Women Pay More Than Men For Similar Hygiene Products

[Obama 2012 1,714]

http://cbs11tv.com/consumer/beauty.products.hygiene.2.1688202.html

NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― From facial creams that reduce wrinkles to everyday deodorants, when it comes to beauty and hygiene, it's definitely a woman's world.

"We spend more money on facial products than most men do," says shopper Jennifer Pitman.

"By nature, women put more into their hygiene, therefore the marketers and the branders can hike the prices," said Fort Worth resident Jack Smith. "And females will still buy the products even though it's still more expensive."

CBS 11 News selected random items in several different stores and found on average, women pay higher prices than men for many of the same products. Take Degree antiperspirant and deodorant. We looked at the Invisible Men's and the Ultra Clear Women's products. They have identical active ingredients (men's 17.8% vs. women's 14.8%), and the men's is a bigger size (2.7oz vs. 2.6oz). But, men pay $3.79 versus $4.79 for the women's version. The manufacturer says they recommend the price of $3.99 for both products, but it's ultimately up to the retailer.

On the surface, the men's Speed Stick 24/7 Gel is higher in price at $3.99 versus $3.49 for the Lady Speed Stick 24/7 Gel. But, the women's product is 2.3oz compared to 3.0oz for the men. This means women end up paying about $.20 more per ounce. The active ingredients are identical (18% in both), but the manufacturer says the price is different because the products were designed to meet different needs.

"I think it's absolutely outrageous," said SMU marketing professor Dan Howard.

According to Howard, price hikes on women's products has been going on for years. He says some companies charge women more because they claim their marketing costs are higher for female products. "I've seen the argument before, but I have yet to be persuaded by it," he said.

We also looked at Nivea for Men Hair & Body Wash and compared it to the Nivea Touch of Harmony Body Wash. The men's wash costs $4.99, while women pay more at $6.99.

Nivea says the difference is because of the fragrance in the women's product and what they call "aromacology research". Howard says it's simpler than that. "They charge women more because they know that women are willing to pay more," he said.

Neutrogena makes an age-fighting system for both men and women. Both have SPF 15, and both are made with Retinol and have multi-vitamins. But, the women's version is $1.00 more at $14.99. A spokeswoman for Neutrogena says the woman's product is fragrance-free, oil-free, and hypoallergenic while the men's version is not.

The same is true for L'Oreal's men's and women's anti-wrinkle and firming moisturizer. Again, both products have virtually identical ingredients and identical size. But, in this case, women are paying $5.00 more ($11.99 vs. $16.99).

Repeated attempts for comment from L'Oreal went unanswered.

"I'd rather pay what they're paying for the exact same product," said shopper Jennifer Bull.

Howard says there's only one way women can change the system. "Shop like a guy," he said. "Buy the man brand. If the price differential bothers you, and I believe it should, then buy the identical male product."

CBS 11 did find plenty of products that charge identical prices for men's and women's products including Suave body washes and Schick razors.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

"We spend more money on facial products than most men do," says shopper Jennifer Pitman.

Which is a shame, because..... oh never mind, I'll let Charles say it.

[Jenn! 918]

I wear a lot of men's products because I've noticed that and I'm cheap and don't mind if I smell manly.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I wear a lot of men's products because I've noticed that and I'm cheap and don't mind if I smell manly.

My wife will use my Axe bodyspray from time to time. Strangely enough, supermodels do flock to her when she uses it but they continue to ignore me.

[ValerieA 350]

"I think it's absolutely outrageous," said SMU marketing professor Dan Howard.

According to Howard, price hikes on women's products has been going on for years. He says some companies charge women more because they claim their marketing costs are higher for female products. "I've seen the argument before, but I have yet to be persuaded by it," he said.

This guy isn't much of a marketing professor. The #1 goal of a (for-profit) company is to maximize profits. So, if they can sell a similar product for more money to a particular demographic, of course they are going to do it. It has nothing to do with higher costs, it is simply making more money. Nothing wrong with that, really. Especially if I invest in these companies.

My wife will use my Axe bodyspray from time to time. Strangely enough, supermodels do flock to her when she uses it but they continue to ignore me.

You poor thing.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

My wife will use my Axe bodyspray from time to time. Strangely enough, supermodels do flock to her when she uses it but they continue to ignore me.

has to make some sort of fantasy come true at least.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

It is all good for the economy. You gals buy your beauty stuff and we buy trucks and boats and guns and ammunition. Seems fair to me.

[Jenn! 918]

My wife will use my Axe bodyspray from time to time. Strangely enough, supermodels do flock to her when she uses it but they continue to ignore me.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

You gals buy your beauty stuff and we buy trucks and boats and guns and ammunition.

And librul-pansy men like me can spend their money on iPads, silk boxers and more Axe bodyspray (because one must never give up hope).

[ValerieA 350]

It is all good for the economy. You gals buy your beauty stuff and we buy trucks and boats and guns and ammunition. Seems fair to me.

I want to buy a gun! And a boat! And a truck to haul the boat with! I don't want to be stuck with stupid beauty products.

[thongd4me 69]

2 possible reasons

- Men get dirtier more quickly so their products are cheaper because of the volume?

They have to buy more to reduce the stink, LOL.

- There are many more products for women so they sell fewer of each and therefore the price for any given one is greater?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

2 possible reasons

- Men get dirtier more quickly so their products are cheaper because of the volume?

They have to buy more to reduce the stink, LOL.

- There are many more products for women so they sell fewer of each and therefore the price for any given one is greater?

I think Valerie's post (see above) explained it well. Companies charge whatever they know their market will pay.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

2 possible reasons

- Men get dirtier more quickly so their products are cheaper because of the volume?

They have to buy more to reduce the stink, LOL.

- There are many more products for women so they sell fewer of each and therefore the price for any given one is greater?

I think it breaks down to the fact that men don't really care.

We'll buy the cheapest thing on the shelves and ignore the more expensive things so long as it gets us clean.

Women on the other hand often times associate price with quality. While in some areas they are looking for a 'bargain' when it comes down to their hygiene many times no expense is too great... I mean just look at these stupid women who pay $100 at the salon every week...

[ValerieA 350]

I think Valerie's post (see above) explained it well. Companies charge whatever they know their market will pay.

I could be swayed by the "men stink" argument also, though!

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

Which is a shame, because..... oh never mind, I'll let Charles say it.

quit reading my mind!