The ‘Pink Tax’ is a way of describing ‘when products and services marketed towards women cost more than men’s comparable products
It’s no shock to hear that over the years women have traditionally spent more money on health and beauty. This could be costly hair appointments, sanitary products or additional beauty treatments that men wouldn’t normally take part in. However, in recent years it has become more apparent that women pay a secret “Pink Tax” on everyday products which costs them hundreds of pounds annually.
Social media creator Chelsea, who goes by @Yourwealthwithchels on Instagram and TikTok, creates videos highlighting money tips and financial advice. In a video posted on Thursday, September 10, Chelsea spoke about the ‘Pink Tax’ and the increased prices that women pay in comparison to men.
So, what is the Pink Tax?
The social media creator says that the “Pink Tax” is a way of describing “when products and services marketed towards women cost more than men’s comparable products, despite being basically the same/ serving the same purpose.”
For example shower gels with different scents catered towards women and men, or perhaps razors that are different colours but do the exact same thing.
In 2024, the Co-Operative Bank shared an article which said: “There are just two apparent differences between a pink and a blue razor: the first is of course the colour, and the second? The price.
“The reason for this cost difference is simply because pink razors are marketed towards women — a phenomenon more formally known as the ‘pink tax’.”
At the time they revealed that their research across seven commonly purchased toiletry products, showed that women paid nearly 40% extra for their lower-cost essentials on average. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Chelsea decided to find out for herself just how much more women pay for everyday products as a result of the “Pink Tax”.
The content creator headed to her local supermarket and compared the prices of women’s and men’s toiletries including shampoo, shower gel and razors.
She discovered
The following price comparisons (at the time of posting):
- Women’s Sanex 450ml shower gel cost £3.73 (83p per 100ml) and the men’s Sanex 400ml shower gel cost £2.25 (56p per 100ml).
- Women’s Gillette Venus razors were over £10, but the men’s Gillette Match 3 razor retailed for £8.
- Women’s L’Oreal Elvive 400ml shampoo/conditioner cost between £4- £5 ( £1+ per 100ml) and then L’Oreal Men Expert 400ml cost £2.74 (68p per 100ml).
- Women’s Radox 450ml shower gel cost £2 (44p per 100ml) and men’s Radox 450ml cost £1.64 (36p per 100ml).
- Gillette Women’s 200ml shaving gel cost £2.97 (£1.48 per 100ml) and Gillette Men’s 200ml shaving gel cost £2.54 (£1.27 per 100ml).
Chelsea said: “Well, the results speak for themselves. And this is just a VERY small example of products where women can end up paying more.
“But pink tax isn’t just about shampoo and razors. Women can also pay more for things like hairdressing services, skincare & personal care products, beauty treatments, clothing and underwear And there’s also a wider cost that’s harder to put a price on.
“There’s often an expectation that women should look more ‘put together’: hair done, makeup on, nails done, skin looking good, the list goes on.“According to Monster’s 2026 Beauty Bias at Work Report, 70% of workers said women face significantly more appearance related pressure at work than men.
“So when women are expected to meet higher standards around appearance, that can translate into a very real financial cost over time = PINK TAX.”
