Black Girl Sunscreen has long been a favorite among Black women. It has provided sun protection tailored to melanin-rich skin. However, the brand’s recent launch of a new product line, BGS Men, has sparked a range of reactions, with many wondering if this move was at all necessary.
Black Girl Sunscreen’s BGS Men
BGS Men introduced a sunscreen specifically marketed towards men, claiming to offer powerful UVB and UVA protection tailored for melanin-rich skin. The formula has a variety of ingredients such as Aloe Leaf Juice, Carrot Seed Oil, Licorice Root, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Avocado Oil, among others which are said to be specifically tailored to men’s skincare needs. These ingredients are known for their hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making this sunscreen not just a protective measure but also a skincare product that helps maintain and restore the skin’s moisture and firmness.
The Black Girl Sunscreen website boasts that BGS Men is designed for men on the move, whether at the gym, the office, or outdoors. It is said to offer seamless blending and hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Mixed Reception of New Drop
While the intention behind BGS Men may have been to cater to the skincare needs of Black men specifically, the reception has been mixed. Some applaud the brand for focusing on a demographic that often neglects sunscreen use, while others question the necessity of a gendered product in a category where gender distinctions seem arbitrary.
Many of the mixed reactions stem from the belief that skincare doesn’t need to be gendered. Comments from social media highlight a sense of confusion and frustration over why BGS felt the need to create a separate line for men when their original product was already considered unisex by many users. Some have sarcastically questioned whether the men’s formula contains testosterone or if it offers any benefits that distinguish it from the original product.
One of the most thought-provoking critiques is that the launch of BGS Men could perpetuate outdated gender norms. It could reinforce the idea that skincare is inherently feminine. The new line might cater more to men who are hesitant to use a product with the word “Girl” in its name, rather than addressing any significant differences in skincare needs between men and women.
However, others argue that the launch of BGS Men is a strategic move. Some believe that it could help encourage more Black men to embrace sunscreen use.
The uncertainty surrounding BGS Men boils down to whether it was necessary to create a separate product line. The focus on gendered marketing has left some feeling that the brand could have been more innovative by either promoting the existing product as unisex or creating a gender-neutral line from the start.