The Mascara Wage: How Chinese Workers Are Paid Less Than a Penny to Make Your Makeup398

In the sprawling factories of China, where much of the world's consumer goods are produced, workers are often paid poverty wages. One particularly egregious example is the "mascara wage," a term coined by labor rights activists to describe the meager pay that women who make mascara receive.

A recent investigation by the China Labor Watch found that workers at a mascara factory in the city of Dongguan were paid just 0.007 cents per mascara wand. This means that a worker who produces 1,000 mascaras a day would earn just $0.70. Even after factoring in the low cost of living in Dongguan, this wage is far below what is needed to meet basic needs.

The mascara wage is not an isolated case. In fact, it is part of a broader trend of wage suppression in China. In recent years, the Chinese government has cracked down on labor unions and other forms of worker organization. This has made it more difficult for workers to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.

The mascara wage is a human rights violation. It is a form of exploitation that allows companies to profit at the expense of their workers. Consumers who buy mascara and other products made in China should be aware of the human cost of their purchases.

Here are some things that consumers can do to help fight the mascara wage and other forms of wage suppression in China:
Buy products from companies that are committed to paying fair wages.
Support labor unions and other organizations that are working to improve wages and working conditions in China.
Educate others about the human cost of cheap goods.

By taking these actions, consumers can help to create a more just and equitable global economy.

Additional Resources* [China Labor Watch](/)
* [Clean Clothes Campaign](/)
* [Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights](/)

2025-01-13

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