The Pink Tax: Why Women Pay More for the Same Products

What is the Pink Tax?

Have you ever noticed that a pink razor costs more than a blue one? Or that women’s deodorant is priced higher than men’s—even when the ingredients are identical? This isn’t a coincidence. It’s called the Pink Tax, a term used to describe the additional costs women pay for products and services compared to men. The Pink Tax isn’t an actual tax, but rather a pricing disparity that results in women paying more for everyday essentials like toiletries, clothing, and even financial services.

The Reality of Gendered Pricing

The Pink Tax affects a wide range of industries, from personal care to healthcare, fashion, and even transportation. Studies have shown that women’s products cost 7% more on average than similar products marketed to men. Here are some key areas where the Pink Tax hits hardest:

1. Personal Care Products

Women pay more for razors, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and painkillers. A 2015 study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs found that women’s personal care products cost 13% more than comparable men’s products. For example, a pack of five disposable razors marketed to women can cost as much as 50% more than an identical pack marketed to men. The only real difference? The color pink.

Beyond razors, even unisex products are often priced differently based on branding. Studies have shown that generic painkillers, body washes, and moisturizers in "feminine" packaging cost more than those in "masculine" or gender-neutral designs, despite containing the same ingredients.

2. Clothing

From children’s clothing to adult apparel, gendered pricing is common. Girls' clothing costs about 4% more than boys', while women’s clothing averages 8% higher than men’s, even when made from similar materials. This disparity extends to accessories such as backpacks and helmets, with "girl" versions often carrying a higher price tag.

3. Dry Cleaning & Haircuts

A common but often overlooked Pink Tax exists in services. Women are charged more for dry cleaning, even when bringing in the same type of clothing as men. One investigation found that a woman’s button-up shirt could cost up to twice as much to dry clean as a man’s, despite requiring the same process. Similarly, many hair salons charge women significantly more than men for a basic haircut, even if they have short hair requiring minimal styling.

4. Financial Products

Even in areas like car insurance and mortgages, women tend to pay more. Research suggests that women are charged higher interest rates on loans and credit cards, despite generally having better repayment records. A study from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that women pay more in mortgage fees than men with similar credit scores and financial backgrounds.

5. Healthcare and Medications

The Pink Tax extends beyond consumer goods into healthcare, where women often pay more for insurance, prescriptions, and medical services. In some countries, essential women’s health products such as tampons and pads are taxed as “luxury” items, while products like Viagra are tax-free. This has sparked global campaigns for governments to remove tampon taxes and recognise menstrual products as necessities rather than optional purchases.

Why Does the Pink Tax Exist?

The Pink Tax is largely driven by gendered marketing and outdated stereotypes. Companies argue that women’s products are different—sometimes claiming they contain superior formulas or added benefits. However, side-by-side comparisons show that many gendered products are essentially identical except for colour, scent, and branding.

Additionally, there’s an assumption that women will pay more for certain products because they feel pressured by societal beauty standards. This is particularly evident in the personal care and fashion industries, where women are expected to invest more in their appearance.

The Cost Over a Lifetime

The Pink Tax isn’t just about paying an extra pound or two on a single item—it adds up significantly over a woman’s lifetime. According to some estimates, women pay an additional £80,000 over their lifetime due to gendered pricing. That’s money that could be spent on education, savings, or investments.

Here’s a breakdown of just how much extra women pay:

• Razors & personal care: £1,500–£2,000 more over a lifetime

• Clothing & dry cleaning: £8,000–£12,000 more

• Financial services (loans, insurance, mortgages): £20,000+ more

• Healthcare & medication costs: £30,000+ more

These figures demonstrate how gender-based pricing is more than an inconvenience—it has real financial consequences that contribute to the wealth gap between men and women.

How Can We Fight the Pink Tax?

Though frustrating, there are ways to push back against the Pink Tax and demand fairer pricing:

1. Compare Before You Buy

Always compare “men’s” and “women’s” products before purchasing. If the men’s version is cheaper and contains the same ingredients or functionality, opt for that instead.

2. Support Gender-Neutral Brands

Many companies are moving away from gendered pricing and offering gender-neutral alternatives. Brands that avoid the Pink Tax deserve consumer support.

3. Call Out Companies

Social media is a powerful tool. When you see unfair pricing, speak up and tag companies that engage in gendered pricing. Some brands have been pressured into changing their pricing policies after public backlash.

4. Advocate for Legislation

Some governments have taken action against the Pink Tax. For example, California passed a law in 2023 banning gender-based pricing in consumer goods. Advocating for similar policies in other regions can help eliminate the Pink Tax altogether.

5. Educate & Raise Awareness

The more people know about the Pink Tax, the more pressure there will be for companies to stop engaging in gender-based pricing. Share articles, post about it online, and discuss it with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

The Pink Tax is a hidden form of gender discrimination that affects women in nearly every aspect of their lives. While companies profit from gendered pricing, women are forced to pay more for everyday necessities. By raising awareness, making informed purchases, and demanding change, we can take steps toward economic equality.