Gender-Neutral Skincare Packaging
Session Title
Additional Abstracts
College
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department
Design
Faculty Mentor
Jason Tselentis, M.F.A.; Mikale Kwiatkowski, M.Arch.; Jane Thomas, Ph.D.
Abstract
Beginning early in peoples’ lives, they are surrounded with products that target their gender. This type of design and marketing is harmful to consumers because it is less inclusive, promotes heteronormativity, leaves space for a gender hierarchy, and alienates consumers by dividing them. The beauty and personal care markets are especially guilty of this with segmented feminine and masculine products like razors, deodorant, hair products, soaps, cosmetics, and skincare products. Though gendered design is evident in skincare product packaging, people do not need different products for their skin depending on their gender. It is more important for people to use the products that are best designed for their skin type. Though the issue of unnecessarily gendering products cannot be quickly solved, it is important that we begin taking steps in the right direction to advocate for change. Through research of existing healthcare and beauty markets, consumer studies, and my own packaging design, I will advocate for the elimination of gendered marketing and promote an inclusive way of packaging products.
Course Assignment
VCOM 486 & VCOM 487 - Tselentis
Gender-Neutral Skincare Packaging
Beginning early in peoples’ lives, they are surrounded with products that target their gender. This type of design and marketing is harmful to consumers because it is less inclusive, promotes heteronormativity, leaves space for a gender hierarchy, and alienates consumers by dividing them. The beauty and personal care markets are especially guilty of this with segmented feminine and masculine products like razors, deodorant, hair products, soaps, cosmetics, and skincare products. Though gendered design is evident in skincare product packaging, people do not need different products for their skin depending on their gender. It is more important for people to use the products that are best designed for their skin type. Though the issue of unnecessarily gendering products cannot be quickly solved, it is important that we begin taking steps in the right direction to advocate for change. Through research of existing healthcare and beauty markets, consumer studies, and my own packaging design, I will advocate for the elimination of gendered marketing and promote an inclusive way of packaging products.
