The beauty industry has long categorized makeup and skin care products as being specifically for men or women. However, there is now a growing number of brands that are challenging this binary system and creating products that are inclusive of all genders. Brands like Jordan Samuel Skin and Meloway Makeup are leading the charge in changing the beauty aisle.
According to Jordan Samuel Pacitti, the founder of Jordan Samuel Skin, “Skin care is inherently genderless. We all have different skin concerns, but they are not determined by biological gender or gender identity.” Similarly, Ash Kim and his brother Aiden founded Meloway Makeup because they wanted to create products that they themselves would use. Kim states, “Makeup being part of the gender binary is arbitrary, and we are determined to build a brand that is as inclusive as possible. Our target customer is anyone who loves makeup. We believe that makeup is for everyone.”
While traditionally beauty products have been divided into gender-specific categories, it begs the question: is there really a benefit to using products designed specifically for one sex or the other? We spoke to top dermatologists to get their perspective on whether these gender-specific products are necessary or if it’s all just marketing.
Experts explain that there are indeed some common biological differences between men’s and women’s skin. Dr. Christina Lee Chung notes that hormones play a significant role in these differences. Men’s skin tends to be thicker due to testosterone, which means they may need stronger exfoliating products and higher concentrations of active ingredients. Additionally, testosterone stimulates oil production, making men’s skin oilier than women’s. As a result, men can typically tolerate harsh cleansers better. Men also have more facial hair and may experience issues like ingrown hairs from shaving, so products that soothe the skin post-shave are important. On the other hand, women’s skin tends to be drier and may require more moisturizer.
While these differences exist, Dr. Kristina Collins emphasizes that there is no scientific reason for skin care products to be gender-specific. Instead, she recommends selecting products based on individual skin type, rather than sex. Collins developed her own skin care line with evidence-backed ingredients that benefit everyone, and she has received positive feedback from both men and women who use her products.
So why are so many products marketed specifically to men or women? Dr. Nina Botto believes it’s due to misleading myths and stereotypes about skin types. She explains that most gender-based products have the same key ingredients, with the main difference being packaging and scent. Botto and her team at Vetted Dermlab designed their products to be appealing to everyone with black and white packaging and ingredients backed by data.
It’s worth noting that products marketed toward women tend to be more expensive than those marketed toward men, even when the ingredients are nearly identical. This discrepancy, known as the “pink tax,” highlights the need for more inclusive and affordable options in the beauty industry.
While gender-neutral beauty products may not be for everyone, the goal of inclusive brands like Meloway Makeup and Vetted Dermlab is to make everyone feel welcome and represented. The beauty industry is evolving, and these brands are leading the way by challenging gender norms and creating products that cater to all.
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