Latest news with #toiletries
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why that super-sized shampoo bottle isn't so super-sized after all: We've all long suspected that we're being hoodwinked - so are ANY actually filled to the top? SARAH RAINEY investigates...
Have you ever opened a new bottle of shampoo, jar of face cream or tube of suncream only to find it's far from full to the top? You're not alone; tens of thousands of unhappy shoppers have taken to online forums to vent their frustrations about part-empty containers in the beauty world. Toiletries are among the worst offenders, with super-sized packaging often giving customers a misleading impression of just how much they're getting for their money. Some leading brands use opaque bottles or labels, so you can't see what's inside, while others have double-walled sides, large lids or false bases that can make quantities appear bigger than they are. So why do manufacturers put their products in such big containers? And why don't they fill them to the top? 'They use bigger containers so it looks like you're getting more for your money,' says Ariane Young, a celebrity and media make-up artist. 'Ingredients, labour and marketing are more expensive but customers are less willing to shell out on new products every month, so brands are finding ways to cut corners.' There may be a practical reason in some cases. Kyle Frank, a beauty expert, cosmetics formulator and founder of Frank's Remedies, explains that some products need extra 'breathing space' so that the bottles and tubes reach customers intact. 'Product packaging can expand due to temperature changes and rocky movement during transit,' he says. 'Depending on the formulation of the product, this may cause more air to be produced. This is known as thermal expansion.' Such expansion could cause leakage, or make containers burst open, so leaving a little space at the top of the bottle or jar ensures it reaches customers in one piece. So how much product is there in your everyday toiletries and are you being fooled by the size or shape of the packaging it's sold in? We conducted an experiment, comparing the amount of liquid, gel or cream in beauty products (stated on the packaging) against the total volume of the container (in millilitres). We did this by squeezing the product into a glass measuring beaker and filling the empty container with water to see how much it could hold when full. The results will make you think twice on your next visit to the beauty aisle. Unilever and Procter & Gamble, makers of the products we tested, were approached for comment. Garnier Vitamin C Nutri-Glow Body Cream, (£10) Jar holds: 530ml Actually contains: 380ml Difference: 150ml Percentage full: 72 per cent This jar of deliciously-scented body cream looks like a very generous size - enough to last several months. But when I unscrew the lid I'm disappointed to see it's only three-quarters full; the rest is empty space. There's a whopping 150ml difference between the amount of product inside and the total volume capacity of the jar. Simple Gentle Cleansing Shampoo (£3.25) Bottle holds: 460ml Actually contains: 400ml Difference: 60ml Percentage full: 87 per cent This large white bottle stands out as one of the bigger ones on the shelves, but all is not as it seems. Our experiment shows there would be room inside for another 60ml of product, nearly a fifth more liquid than what is in the bottle. CeraVe Foaming Face Cleanser (£12.50) Bottle holds: 285ml Actually contains: 236ml Difference: 49ml Percentage full: 83 per cent There's a large pump inside this bottle of face cleanser, so less room for liquid than you'd expect. But even accounting for that, there's capacity for another 49ml of product - that's 21 per cent more than you actually get. Garnier Ambre Solaire Soothing After Sun (£6.99) Bottle holds: 410ml Actually contains: 400ml Difference: 10ml Percentage full: 98 per cent This bottle feels pleasingly heavy and, looking inside the cap, I can see the white after sun lotion filled very close to the top. For a large, family-sized bottle, there's impressively little empty space inside - just 10ml. Dove Moisturising Hand Wash (£1.49) Bottle holds: 300ml Actually contains: 250ml Difference: 50ml Percentage full: 83 per cent The hand pump fills up a whopping sixth of this bottle. But when I tip it out and fill it to the top with water I find there is enough missing for 10 to 15 more hand washes. Nivea Sun Protect Suncream Factor 30 (£6.79) Bottle holds: 205ml Actually contains: 200ml Difference: 5ml Percentage full: 98 per cent At this time of year, we go through bottles of suncream weekly - so it's important to know what you're getting (and how long it will last) when you stock up. Impressively, this 200ml bottle is almost full to the top; there's space for just 5ml more liquid inside. Sanex Expert Soothing Bath Soak (£3) Bottle holds: 505ml Actually contains: 450ml Difference: 55ml Percentage full: 89 per cent This big bottle of bath soak feels weighty, so I'm hopeful about the amount of product inside. When I open the cap, it looks like it's almost filled to the brim - but looks can be deceiving. When decanted from the container, you could still fit another 55ml liquid in there. