The beauty industry has traditionally divided makeup and skin care products into categories for men and women. However, there is a growing movement towards inclusivity, with brands like Jordan Samuel Skin and Meloway Makeup seeking to create products that transcend gender boundaries.
According to Jordan Samuel Pacitti, founder of Jordan Samuel Skin, “Skin care is inherently genderless. We all have different skin concerns, but they are not determined solely by biological gender or gender identity.” Similarly, Ash Kim and Aiden, the founders of Meloway Makeup, wanted to create products that they would personally use. Kim stated, “Makeup being part of the gender binary is arbitrary, and we are determined to make a brand as inclusive as possible.”
But is there any benefit to using products designed specifically for one gender? We asked dermatologists for their views on whether there are significant differences between men’s and women’s skin, or if it’s simply a marketing tactic.
There are indeed some common biological differences between men’s and women’s skin. Testosterone, for example, makes men’s skin thicker, so they may need stronger exfoliating products and higher concentrations of active ingredients. Men also tend to have oilier skin due to testosterone stimulating oil production. Women, on the other hand, tend to have drier skin and may require more moisturizer. Women’s skin also tends to show more signs of aging, as men typically have higher collagen density.
However, according to dermatologists, there is no scientific reason for skin care products to be gender specific. Dr. Kristina Collins, founder of Foy by Dr. Collins, emphasizes that the ideal skin care regimen should be based on skin type rather than gender. She recommends selecting products that best suit individual skin needs.
So why are so many products marketed specifically to men or women? Dr. Nina Botto, co-founder of Vetted Dermlab, points out that there are many myths and stereotypes about skin types that are misleading and inaccurate. The difference in marketing is often based on appearance and scent preferences rather than actual ingredients. Additionally, products marketed to women are often subject to higher pricing due to the “pink tax.”
Dr. Botto and her team aim to create products that are appealing to everyone and emphasize inclusivity. They use neutral packaging and ingredients with proven effectiveness. While she acknowledges that not everyone may be ready for gender-neutral beauty products, the goal is always to be inclusive.