We got wind of a little thing called the "pink tax" and decided to dig our noses deeper into the true price difference between products marketed towards women and products marketed towards men. We looked at 15 basic hygiene, skincare and haircare products without taking makeup and other beauty items into consideration. You have to see how much on average a woman is paying for hygiene products compared to a man.
Deodorant
When it comes to staying sweat free you would think men's deodorant would cost more than women's. But, in fact, women's deodorant, $5, costs a dollar more than men's deodorant at $4. That's $20 a year for women and $16 for men.
Razors
While shaving is something most men and women do, the cost of razors is no where near the same. Men's $9 Gillette razors have no chance against Gillete's $11 razors for women. At one razor a month that's $108 for men and $132 for women!
Moisturizer
Women pay good money for moisturizer considering its anti-aging benefits. Maybe that's why women's moisturizer is about $18 and men's is only $6. Considering the average person purchases it four times a year, that's $72 for women and only $24 for men.
Face Wash
A women's 8 ounce face wash will cost around $6. For the same price, men can get an 18 ounce body and face wash all in one! Women would have to buy face wash about four times a year, costing $24, while men can probably get away with a twice a year purchase for about $12.
Shampoo
While it seems like guys are paying more for shampoo at $6 compared to $5, they're getting shampoo AND conditioner in one. Women on the other hand, have to pay more for that. Buying shampoo four times a year will cost men $24 and women $20.
Shaving Cream
Gillette shaving cream for women is around $3, whereas men's Gillette shaving cream is around $2. Come on Gillette, men shave just as much as women do! After buying it 3 times a year that's $9 for women and $6 for men.
After Shave
Of course men pay more in the after shave department, because well, women don't use it. On average, after shave is around $6. If a man buys it three times a year that's around $18.
Tampons
However, it doesn't mean women get off paying less just because they don't pay for after shave. Women have to pay for tampons and those are anywhere from $7 to $10! If you buy six boxes a year that's around $60.
Hair Cuts
Men's hair cuts can be between $10-$25, whereas women pay around $35-$60 for just a hair cut. If a guy gets his hair cut every month he'd pay about $210 and a woman's cut six times a year costs around $285. Of course that doesn't include any hair dying.
Fragrances
When looking at fragrances, we looked at popular brands. Polo Ralph Lauren cologne costs $37 for 2 ounces. Women's Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume costs $80 for 1.7 ounces! That's still a big perfume bill even if you only buy it once a year.
Lotion
Lotion marketed towards women (fragrance and tanning purposes included) is around $15-$20 a bottle. Lotion for men on the other hand, is only $6 for an even bigger bottle. Buying lotion three times a year can add up to $60 for women and only $18 for men.
Conditioner
A big bottle of your average conditioner is about $5, but if you need anything more advanced, like a leave-in conditioner, you're looking at around $15. That can cost $60 a year! Guys paid a dollar more for their 2-in-1 shampoo, remember?
Soap
Bar soap is actually about the same for men and women. It's around $10 for eight bars of soap, which costs about $20 a year. Looks like we aren't paying for the pink color when it comes to soap after all.
Hair Products
From straighteners and curling irons to hairspray, dry shampoo and anti-frizz serum, there's no question women spend way more on their hair products. Men's hair gel is around $7. Buying these products four times a year can get quite costly at $80 for women and $28 for men.
Average Year Total
After adding up all of the yearly hygiene product expenses, women spend a whopping $982 compared to men who spend $521. Of course, this doesn't count hair color, makeup and other facial products women use. Talk about a huge cost gap when it comes to basic hygiene products!