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Intensive Body Lotion (£3.25) Bottle holds: 275ml Actually contains: 275ml Difference: 0ml Percentage full: 100 per cent This thick, luxurious lotion is incredibly hard to get out, and I resort to hitting it on the end like a ketchup bottle. It would be much more user-friendly in a jar. But rest assured; the results show the quantity of product inside fills the bottle right the way to the top. Dove Body Love Self-Tan Lotion (£3.99) Bottle holds: 450ml Actually contains: 400ml Difference: 50ml Percentage full: 89 per cent This gradual fake tan lotion comes in a tall, sleek bottle, but the beige packaging makes it impossible to see how much is inside. Our experiment showed there's room for another 50ml - or one sixth of the total liquid already in the bottle - in there. Oral B 3D White Luxe Mouthwash (£1.99) Bottle holds: 540ml Actually contains: 500ml Difference: 40ml Percentage full: 93 per cent When I take the cap off and look inside, this bottle of mouthwash looks remarkably full. But the results show there's room for 40ml more liquid (mostly inside the narrow neck) if it were completely full. Nivea 2 in 1 Cleansing Milk and Refreshing Toner (£4.60) Bottle holds: 198ml Contains: 175ml Difference: 23ml Percentage full: 88 per cent Though it's a small bottle, this feels light in my hands, and the product doesn't feel like it's filling the container. So I'm not surprised to find you could fit 23ml more (or 13 per cent of the quantity of liquid listed on the bottle) inside. Nivea Men Energy Shower Gel (£1.70) Bottle holds: 424ml Actually contains: 400ml Difference: 24ml Percentage full: 94 per cent It's not only women's products that come in part-full packaging, men's toiletry brands are just as guilty of giving customers less than they bargained for. This luminous blue shower gel comes in a bottle that could hold 24ml more than it does. Herbal Essences Dazzling Shine Shampoo (£1.95) Bottle holds: 455ml Actually contains: 400ml Difference: 55ml Percentage full: 88 per cent This is the tallest, thinnest bottle in the test and, though the packaging is bright green, when I hold it up to the light I can just about see the product inside. There's a clear inch without any liquid in it, and the results show this is equivalent to 55ml shampoo. Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 2 in 1 Shampoo (£2.49) Bottle holds: 268ml Actually contains: 250ml Difference: 18ml Percentage full: 93 per cent There isn't a huge difference between the amount this Head & Shoulders bottle could hold (268ml) and the amount of product that's actually inside (250ml). The spout is quite wide, with a flat cap so it's easy to get almost every bit of shampoo out. Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner XL (£5.89) Bottle holds: 580ml Actually contains: 470ml Difference: 110ml Percentage full: 81 per cent Promising to turn 'parched locks to fabulously refreshed' ones, this bottle is deceptive because it's nowhere near full. Our experiment shows that there is enough room for 110ml more conditioner in here. As the product is thick, it's tricky to get it all out so customers will get even less value for money. Palmolive Naturals Coconut Milk Shower Cream (£1.62) Bottle holds: 542ml Actually contains: 500ml Difference: 42ml Percentage full: 92 per cent This super-sized bottle of shower cream looks ideal for a family, but there's less product inside than you would expect. My experiment showed you could fit another 42ml of liquid in there if it was full - enough for 8-10 more showers. Baylis and Harding Goodness Natural Body Wash (£4) Bottle holds: 542ml Actually contains: 500ml Difference: 42ml Percentage full: 92 per cent While lots of body wash products come in clear containers, this one is in an opaque black bottle. At 500ml, it's one of the bigger sizes around and certainly one I'd buy to last the family several weeks. But it's not as full as it appears, there's space for another 42ml. Lynx Africa Body, Face and Hair Wash (£1.49) Bottle