Inserfem Bluline

maker
Blue Line Chemical Co.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (14)

Veen Douche Powder

date made
ca 1940s
maker
Norwich Pharmacal Company
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
A perfected Douche Powder especially prepared for irrigation of the vaginal tract. Its cleansing action is soothing to the mucous membranes.
Directions: Dissolve a tablespoonful in a quart of moderately warm water. Jar cap measures one tablespoonful. Be sure the powder is well dissolved before use.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (15)

Betadine Douche

date made
1970s
maker
Purdue Frederick Company
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (16)

Betadine Douche

date made
1970s
maker
Purdue Frederick Company
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (17)

Massengill Douche Powder

maker
Beecham-Massengill Pharmaceuticals
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (18)

Trichotine Liquid Vaginal Cleanser

maker
Reed & Carnrick Manufacturing Chemists
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (19)

Trichotine-D Disposable Douche

maker
Reed & Carnrick Manufacturing Chemists
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (20)

Massengill Disposable Medicated Douche with Vagidine

date made
ca 1980
maker
Beecham Products
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (21)

Menstrual Sponge

date made
ca 1978 - 1979
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (22)

D'Orsay Personal Belt

maker
D'Orsay
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (23)

Hy-Kup Menstrual Cup

date made
ca 1930s
copyright date ("why you should use a hygienic menstrual cup" Hy-Kup distributors)
1928-01-29
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Hy-Kup Distrubutors
Description
One Hy-Kup menstrual cup in an blue and white cardboard box with cellophane wrapper. Each side of the box has the Hy-Kup brand name with a white cross below. A single word -- Scientific - Sanitary - Comfortable - Odorless -- appears on each of the four sides. Inscriptions on the bottom of the box include: "Price $2.00" and the phrase "Lasts for a Year."
The Hy-Kup appears to have been first marketed in 1928. It was advertised as "scientifically correct, invented, tested and perfected for the modern woman," it "eliminates belts and pads, odor and chafing," and is "absolutely secure." Advertisements also claimed that the cup was endorsed by leading doctors and nurses. The company recruited women to serve as distributors for Hy-Kup in their communities. The cups sold for $2.00 each and were advertised to last for a year. Paul Allen Wilkey (died June, 29, 1974), of Indiana, was named as owner and distributor of Hy-Kup in his obituary.
Location
Currently not on view

Feminine Hygiene Products (24)

Anna Health Sponges - Daintiness Marches On - Recommended By Doctors

date made
ca 1938 - 1939
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
American Sponge and Chamois Company
Location
Currently not on view

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Feminine Hygiene Products (2025)

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