‘Pink Tax’ has left millions of women paying £126 each per year simply for products marketed specifically towards them. The price differences have sparked outrage, so here’s how to avoid them
You may have heard about the ‘pink tax’, but have you ever wondered how it actually effects women’s finances?
‘Pink tax’ is an unfortunate reality in 2025 that directly impacts women. It refers to the price difference created by companies that charge more for the female version of various products. These gender-based price discrepancies can add up quickly, leaving women paying more for products simply because they are marketed toward them.
According to a report by NetVoucherCodes, women are spending £4.34 billion more than men on essential items, which works out to approximately £126 per woman annually in ‘pink tax’. This is a significant amount over time and highlights the financial burden many women face when purchasing everyday products.
Consumer expert Ellie Macsymons tells the Mirror: “Pink coloured products marketed towards women are 14% more expensive than the male version of those same products. Overall, women are paying the most in comparison to men on items including perfume (£38 more), moisturiser (£35 more), and razor blades (£17 more) on average per year.”
This pricing disparity becomes even more obvious when comparing products that are essentially the same but presented in different packaging based on gender. Products marketed toward women may seem to offer the same value for a similar price but, in reality, provide significantly less for the money – this is known as ‘gender shrinkflation’.
This form of shrinkflation is not only misleading but also reflects the larger systemic issue of gendered pricing. Furthermore, this pricing inequality extends beyond personal care products and into clothing as well. Parents have reported paying up to £30 more for a girl’s school uniform compared to a boy’s, despite the products being largely identical aside from the design.
While the ‘pink tax’ may seem inevitable in a society where gendered marketing has been ingrained for decades, Macsymons has shared the practical ways to avoid it.
Buy gender-neutral or men’s products
One of the easiest ways to avoid paying the pink tax is by purchasing gender-neutral versions of everyday essentials such as razors, shower gel, shampoo, and deodorants. These products typically serve the same purpose as the ones marketed toward women but are often less expensive. By opting for these, you can reduce the demand for ‘pink’ products targeted at women, as well as save money in the process.
Check the label
Before purchasing a product, it’s always worth checking the label. While a product might seem fairly priced based on the ingredients or packaging, that isn’t always the case. Comparing the labels of men’s and women’s products will often reveal that the contents are virtually identical. In such cases, choosing the less expensive option can save you a considerable amount of money.
Avoid multi-pack deals
Don’t fall for multi-pack deals just because they seem like a good value. It’s crucial to compare how much you’d pay individually for the same product and calculate the price per unit. Sometimes, these deals are designed to appear cheaper, but when broken down, they may still be more expensive than buying individual items.
DIY or alternative solutions
For personal care items or cleaning products, considering DIY alternatives can be a great solution. This approach allows you to control the ingredients, reduce waste, and, most importantly, avoid the inflated prices of products marketed to women. With just a bit of time and effort, you can often create your own versions of the products you use regularly, saving both money and the need to pay a ‘pink tax.’
Whether you can afford it or not, one thing is clear – it’s still unfair. Women having to pay twice as much as men for the same product demonstrates how sexism continues to influence our daily lives.
By being mindful of your product choices and opting for gender-neutral or male-marketed alternatives, you can avoid paying the pink tax and save money in the process. Taking small, conscious steps can reduce the financial burden caused by the pink tax while also sending a message that this inequality should not continue.