holds: 230ml Actually contains: 225ml Difference: 5ml Percentage full: 98 per cent In its distinctive black container, with an opaque red and green label, this body, face and hair wash contains 225ml of product. When full to the top, the bottle - which is squat and wide, with a narrow bit in the middle - could squeeze just 5ml more inside. Bulldog Original Shave Gel (£3.75) Tube holds: 190ml Actually contains: 175ml Difference: 15ml Percentage full: 92 per cent This clear shave gel comes in a squeezy tube, which is white so you can't see how much is inside. There's just 15ml difference between the amount of liquid that could fit inside the tube and what's in there when I buy it - not too bad. Vaseline Healthy Hands and Stronger Nails Hand Cream (£2.85) Bottle holds: 209ml Actually contains: 200ml Difference: 9ml Percentage full: 96 per cent This little bottle of hand cream doesn't have much surplus space inside; you could squeeze just 9ml more inside. It might seem more expensive per millilitre than a big bottle but you're getting more for your money and less empty space.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The five holiday accessories that are a complete waste of money, according to a travel expert - and what you should buy instead
Every time I book a holiday, the day before I jet off, I find myself standing in Boots. Why? To pick up ten miniature toiletries, two travel adapters and one of those squidgy neck pillows. Will I use a miniature dry shampoo or cleansing spray or sudocrem? No. Will I save them for my next trip if they return home with me 80% full. No. Will I stop wasting my money on them? Also, no. According to Fred Harrington, CEO of discount-platform Proxy Coupons and money-saving guru, I'm not alone. 'Every year,' Harrington advises, 'millions of travellers waste money on items they think they need, only to discover they're impractical, redundant or simply useless.' 'The travel industry is brilliant at convincing us we need specialised gear for every scenario, but smart travellers know that simple, versatile items usually work better.' So what are the biggest pitfalls when it comes to spending unnecessary money on travel gear? Below, Harrington's shares five unnecessary 'budget busters' that you can gladly forget about. Keep reading to save both cash and that all-important luggage space (yes, we need at least five pairs of shoes). Portable clothing steamers We all know people who arrive on holiday armed with a portable steamer or iron like some kind of Vogue assistant. But in Harrington's opinion, 'they're more trouble than they're worth'. 'Most portable steamers weigh over a pound, take up precious luggage space, and require distilled water that's not available on tap,' he points out. 'I've seen people lug these things around Europe only to use them once. Most hotels provide irons, and if yours doesn't, hanging an outfit in a steamy bathroom works just as well as most portable devices. Save yourself the £30 and pack an extra outfit instead!' Travel neck pillows This one will shock most people (smugly not me, as I have been saying for years they're both ineffective and annoyingly shaped), but Harrington says the best place for your travel neck pillow is, ultimately, the bin. 'Despite their popularity,' he says, 'most travel pillows are bulky, uncomfortable and offer little real support. They're designed for one sitting-up sleep position that rarely matches how you actually sleep on planes or trains.' 'These things are everywhere in airports because they're impulse buys that prey on tired travellers,' Harrington explains. 'A rolled-up jumper or small cushion from home does the same job without the bulk. Better yet, invest in noise-cancelling headphones – they'll help you sleep far better than any pillow.' Universal travel adapters We've all been there: desperately trying to google what adapter we'll need for a trip and asking 'what on earth is a type C?' But while a universal adapter might sound practical, many universal adapters are cheaply made, unreliable, and potentially dangerous, Harrington warns. They often don't fit properly in foreign outlets and can damage your devices. 'I've seen people spend £15-25 on these all-in-one adapters that barely work,' says Harrington. 'Research your destination and buy a simple, country-specific adapter for £3. It'll be more reliable and won't risk frying your phone charger.' Travel-sized toiletries Yes, they're my weakness; but while those tiny bottles of shampoo and toothpaste might seem convenient (and cute), they're expensive per millilitre and you never get through them. That's before you even consider that most hotels now offer complimentary toiletries. 