I've been watching the way that I spend my money as I am looking to change some of my negative spending habits. One of my largest expenditures each month is health and beauty products - shampoo, deodorant, face wash, razors, etc. I've heard a lot about the so-called "Pink Tax" - the idea that women are willing to spend extra on products that are pink, are "made for women", or seem more cutesy for lack of better term. As much as I like pink, I like having extra money much more and so I decided to investigate and see if I could walk away from the store with a few extra dollars in hand.
I've read several articles pertaining to the Pink Tax and decided to try researching those specific items and comparing their prices for myself. I chose to compare Target's prices since that's where I purchase the majority of my items. I went into this whole blog post with the thought in mind that I was going to raise hell about the cost difference and throw some feminist fit or something. But guess what? I found that the supposedly higher cost of pink is a myth...
Let's compare these two similar Degree brand deodorants...
Women's Degree Dry Protection Shower Clean Invisible Solid Deodorant Health Concern: Body Odor For Use On: Under Arm Scent: Fresh Product Form: Solid Capacity (volume): 2.6 Oz. |
Men's Degree Men Dry Protection Extreme Blast Antiperspirant & Deodorant Health Concern: Body Odor For Use On: Under Arm Scent: Fresh Product Form: Solid Capacity (volume): 2.7 Oz. |
According to Target.com both of these products cost $3.99 + tax. Now, to be fair... the women's deodorant contains 2.6 ounces VS that 2.7 ounces in the men's. But let's be realistic here: How often do you actually get everything out of a deodorant container? I doubt that .1 is really going to make a difference.
In my search, I noticed that there aren't very many deodorant brands that are marketed and/or designed for both genders. Brands like Secret cater to women whereas Old Spice caters towards men. The idea behind those brands is that Secret often comes in floral, "feminine scents" while Old Spice produces stronger, musky "masculine scents". So to be fair, it's hard to compare prices when you start comparing completely different brands.
In this case, I don't really see a Pink Tax. I don't feel like I am paying more money for the "preferred" or "feminine scented" deodorant. But let's try comparing some razors - something that legitimately comes in pink or otherwise more girly colors.
Women's Number of Pieces: 1 Includes: Razor For Use On: Whole Body For Hair Type: All Hair Types Battery: no battery used Care and Cleaning: Rinse with Water |
Men's Number of Pieces: 1 Includes: Razor For Use On: Whole Body For Hair Type: All Hair Types Battery: no battery used Care and Cleaning: Rinse with Water |
These are similar, disposable razors made by the same company, Gillette. The Venus and the Mach series both claim to be "sensitive and sensible", have the same number of blades, are for all hair types and useful on all parts of the body. Besides color and some otherwise aesthetic differences, they are the same razor. Even the packaging is similar!
Each razor is listed on Target.com for $3.99 + tax - no pink tax here.
I Don't Feel Cheated.
Do you feel like you are paying more for cute products? I honestly thought that I was - so many people swear by this pink tax. I'm sure I could find some discrepancy somewhere if I tried hard enough, but the numbers don't lie. When you make legitimate comparisons and only put similar products against similar products made by the same company, the pink tax is a myth.Is this always the case? I doubt so many women would be in an uproar about this if there weren't some real cases out there. I have seen the pictures where price comparisons have been done in the past and see the noticeable price inflation on women's items for myself. But in my research, I just don't see it (and remember, I went into this post expecting to find it).
Hooray, Giveaway!
Well, since there's no price difference, I will send one lucky winner a package of their very own pink razors! The giveaway below is for U.S. readers only (sorry, I am not sending sharp things internationally haha).
If only I could join the giveaway! This Gillette® Venus Sensitive Sensible Disposable Razor has been my friend for years.
ReplyDeleteI need some new razors. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is interesting! I always believed in the Pink Tax, but now the facts have shown it's only a myth.
ReplyDeleteI think the problem lies in people comparing product types from different brands and then complaining that it costs $7 for an item marketing towards women and $4 for one marketed towards men. You just can't do that. That's like comparing Sara Lee bread to Great Value by Walmart. Yeah, they are both bread... but they are different companies with a different price range and overall product value.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
ReplyDeleteinteresting to compare the products so closely! Thanks for the info and the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I sometimes think that there is pink tax as well! I also thing that items that have the pink cancer logo on it are more expensive as well! However it is great that you did some research and that you did not see that in these items! Great post! I need to work on my spending habits too! Good luck! If I see any pink taxes I will be sure to let you know!
ReplyDelete~Amanda Marie~
I suspect the products with the Pink Cancer logo on it are more expensive for a reason... although I think if the company really cares, they should keep it all the same price and still donate portions of their profits. *shrugs* But in that case, I don't mind paying extra if it's for a good cause. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that perhaps the pink tax was a thing and that companies & stores have worked to correct it.
No problem! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI actually never heard of the pink tax or seen these razors but I do like venus razors.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the pink tax and yes some things are dearer for women then men but like you I have found over all there usually is only a couple of cents different in price if there is any.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard this term before! I'll have to research and see what I can find!
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of these types of things are a myth. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI consider myself to be informed about these types of subjects but had never heard of this "pink tax". Wow, who would have thought?! I guess I'm glad to see that there wasn't a difference in the price of the razors. Thank-you for this thought provoking post. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for such a great giveaway,
ReplyDelete