Why Cycle Syncing Is the Wellness Shift Women Can't Stop Talking About — & How Rael is Leading the Charge

Grazia USA

6 days ago

Photo courtesy of Rael
For decades, women have been taught to simply 'deal with' their monthly cycles — often reduced to painkillers, tampons, and little else. But in 2025, a growing wave of women are flipping the script, syncing their routines — fitness, food, skincare, and even work schedules — with the natural hormonal shifts of their menstrual cycle. The term? Cycle syncing . And it's more than a buzzword — it's a biological blueprint for better living.
At the forefront of this hormone-informed wellness movement is Rael , a women-founded brand turning insights into action with clean, effective products built for each phase of the menstrual cycle. Whether it's soothing heat patches during menstruation or glow-boosting skincare during ovulation, Rael's full-spectrum approach is helping women finally feel in sync with their bodies — and not at war with them. What Is Cycle Syncing?
Cycle syncing refers to the practice of tailoring lifestyle habits to align with the four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Hormonal fluctuations across these phases can influence everything from skin condition and energy levels to appetite and stress response.
Modern wellness tools like the Oura Ring , Bellabeat , and Incora Health are making it easier than ever to track your body's rhythms — but what comes after the data? That's where Rael comes in. Yanghee Paik, CEO and Co-Founder of Rael; Photo courtesy of Rael
'So many brands focus only on the week of bleeding, but hormonal changes impact us all month long — physically, mentally, and emotionally,' says Rael Co-Founder and CEO Yanghee Paik in an exclusive interview with GRAZIA USA . 'We saw an opportunity to create products that support those shifts in a more thoughtful, intuitive way.' The Science of Skin and Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations during the cycle can wreak havoc on the skin — causing dryness during menstruation, radiance during ovulation, and breakouts during the luteal phase. Rael's Cycle Synced Mask Set ($13.99) was designed to meet those needs head-on, with targeted formulas for each week of your cycle.
Thanks to Paik's Korean-American background, the brand's skincare line incorporates cutting-edge K-beauty innovation. And powered by Rael's Korean R&D team, they are bringing trending ingredients like azelaic acid-coated Shorticules and spicule delivery systems to U.S. consumers.
Take the Microcrystal Activated PM Serum, which was newly launched this week, on July 14. Photo courtesy of Rael
'Spicules have been viral in Korea for delivering 'microneedling in a bottle' results without irritation,' explains Paik. 'We formulated ours with proprietary first-to-US-market Shorticules… and buffered it with barrier-loving ingredients like Cica PDRN, Copper Peptides, and Allantoin.'
The result? A revolutionary serum that gently refines texture, calms hormonal breakouts, and respects the sensitivity of cycle-impacted skin. A Phase-by-Phase Approach to Care
Here's how Rael breaks down its holistic cycle-care routine: Menstrual Phase (Week 1): Hydrate + Soothe Follicular & Ovulatory Phases (Weeks 2–3): Brighten + Boost Luteal Phase (Week 4): Calm + Clarify More Than Just Period Products
While many legacy brands stay siloed in period care, Rael's innovation spans skincare, supplements, and body care — shaped by ongoing dialogue with their community.
'We're constantly listening — to what people are struggling with, what's missing from their routines, and how their needs shift throughout the month,' says Paik. 'Every product is created with a specific phase of the cycle in mind.' Photo courtesy of Rael
That intentionality extends beyond product formulas to how Rael reaches its customers. In fact, the brand took an unconventional route early on by launching as an Amazon-first company — an approach that defied traditional wellness marketing playbooks but paid off in a major way.
'When we chose to launch on Amazon, it was considered unconventional for a wellness brand,' says Paik. 'But we knew our customer — she was busy, she was smart, and she wanted access to better products without jumping through hoops.' The result? Rael became the #1 organic pad on Amazon within six months , and has since held the top overall spot in the platform's pad category — proving the power of listening to your audience and meeting them where they are.
This intentional product development reflects not only the lived experience of its users but also that of its founder.
'I hope Rael can show the next generation of founders (especially AAPI women) that your lived experience is a strength,' Paik adds. 'It can shape how you build, how you lead, and how you connect with consumers in a meaningful way.' A New Era of Empowered Wellness
The rise of cycle syncing speaks to a broader cultural shift: one that honors women's health, rhythm, and autonomy.
'For so long, the menstrual cycle was something women were taught to manage quietly, almost shamefully,' says Paik. 'Now, there's this powerful movement to own it, to align with it, to celebrate it… That's what holistic cycle care really means.'
As tech-enabled tools empower more women to track their cycle, Rael is stepping up with solutions that turn awareness into action — proving that when it comes to wellness, syncing beats silencing. GRAZIA' s Favorites Rael Products Best-Selling Product: Most Innovative Skincare: Editor's Pick: