Rethink Skincare: It’s Not About Gender, It’s About You
Imagine walking into a store and being told that water hydrates men differently than women. Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet, when it comes to gender-neutral skincare, we’re constantly bombarded with products labeled “for men” or “for women.” The reality is, skin is skin, and hair is hair. Of course, there are some biological differences, but overall, the fundamentals of care remain the same.
Whether you’re a man, woman, or anywhere in between, your routine should be based on your unique skin and hair needs—not marketing labels. That’s why, in this first article of our 10-part series, we’re busting the myth of gender-specific skincare and haircare. By doing so, we’ll help you focus on what truly matters: personalized care.
So, are you ready to rethink beauty? Let’s dive in and bust some myths.
Men and Women Need Different Products
Do they? Really? Let me tell you—as the owner of a skincare business, this is one of the biggest myths in the beauty industry. Stores divide skincare into “for men” and “for women,” reinforcing the idea that gender dictates skincare needs. Marketing plays along, wrapping women’s products in soft pinks and florals, while men’s products come in bold blacks and blues. And let’s not forget the pink tax—where women’s products often cost more for the same formula. It’s all about branding, not better skincare.
But honestly, your skin doesn’t recognise marketing—it only knows what it needs: hydration, protection, and balance. A moisturiser with hyaluronic acid will hydrate, whether it comes in a rugged blue bottle labeled “Men’s Face Cream” or a delicate pink jar promising a “radiant glow.” A shampoo with tea tree oil will soothe an oily scalp, no matter who uses it.
That’s why gender-neutral skincare makes sense—it’s about finding what works for you, not what marketing dictates. Your routine should be built around ingredients that nourish, protect, and balance your skin and hair, not stereotypes about masculinity or femininity.
Forget the labels. Forget the colours. The only thing that matters is results. Choose products based on their benefits, not their branding. Because at the end of the day, skincare isn’t about gender—it’s about healthy, happy skin and hair.
No gender. No labels. Just results.
Men Need Stronger, Oil-Control Products
Many people believe that gender-neutral skincare isn’t possible because men’s skin is naturally thicker and oilier than women’s. This has led to the marketing of harsh cleansers and aggressive oil-control formulas targeted specifically at men. But does every man really need these products, or is this just another myth?
Yes, testosterone can make men’s skin thicker and oilier on average, but that doesn’t mean all men have oily skin—just as not all women have dry skin. Since skin type is personal, not gender-based, skincare should be tailored to individual needs, rather than marketing labels.
For instance, some men have dry, sensitive skin that reacts poorly to harsh products, while some women struggle with excess oil and need lightweight, mattifying formulas. Instead of choosing products based on gender, focus on what your skin actually needs. If it feels tight and flaky, prioritize hydration; but if it gets shiny by midday, opt for oil control. Ultimately, skincare isn’t about being a man or a woman—it’s about choosing what truly works for you.
Your skin & hair. Your needs. Your choice.
Haircare Should Be Gendered
Men’s shampoos are often labeled as “deep-cleaning” or “energizing,” while women’s promise “shine” and “volume.” This creates the illusion that haircare should differ by gender. But in reality, does your hair care about the words on the bottle?
What truly matters is hair type, scalp health, and specific needs—not marketing. Since your strands don’t recognize gimmicks, they need the right ingredients and formulations based on texture and condition, not gender.
So, ask yourself: Is your hair straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Is your scalp oily, dry, or sensitive? These factors—not whether a product is in the men’s or women’s aisle—determine what works best. For example, a man with curly, dry hair may benefit from a hydrating conditioner marketed to women, just as a woman with an oily scalp might prefer a deep-cleaning shampoo from the men’s section.
Forget the labels, check the ingredients, and choose what truly nourishes your hair—regardless of branding.
Your hair. Your care. Your routine.
Anti-Ageing Is Only for Women
Skincare ads rarely reflect the reality of gender-neutral skincare. For instance, women’s products promise “anti-ageing” and “firmness,” while men’s focus on “strength” and “refreshment.” As a result, this contrast suggests ageing is a women’s concern, whereas men’s skincare is about toughness. In truth, ageing affects everyone—regardless of gender.
As we age, collagen production slows, skin dries out, and fine lines appear. But this isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a natural process for all. Fortunately, ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides help fight wrinkles, boost collagen, and maintain firmness. Most importantly, they work the same way for everyone.
If healthy skin matters to you, anti-ageing should be part of your routine—no matter what the bottle says. After all, skin doesn’t age by gender, so why should skincare?
No labels. No gimmicks. Just go, go, glow!
Skincare and Haircare Need to Be Complicated
Many people hesitate to explore gender-neutral skincare because they assume it involves a long and complicated routine. For instance, some believe that effective skincare requires layering multiple products, each claiming different benefits. Similarly, others think that using more products automatically leads to better results. However, these ideas can make skincare feel overwhelming—especially for those who prefer a simple, no-fuss approach. As a consequence, some avoid skincare altogether, while others end up using too many products without truly understanding what their skin needs.
The truth? Simplicity works best. You don’t need a dozen products—just a solid, consistent routine.
For skincare: ? Cleanse – Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. ? Moisturise – Hydrate with a moisturiser that works for you. ? Protect – Apply sunscreen daily to prevent damage.
For haircare: ? Wash – Choose a shampoo based on your scalp health. ? Condition – Pick a conditioner that suits your hair type. ? Style – Use minimal products to avoid build-up.
Good skincare and haircare aren’t about complexity—they’re about consistency. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and let your skin and hair thrive.
Less fuss, more results. Your routine, your way.
Ayurveda: A Gender-Neutral Approach to Beauty
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of wellness, takes a completely different approach to gender-neutral skincare. Rather than dividing skincare by gender, it focuses on balance—understanding your body’s natural tendencies and choosing ingredients that support harmony and health. In fact, according to Ayurveda, skin and hair concerns aren’t about being male or female but instead are influenced by an individual’s dosha—their unique constitution. Thus, this approach emphasizes personalization over gender-based marketing.
? Vata (Dry skin/hair) – Use warm oils like sesame or almond for deep hydration.
? Pitta (Sensitive skin/hair) – Choose cooling ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil to soothe irritation.
? Kapha (Oily skin/hair) – Opt for detoxifying ingredients like neem and turmeric to balance excess oil.
Another key principle of Ayurveda is consistency. Unlike quick fixes that promise instant results, Ayurveda views skincare as a long-term commitment. In other words, it’s about regular, mindful care that nurtures the skin over time. Just as good health is built through daily habits, glowing skin comes from steady, long-term care. Moreover, using the right natural ingredients and following practices consistently allows the skin to heal, adapt, and thrive. Ultimately, Ayurveda teaches that true skin health is a journey, not a quick solution—which is why consistency is just as important as the products themselves.
This personalised approach is a reminder that skincare and haircare should be based on your body’s needs, not gender.
Balance, consistency, and care—your skin, your journey.
What Really Matters: Your Unique Needs
When choosing skincare and haircare, forget the gender labels. After all, your skin and hair don’t care about marketing—they care about what actually works. Rather than picking products based on packaging, focus on what truly matters: instead, look at the ingredients, effectiveness, and how well they suit your unique needs. By doing so, you can create a routine that supports healthy skin and hair, regardless of gender-based branding.
? Skin Type – Is your skin oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Choose products that target your skin’s needs.
? Hair Type – Is your hair straight, wavy, curly, or coily? The right formula enhances your natural texture.
? Scalp Health – Is your scalp oily, dry, or sensitive? Pick shampoos and treatments that bring balance.
? Lifestyle – Need a simple, multitasking routine? Choose effective products that fit seamlessly into your day.
Your skin, your hair, your choice—because real care has no labels.
What’s Next in This Series?
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore more ways to build a routine based on personal needs. Here’s what’s coming up:
Ditch the Labels, Focus on You
Beauty isn’t about pink bottles for women and black bottles for men—instead, it’s about what works for you. Ultimately, gender-neutral skincare is about choosing products based on your skin and hair needs, rather than marketing labels.
So, the next time you pick a product, ask yourself—does this suit my skin type, hair texture, and concerns? If so, use it. If not, find one that does. In the end, it’s that simple.
More importantly, your skin and hair deserve care tailored to you, not outdated gender norms. That’s why it’s time to ditch the myths, ignore the labels, and focus on what truly matters—healthy, happy skin and hair for everyone.
Your body. Your choice. Your rules.