We’ve all heard about the infamous pink tax.
That sneaky markup where women pay up to 50% more for products identical to men’s versions, just packaged in feminine colors.
Now, there’s an even more exploitative trend emerging: menowashing.
The pink tax already costs women about $1,300 more annually for basic necessities. Menowashing takes this financial exploitation to new heights. Targeting women during a time when many of us are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and desperate for relief.
While you’re sweating through another sleepless night and researching what might help, marketers are researching how to access your credit card. With menopause projected to be a $24.4 billion market by 2030, suddenly the world is very interested in your hot flashes and mood swings.
What does menowashing look like? Think beautiful packaging promising to “naturally balance hormones”. It’s the marketing that suggests you’re broken without this miracle fix with impressive-sounding claims, but without sufficient scientific evidence to back them up.
Menowashing doesn’t just empty your wallet. It can harm your health with untested ingredients or ones that might negatively interact with your medications. Or you might delay proper medical care while you waste precious time on ineffective ‘solutions’.
There’s something particularly predatory about exploiting women when they’re desperately seeking relief from debilitating symptoms.
So now what?
Get Critical. When you see those over-the-top promises, ‘Eliminate hot flashes overnight!’ paired with vague scientific language and/or celebrity endorsements, look beyond the glossy marketing. Instead, investigate who’s actually behind the product, how they get paid, and what evidence supports their claims.
When some influencer’s trying to sell you $65 supplements and “hormone-balancing” skincare, double down on what actually works: movement, strength training, quality sleep, and whole foods. These foundations need to be locked in before spending a dime on specialized products.
Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You wouldn’t pay $25 for “women’s aspirin” when regular aspirin costs $5, so why accept the meno markup on everything from skincare to supplements?
Be sure to read our June 5 newsletter. We’re pulling together the tools you need to evaluate research claims. Here’s a sneak peak…
Please hit forward and send this newsletter to your friends who might be spending their hard-earned money on menowashed products.
xoxo,
Mikelle & Michelle
