Some products just don’t live up to the hype, but that doesn’t stop people from buying them again and again. Whether it’s a “miracle” gadget, a useless beauty treatment, or a trendy scam, we’ve all seen things that somehow keep selling despite doing absolutely nothing.

So, what do you consider totally useless, but people still fall for it? We asked our community, and here are some of the best answers we received. Let us know if you agree with them – or maybe you have your own examples no one mentioned yet. Share them in the comments below!

#1

People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Religion. In general.

Isabella Fischer Report

Lene
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on what you want to do with it, imo. If you want hope that there's an afterlife, then religion works. If you want to feel closer to nature, then (pagan) religion works. If you want some sort of understanding what "evil" is, then religion works. I could continue, but I'm sure you get the idea :)

R Dennis
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Religion absolutely does work: it co-opts people's faith to control their actions and money... it's not a bug, it's a feature.

Crystalwitch60
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100% all bloody fiction !!!

Reemerger
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And how it has been made into a commodity for large Religion Inc.s to amass wealth beyond measure from. All while selling nothing but empty promises.

Amanda Reinstatler
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Politics have become a religion, unfortunately. Religion is not the only opiate the masses are hooked on.....

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    #2

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Homeopathic products.

    It is documented (by the producers themselves) that the expensive sugar pills have no active substance and no effect on health, other than occasional placebo. Yet, people keep buying them, and some doctors keep prescribing them. Attempts to reduce the use of homeopathy led nowhere because, as a local politician once explained, producers such as Boiron make a profit and pay millions in taxes. On patients' health expenses, but who cares?

    Kelly Sikkema Report

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As has been observed, at the scene of an accident, one doesn't want to hear "Let me through! I'm a herbalist!"

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or even worse, "I have the thing that made you sick! And I diluted it, until it was just one molecule left in the equivalent volume of the whole worlds oceans! And now I'm going to heal you with my believes!" 😶😅

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    Karl
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My SIL has spent a fortune on all sorts of New Age Woo Woo because she's "spiritual" - well, you know what they say about fools and their money.

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should be forbidden!

    Zaach
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In fact it is the point of the dilution (1:10 X 10) that there be nothing of the stuff in their product b/c the stuff only works by its absence (the dilution is like dropping a teaspoon of a liquid in Lake Michigan during a storm then coming by the next day to get some). The way they determine what heals what is to give a substance to a healthy person until it makes them sick - it is then used to treat people with those symptoms

    Cuppa tea?
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Their newest defence against accusations of not containing any active ingredients is - but it does contain the "information" of it was in contact with active ingredients. Funniest fact was - they had to recall whole batch of their products because it was contaminated - by actual active ingredient (thing it was stuff for common flu that had penicillin contamination).

    Dereck M
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, people have a right to choose. Even if it means choosing snake oil over chemotherapy.

    Dereck M
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, people have a right to choose. Even if it's choosing snake oil over chemotherapy 🤷

    ogg
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what you all are talking about. Homeopathic remedies totally worked for me when I had centipede bites. Apis Mellifera...saved me from terrifyingly enormous swelling after a bite several times. Highly recommend if you visit or live in the tropics!

    Tom Brincefield
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A honey bee? Either you don't know what homeopathic remedies are, or you're confused about what saved you.

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    Keith Lancaster
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here in the UK they are still legal but, not legal to make any medical claims for them. If anybody would like to know about the facts behind this then take a look at a book called Bad Science.

    🤣🤣🤣 (Me while reading bp)
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not true at all. If it doesn't work after 4 days your taking the wrong remedy.

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    #3

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Political propaganda. You can fool some of the people all of the time ...

    Marco Oriolesi Report

    R Dennis
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact that a significant amount of people buy into it means the propaganda does work.

    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve heard from physiotherapists that those shoes ( I won’t name any brand) that claim your almost exercising whilst wearing them and they tone your legs. They said load of tosh

    John Dilligaf
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can fool some of the people all of the time ...and all of the people some of the time... but all you need to do is fool 50% of the voters every 4 years.

    Dereck M
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can fool enough people enough times that we are always in the situations we always seem to be in: disunity, fear of others, the rich getting richer, disenfranchisement etc.

    Amanda Reinstatler
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They know people like believing the convenient truths that make their BS narrative make sense

    #4

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Foot toxin pads. Complete hogwash.