'You're paying premium prices for tiny amounts,' Harrington notes. 'Buy normal-sized products when you arrive, or better yet, use what's provided. The money you save could buy you an extra meal out.' Cheap portable phone chargers Not all power banks are created equal. Travellers often buy cheap, low-capacity chargers that barely provide one full charge, or expensive high-capacity ones they couldn't use up even if they spent a week in a tent in Antarctica. 'People either buy the cheapest option that dies after two uses, or the most expensive one that could power a small village,' Harrington observes. 'A mid-range power bank with 10,000mAh capacity is perfect for most travellers and costs half the price of premium options.'
The Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Shoprite introduces R5 toiletries to take on hygiene poverty in SA
Shoprite has expanded its R5 basket of goods to include essential toiletries. This is in response to a study which found that more than 14-million people in South Africa — one in five — are affected by hygiene poverty, which encompasses both inadequate sanitation infrastructure and limited access or affordability of essential items such as soap, shampoo, menstrual and oral care products. 'Following significant investment into extensive product development, Shoprite is adding a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner as well as a body wash to its growing range of R5 products. 'Both items are sold as concentrates in 50ml sachets and, when diluted with 150ml water, make enough to last for up to 20 washes . This works out to about 25c per wash,' Shoprite said. In 2021, Shoprite launched a R5 pack of sanitary pads to ease the financial burden of menstrual hygiene and to help keep young girls in school, with zero price increase since on this product to date. 'No-one should have to choose between having food to eat and maintaining basic hygiene,' said Renaldo Phillips, general manager for private label and imports at the Shoprite Group. Phillips said access to hygiene products was not a luxury but a fundamental human right. 'That is why we are committed to developing the best possible products at the lowest possible prices.' According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, hygiene poverty can severely affect health, dignity and self-esteem. With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including everyday hygiene and grooming products. 'With our range of R5 toiletries, Shoprite wants to help communities maintain their dignity,' Phillips said. With the exception of sanitary pads, which became VAT exempt in April 2019, all other personal hygiene items including soap, toothpaste and deodorant continue to be taxed at the standard VAT rate. This makes the introduction of Shoprite's R5 toiletries — which helps to bridge the affordability gap for those who need it most — all the more important. Shoprite said e very week, it subsidised over 1.8-million R5 products, which were available to customers every single day, at every one of its supermarkets nationwide. Its growing basket of R5 products now include: a 600g brown bread, unchanged in price since April 2016; takeaway meals, including a protein-rich ox liver burger; sanitary pads; shampoo and conditioner; and body wash. 'To many, a R5 coin may not seem like much any more, but it's important to remember that it can still feed a person and now help to maintain personal hygiene. More than just a small change, it is a symbol of hope,' Phillips said. TimesLIVE
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Travel + Leisure
21-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
A Nurse Shares the 12 Things She Always Recommends Packing in Your ‘Just in Case' Bag—From $6
From a bird's eye view, it's fairly obvious what you need to include in your suitcase for any trip: the proper clothes for your destination, a comfy pair of shoes, and the basic toiletries to get you through days away from home. But any well-prepared traveler knows a good packing list isn't complete without the right gear to preempt emergencies, and nobody is better-suited to provide recommendations on what to store in your 'Just in Case' bag than a nurse. To get a clearer picture of exactly what emergency essentials should have a permanent home in your suitcase, Travel + Leisure spoke with Karen Fischer, RN, BSN, CCRN to uncover exactly what additions your carry-on needs for trips of any duration. From the more obvious picks like pain relief medication to more surprising recommendations, keep reading to find the 12 products this registered nurse thinks everyone should keep in their bag while traveling, so you can stock up on packable must-haves from just $6. From blisters to scrapes and cuts, you never know when you might incur an unexpected wound while traveling. So, keeping a stock of band aids in your carry-on is essential. Fischer prefers fabric bandages since they fit more snugly on the skin and have better staying power, and she adds that she always has a multi-pack with several sizes on hand. 