The male cosmeceutical market is still underdeveloped. Although women embrace skin care as a part of general health, this concept has not gained wide male acceptance. Shaving is probably the most beneficial daily grooming event men commonly undertake for skin appearance and may account for the failure of antiaging cosmeceuticals to attract attention in this segment. In addition, there are many physiologic differences between male and female skin, with less of a need for moisturization and photoprotection in men. This article highlights some of the differences between male and female skin along with the unique product attributes required to address these differences.
Key points
- •
The male cosmeceutical market is interesting because most male cosmeceuticals are purchased by women and provided to their male counterparts.
- •
Male skin produces more sebaceous, eccrine, and apocrine secretions than female skin.
- •
Male skin functions differently from female skin in terms of not only cleansing to remove sebum and sweat but also skin moisturization needs.
- •
The best developed portion of the male skin care market is associated with facial hair removal known as shaving.
Introduction
The male cosmeceutical market is interesting because most male cosmeceuticals are purchased by women and provided to their male counterparts. This means that male cosmeceuticals must appeal to women for initial purchase but must also appeal to the men who use them on a daily basis. No one has yet cracked the male skin care market. Men have traditionally been uninterested in skin appearance, but this is changing generationally. Younger men are becoming increasingly more interested in fragrances, cleansers, and moisturizers. Aging is also become a concern, thus creating a desire to engage in the use of cosmeceuticals.
Cosmeceuticals are not recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from a regulatory standpoint. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetics and not drugs. They are purchased over the counter (OTC) and contain ingredients that are generally recognized as safe, requiring no regulation. Consumers know, however, that cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that promise something more functionally relevant than just colored cosmetics. Male cosmeceuticals are distinct from female cosmeceuticals, because many of the products are aimed at addressing male facial hair. Preshave treatments, shaving products, and postshave skin care are unique to the male market, along with products designed to address increased male sebum, sweat, and the resulting body odor. There is also a perception that men must smell masculine whereas women should smell feminine. This category of male cosmeceuticals is the focus of this writing.
Introduction
The male cosmeceutical market is interesting because most male cosmeceuticals are purchased by women and provided to their male counterparts. This means that male cosmeceuticals must appeal to women for initial purchase but must also appeal to the men who use them on a daily basis. No one has yet cracked the male skin care market. Men have traditionally been uninterested in skin appearance, but this is changing generationally. Younger men are becoming increasingly more interested in fragrances, cleansers, and moisturizers. Aging is also become a concern, thus creating a desire to engage in the use of cosmeceuticals.
Cosmeceuticals are not recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from a regulatory standpoint. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetics and not drugs. They are purchased over the counter (OTC) and contain ingredients that are generally recognized as safe, requiring no regulation. Consumers know, however, that cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that promise something more functionally relevant than just colored cosmetics. Male cosmeceuticals are distinct from female cosmeceuticals, because many of the products are aimed at addressing male facial hair. Preshave treatments, shaving products, and postshave skin care are unique to the male market, along with products designed to address increased male sebum, sweat, and the resulting body odor. There is also a perception that men must smell masculine whereas women should smell feminine. This category of male cosmeceuticals is the focus of this writing.
Male skin versus female skin characteristics
It may appear that male cosmeceuticals are the same as female cosmeceuticals, except for different packaging and fragrance. Products that are specifically designed for men must address more than just superficialities. Men have different skin care needs, as outlined in Table 1 .
| Attribute | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Skin color | Lighter | Darker |
| Red skin tones | Lower | Higher |
| Yellow skin tones | Higher | Lower |
| Skin thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Amount of collagen | Less | More |
| Rate of collagen loss | Same | Same |
| Subcutaneous fat | More | Less |
| Cellulite | More | Less |
| Appearance of aging | Faster | Slower |
Related posts:
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
