International Women’s Day: why are women paying more for creatine than men? Oh yes, it’s pink tax… here’s how to avoid it!

It’s International Women’s Day this Sunday – 8 March -  a time to celebrate progress towards gender equality. But it’s also a good moment to shine a light on some of the everyday inequalities that still cost women money.

One of them being... the pink tax.

This week, marketing experts shared something surprising. The popular supplement creatine, used to boost exercise performance and brain function, is sometimes packaged and marketed differently for women and sold for considerably more than the standard version aimed at men.

It’s the same ingredient and same product, just prettier packaging and a bigger price tag.

Unfortunately, this isn’t unusual. From razors to deodorant, women are often charged more for products that are almost identical to the men’s version.

So what exactly is the pink tax and how can you avoid paying it?

What’s the pink tax?

The pink tax isn’t an official tax. It’s the name given to the price difference between products marketed to women and those marketed to men.

Typically it shows up in things like:

• razors
• shampoo and conditioner
• deodorant
• body wash
• skincare
• supplements

Research from the Co‑operative Bank found women pay around 40% more on average for basic toiletries than men.

Some examples:

• women’s disposable razors can cost around 23% more than men’s
• similar differences appear in deodorant, shampoo and shower gel
• and now even supplements like creatine are getting the ‘for women’ marketing treatment

In many cases, the only real difference is the colour and style of the packaging.

How to avoid the pink tax

But it’s not all bad news, as a few simple habits can help you sidestep the markup and keep more money in your pocket.

Raid the men’s aisle

Don’t let a blue bottle scare you off. Men’s razors, shampoo and body wash often work exactly the same and sometimes cost much less.

Ignore the pretty packaging

Floral logos and pastel colours might look nice, but they don’t clean your hair or skin any better.

Get into the habit of:

• flipping the bottle
• checking the ingredients

You might find a much cheaper product doing the same job.

Compare the ‘price per unit’

Supermarkets often display a price per 100ml or per item on shelf labels.

This is the easiest way to spot when two products are basically the same but one costs more.

Buy supermarket brands

Supermarket own-brand toiletries can be cheaper than branded products.

Also try:

• multipacks
• larger bottles
• refill packs

Question ‘for women’ versions

When you see products labelled ‘for women’, ask yourself:

• Is the formula actually different?
• Or is it just marketing?

This is especially true for things like supplements, vitamins and gym products.

Share tips with friends

Money-saving tricks spread fast.

If you find a cheaper swap that works just as well, tell your friends or family. A quick recommendation can help everyone avoid paying more than they need to.

Call it out

If you spot a ridiculous price difference, don’t just roll your eyes.

You can:

• message the brand
• raise it with customer services
• post about it online

Consumer pressure has worked before, public campaigns helped scrap the tampon tax in the UK. Calling out unfair pricing can make a difference.

The pink tax might not appear on your receipt, but it can quietly add up over time.

By shopping smart, comparing products and ignoring marketing gimmicks, you can avoid paying extra for the same thing.

And on International Women’s Day, that feels like a pretty good money win.