'For blisters/irritation in heels, go with the 2x4's, toes and top of the feet, 1.5x3's,' she explains. 'Trust me, the 'regular" size (1x3) will come off in 10 minutes.' Infections are the last thing you want to worry about while traveling, so if you do end up having to treat a blister or any other wound, it's a good idea to have an antibacterial ointment on hand. Fischer explains, 'Neosporin can be purchased over the counter, bacitracin is a prescription—either one is fine.' When applying the ointment, Fischer emphasizes that less is more, explaining 'If you overdo it, the band aid will slide off.' Anything from a headache to muscle soreness can cut into your trip's enjoyment, so Fischer recommends having some sort of pain relief medication packed into your bag while you're on the go. However, if you forgot to add it to your pack, she suggests knowing the generic name of these medications in the country you're traveling to, so you're able to get it over the counter. 'In most of Europe, if you ask for Tylenol, you will be told they do not have it. In Europe, Tylenol (acetaminophen), is known as Paracetamol,' she explains, noting that Advil (Ibuprofen) is also known as Nurofen. One of the most exciting parts of travel is testing out new cuisines from around the world. But in case an adventurous dish doesn't sit well with you, Fischer suggests keeping Pepto Bismol or another stomach aid at the ready to provide some relief. 'The last thing you want is to feel terrible at 2 a.m. in a hotel off the beaten path with no open stores,' she says. If you're more prone to heartburn, Alka-seltzer or Tums may be more helpful. Pepto Bismol is great if you're a generally queasy traveler. Nobody wants to think about getting sick while traveling, but in the event that you do come down with a head cold on your adventures, Fischer recommends keeping a small container of Vicks Vaporub tucked into your go-bag. The cooling formula works to suppress coughing while simultaneously easing aches and pains, making it easier to breathe and taking the edge off your illness so you can still enjoy your trip. Plus, if you're struggling to get comfy in your hotel bed and end up straining your neck or otherwise pulling a muscle while you're traveling, this formula can help with that pain, as well. Whether you struggle with seasonal allergies or are met with surprise allergens when traveling to a foreign destination, Benadryl is a must-have for your 'Just in Case' bag, according to Fischer. It helps to quickly provide relief to symptoms such as watery or itchy eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and coughing, and it can even work to treat cold symptoms. Fischer notes that keeping just one or two tablets in your pouch 'should suffice 'just in case',' unless you struggle with consistent allergies, in which case you should bring enough for every day of your trip. If you're headed to a more rural area and are planning on doing some hiking or camping, Fischer recommends keeping a brightly-colored jacket in your pack, explaining, 'You want to stand out if you're lost.' However, she notes that your jacket of choice should not be green as it's more likely to blend into the surroundings—and yes, this tip still applies for the summer months since the evenings often dip into cooler temperatures. This lightweight layer packs down into itself and will take up minimal space in your bag, plus it comes in 19 different colors and is stuffed with a cozy filling that will keep you warm throughout the night (and in case of an emergency). This addition to your 'Just in Case' bag may come as a surprise, but according to Fischer, honey is a great multipurpose hack. 