Aussies are torn over this summer necessity made 'for men'

In a world of gendered everything, is this really needed??

Sunscreen is arguably one of the most universal products there is.

It’s made solely for the benefit of your health, and even in terms of its advertising, the plain white colour and generic packaging generally makes it pretty suitable for men, women, children, and everyone in between.

But, in a world of gendered everything, apparently this still isn’t enough for men.

Cancer Council has officially released sunscreen specifically designed for men, and needless to say, people have a lot of thoughts about it.

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Image: TikTok / @kat.lukin, Cancer Council.

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“Sunscreen just dropped for you!”

Aussie content creator Kat Lukin took to TikTok this week after first spotting Cancer Council’s Hydrating Sunscreen for Men in a Melbourne Chemist Warehouse.

“Men! Run, don’t walk, to Chemist Warehouse, because sunscreen just dropped for you,” she said sarcastically.

“That’s right, protecting yourself from the sun just got a whole lot less gay.”

The product, though has only now gained traction, was actually first released back in 2023 as, unsurprisingly, the first of its kind.

It’s advertised similarly to products in their existing range, with an added ‘subtle and appealing scent that is distinctly masculine’, and Green Tea extract, for the skincare benefits.

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“Is it cheaper than the women’s version?”

Commenters on the post were quick to jump on Kat’s sarcastic tone, making all kinds of jokes about the product.

“is it cheaper than the women's version?‚” said one commenter.

“finally!!! I've had 20 melanomas, I don't know why there wasn't a solution before,” another joked.

“It's also a 5-in-1. Use it as your toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant as well,” a third said.

Others had more serious commentary about the necessity of gendered products like this.

“as someone who worked in marketing for a long time, I understand the idea behind gendered packaging but I think sunscreen is the exception. this is badly done,” said one commenter.

“it's so sad that dudes need this to actually put on sunscreen,” another said.

“Why does sunscreen need to be gendered?” a third agreed.

@kat.lukin

PSA MEN 🫶🫶 #skincare #melbourne #chemistwarehouse

♬ original sound - Kat Lukin

“Whatever works works!”

However, some did say it might do some good.

“The cancer council announced recently that their next ad target was going to be men aged 40-60, so if they have to put the words for men on a little black tube to actually get these men wearing sunscreen and decreasing the risk of skin cancer in that demographic then I’m all for it,” one commenter said.

“Honestly if it convinces men to actually wear sunscreen for once, sure!” said another.

“Hopefully this does actually help men wear their sunscreen because they're currently getting the most skin cancers,” a third agreed.

“As much as it’s funny that it takes that advertising, whatever works works. Men account for a large amount of skin cancer deaths in this country and any effort made to change that means a lot,” said another commenter.

And, it turns out that this was Cancer Council’s entire goal in creating the product.

The brand told Kidspot that despite melanoma incidence and deaths being higher among men than women, their research showed that less than half of Australian men regularly seek shade to protect themselves from the sun during summer, and less than a third regularly use sunscreen.

So, maybe marketing something specifically to them is the only solution.

“As market leader Cancer Council recognises that men’s skincare needs are unique, and we are committed to providing tailored solutions that are easily accessible, affordable and most importantly unintimidating,” Lucinda Sabo, Head of Marketing and Innovation at Vitality Brands, the licensee for Cancer Council Sunscreen, said.

“This new offering for men is a testament to Cancer Council’s dedication in delivering high-performing, effective products that don’t compromise on quality and protection while ensuring to meet the specific needs of the modern man, making it as easy for them to protect themselves daily.”

Originally published as Aussies are torn over this summer necessity made 'for men'