8 Gender-Neutral Skincare Lines We're Obsessed With
When beauty brands started out, there were few brands that could be described as gender-neutral. Products were typically targeted at either men or women, and more often than not, it was the color of the packing that clearly defined the intended user. It was simple: girly pinks and pastels designed to target women, and dark masculine hues for men. And while there are still brands galore that cater specifically to one sex, the lines have gotten a lot more blurred (and the color palettes much more neutral) as gender equality and fluidity become omnipresent. May we add: It’s about damn time?! The fact is, we don’t need or want to conform – to fit into a tidy binary box – to ancient marketing presumptions that restrict our beauty choices, and we shouldn’t have to.
We all have skin, so why should skincare be confined to his and her sides of the beauty aisle and bathroom cabinet? It shouldn’t, and companies are taking note now more than ever.
There’s a slew of skin-loving lines meant to benefit he, she, they, and everyone and anyone – plus their epidermis. Think: good-for-you ingredients, efficacious formulas, and bottles and boxes that speak to all. Ahead, a few of our current faves.
Purposeful Skincare by Allies (PSA)
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If you don’t know PSA, it’s time to get on board. This rainbow-bright collection features six products, is completely gender-neutral and proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and operated. Best of all? Everything is under $40. They’re also transparent about their clean-effective philosophy, which translates to: only the good stuff ingredients, in high concentrations, without any irritants or triggers (bye-bye silicones, sulfates, and other nasties). As for the products we love, Midnight Courage, $38, stops fine lines and dark spots in their tracks, thanks to 2% retinoid and Bakuchiol.
Hey Humans
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Jada Pinkett Smith’s new industry-disrupting, eco-conscious personal care brand, Hey Humans, has been blowing up our feed lately, for its recyclable, high-performance, and gender-neutral products. There’s deodorant, body wash, lotion, and toothpaste, but our favorite part about this celeb-backed beauty line is it won’t break the bank. Everything is under $6 and available exclusively at Target and target.com.
Naturally Derived Deodorant, $5, is ultra-absorbent and provides all-day odor protection in relish scents like Rosewater Ginger and Lavender Vanilla. Naturally Derived Body Wash, $6, is non-drying and enriched with jojoba seed oil and coconut-derived cleansers. Naturally Derived Body Lotion, $6, provides all-day moisture thanks to shea butter and aloe vera and Naturally Derived Toothpaste, $4, has whitening benefits and Everice technology for an icy cool sensation and long-lasting fresh breath. We’re sold!
Skyn ICELAND
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Inspired by the pure, unspoiled natural resources of Iceland, Skyn ICELAND was the first skincare brand specifically formulated to address the effects of stress on skin – all skin. And with potent Arctic naturals like mineral-rich glacial waters, antioxidant-powered berries, soothing algaes and mosses, their high-tech products soothe and balance, returning your epidermis to a more glowed-up state. Their newest moisturizer, the Nordic Renewal Pre + Probiotic Cream, $48, helps support and enhance your microbiome while providing long-lasting hydration.
Nécessaire
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Gender-neutral body care line Nécessaire puts skin health from the neck down at the top of their priority list, which is why products like The Body Serum, $45, The Body Lotion, $25, and The Body Wash, $25 have developed a cult following. It also helps that they’re loaded with essentials like vitamins B³, C, and E and come fragrance-free, or in divine scents such as Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, and Bergamot. The packaging is naturally as chic and clean as the formulas themselves – black, white, nude, and to the point.
Kiehl’s
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Kiehl’s has always been synonymous with gender equality and they’re big-time supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community, which we love. No matter who you ask, they’ve been a trusted skincare authority for all sexes, with their scientifically-proven formulas. And even though they have an entire line devoted to men, almost all products are meant to be unisex. Fun fact: 18 Ultra Facial Creams, $32, are sold every minute and tested in the most extreme environments (like Mt. Everest, NBD).
The Inkey List
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Aside from the fact that you can’t beat their prices (products range from $5 to $15), The Inkey List is well-loved because they’re relatable. How many times have you stared at a label only to ask yourself “WTF is magic moonbeam dew?!” or something along those lines. Their no BS approach to skincare is simple: Each product is labeled by ingredient and cleared marked with percentages and active levels. And their Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum can’t be beat at $8. And btw, their products really work!
Youth To The People
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100% vegan Youth To The People hails from California and looks dreamy on top shelfies, thanks to instantly recognizable apothecary-like bottles. Plant-based skincare at its best, they’re all about superfoods, potent extract blends, and clinical pro-grade actives. If you’re new to the line, we suggest Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist, $42, to prevent water loss, Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner, $38, to smooth and plump, or Superberry Hydrate and Glow Dream Mask, $48, to quench thirsty skin.
Humanrace
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Even Pharrell has gotten in on the all-gender skincare game, with his new “3-minute facial” collection called Humanrace. The mogul’s own wellness philosophy is that self-care is the greatest luxury (duh), and his three vegan and sustainable products not only embrace the European standard of 1,300 banned ingredients, but there’s even braille on the packaging. It doesn’t get much more inclusive than that. Products include: Rice Powder Cleanser, $32, Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator, $46, and Humidifying Cream, $48.
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