'In a pinch, spread [honey] on a wound if there is no other option,' she says. Honey has naturally antibacterial properties and can be incredibly soothing—not to mention it has anti-inflammatory properties, as well. Fischer adds, 'It can also help get a camp fire going, and if your blood sugar is low, a bit of honey [will help].' There are a number of circumstances in which a whistle is helpful to have on hand, especially while camping or hiking. If you're lost in the woods, encounter a bear, or otherwise need to alert other travelers to your location, you'll be happy to have this item in your pack. Plus, it's louder than your voice and creates a more consistent sound, so it'll help you preserve energy in a pinch. The easiest way to bring down swelling is to ice the affected area, so you can't go wrong with keeping disposable ice packs in your go-bag when you're spending time on the trail or off the beaten path, according to Fischer. To activate the packs, simply squeeze the bag and the liquid inside will immediately begin to cool without any need for a freezer or cold storage system. These ice packs can help ease pain from sore muscles, bumps, and bruises, and even work as a great relief if you're getting too hot while hiking in the summer. Sure, your cell phone is equipped with a built-in flashlight, but if you find yourself lost or still headed towards the trailhead with sunlight waning, you'll be glad to have a headlamp at the ready to illuminate the way. This best-selling duo is currently marked down to just $8 per headlamp. Each one is rechargeable and equipped with up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. The beam can be adjusted to shine straight ahead or down at the trail, and it's even programmed with eight lighting modes to best meet your needs. In the unfortunate event that you incur an injury on your travels, Fischer recommends keeping a roll of gauze on deck to bandage up larger wounds and keep them clean until you're able to get them treated. The soft material will absorb blood without irritating the skin, plus it's able to cover more surface area than a bandage, making it an asset to fully protect the wound from contaminants along the trail. It's easy to pack, won't take up too much space, and is a sanitary solution for emergency situations. On top of the standard medication and first aid essentials, Fischer also recommends keeping one or two pairs of medical gloves, safety pins, Q-tips, alcohol pads, and an Ace Wrap tucked into your pack to keep your preparations well-rounded. If you take prescription medication daily, she suggests packing the physical prescription in its original labeled bottle, just in case. 'Do a bit of research about where you are going—where is the nearest clinic/hospital?' Fischer says. She also notes the importance of knowing the route to the hospital in case of an emergency, and suggests pre-emptively checking to see if cabs or Ubers are readily available from your lodging. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Hotel toiletries targeted by Maine lawmakers in latest environmental push
A bill in Maine would mandate hotels to forgo small bottles containing "single-use plastic containers" in "lodging establishments" — banning single-size hotel shampoo offerings and other toiletries. The enforcement bill is advancing in the Pine Tree State's legislature in the hopes of reducing waste. "This bill prohibits lodging establishments from providing personal health or beauty products in small single-use plastic containers to persons staying in a lodging establishment or within bathrooms shared by the public and guests of the lodging establishment," reads bill LD 1928's summary. Hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, inns, time-share properties, short-term rentals and vacation rentals are listed as lodging establishments. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2030, lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms will not be able to provide toiletry bottles under 6 ounces. In 2032, the ban will expand to lodging establishments with fewer than 50 rooms. For hotels that do not comply, a civil violation will be issued with a $100 fine. While the bill says lodging establishments cannot provide single-use toiletries, it is unclear if establishments can still sell them to travelers. Some large hotels have already begun making adjustments. "We have long been focused on our residential amenities program, switching from small toiletry bottles to larger, pump-topped bottles as part of our commitment to reduce plastic waste," a Marriott Hotels spokesperson previously told FOX Business. A Hilton spokesperson previously told FOX Business, "As of 2023, Hilton properties were required to transition to full-size shampoo, conditioner and soap amenities, eliminating single-use miniature bottles and reducing disposed bars of soap." Maine is not the first state to tackle a ban on hotel toiletry bottles. New York, California and Illinois all have similar laws in place — while Washington's ban will take effect in 2027. Fox News Digital reached out to Gov. Janet Mills' office for comment.
