What distinguishes men's face cream from women's?

Yeah, it’s a good question. You see the separate aisles, but what’s the real reason behind it? To be honest, a lot of it is just for show and marketing. But there are some actual, physical differences between men's and women's skin that the products are designed for.

• Men's skin is generally thicker. On average, it’s about 20% thicker and has more collagen, so it tends to be a bit firmer. This also means it's a little tougher, so creams for men are often made to feel lighter and absorb faster without leaving a greasy feeling. They’re usually focused on things like oil control and shine.
• Shaving is a huge factor. Think about it, guys are putting a blade to their face almost every day. That can cause tiny little cuts, irritation, and redness. A lot of men's face creams are made to be soothing and can double as a post-shave balm.
• The scent and feel. Let's be real, this is what most people notice first. Men's products tend to have more "masculine" scents, like musk, sandalwood, or just that general "clean" smell. Women's products usually have floral or fruity scents. The textures are also different; men's creams are generally less rich and heavy.

At the end of the day, while there are some real differences, a lot of products are pretty interchangeable. If you find a women's cream that works for you, you should absolutely use it. It’s more about what your skin needs, not what the label says.