    Merri J Report

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They sell these pads thst you stick to your feet at night and they supposedly suck out the toxins! When you wake up the pad has gone a mucky colour, and they tell you that this shows it's working. The truth is that they are using a chemical reaction very similar to that which causes a cut potato or apple to discolour.

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    #5

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans My Protection Against Alien Abduction votive candle didn't work at all!

    Leo_Visions Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sounds like a South Park plot! 😄

    Inigo Montoya
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No no, it worked. That abduction was a false memory planted by Bill Gates via 5G into the microchip in your head, which was implanted by vaccines. I know it's true, I read about it on the Internet.

    Bruce D T
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should have purchased the extended warranty.

    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably would work if your Feng Shui advisor re arranged your furniture so the candle had the best vibrations from the solar system.

    #6

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Diet fads.

    Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went on a diet and lost 180 pounds in a month. Those soups and shakes weren't cheap....

    Never Snarky
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One gummy at night and lose 50 pounds in a month.

    #7

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Plug in Electronic Rodent Repellers

    Svetozar Cenisev Report

    ninjaTrashPandaBoom
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolute waste of money. They do not work.

    Ace
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They absolutely do work. Some years back my wife's car was being attacked by Martens, who chewed up the the insulation under the bonnet. but thankfully none of the wiring, which they're known for where we live. Little device the sise of a matchbox, cost about EU20, all sorted, no more chewing. And then some years later we were getting them in a converted attic space, no matter how much I tried to seal off any entrance. I thought it was owls for a long time, itent on for months with droppings everywhere damaging the chipboard flooring, then I clicked what it was, got a plug-in ultrasonic thing and they've never been back since.

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    Bonnie Blue Bird
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cats are excellent rodent repellers

    Black Cat
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True, they don't even have to catch them. Often the rodents will stay away if they smell a cat.

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    Abel
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do they still try to sell that BS?

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have to give the branding team credit for the name "Pest Off!" that they're sold as here.

    Timbob
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Right ! Use the ones you push into the ground

    #8

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Skin wrinkle remover!!!!

    Katelyn G Report

    B
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It does not remove wrinkles but it does keep your skin hydrated to prevent & make them less visable. The key is start before you get wrinkles

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best thing to do is wear sunscreen, wear sunglasses to prevent squinting and limit time in direct sunlight.

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    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Retin A works pretty well at removing the top layers of skin cells and providing the nutrients to make the next layer look young and healthy. It reduced years of acne scars for me and at age 70 people think I am no older than 50.

    CutePanda
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, there was that one tube of wrinkle remover I saw a few months ago that seemed to really work to make everything nice and tight. For €700! 1 tube, around 250 ml!

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my kid says i have laugh lines - im gonna stick to that

    #9

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Those fancy skin creams that are supposed to lighten your skin and make it glow or something.

    Poko Skincare Report

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They do make your skin glow - because there is usually a little paraffin in there... read the ingredients. Wish I had,

    #10

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans CPR, in order to restart someone's heart. Movies and TV make people think CPR will do that. Absolutely not. CPR keeps blood and oxygen going to the brain while you wait for an Ambulance or portable defribrillator. A defribrillator also cannot re-start a flatlined heart. It can only help a heart get back into a healthier rhythm. CPR is important, but call that ambulance.

    Martin Splitt Report

    David Morgan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    CPR KEEPS a heart beating. Almost nothing can re-start a stopped heart. Otherwise we wouldn't have nearly so many dead people.

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    CPR doesn't keep a heart beating! If there is a pulse, you shouldn't be doing CPR at all. CPR keeps just enough blood circulating mechanically to keep the body barely alive.

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    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know anything about CPR, but I do know the heart is on the left. Guy above is pushing on the liver.

    UKDeek
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, the person in the picture is in the correct position - heel of the hand on the sternum (breast bone) in between the n****e line. The heart sits behind the sternum, slightly to the left, which is why chest compressions are very effective. The liver sits a lot lower, behind the ribs and to the right side. The top edge of the liver sits behind the very bottom of the sternum.

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    #11

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Shapewear. The wobbly bits on your body don't magically disappear with some fabric. It won't mold your body to a different shape than you have as is. No, it doesn't stay put when you move around.

    Kristen Plastique Report

    Sue
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure wear a body shaper, then your fat is all pushed up to your top of your back where you can't see it, as someone who has tried those.

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did try a corset once. I nearly choked on my own balambas. Yes it's all got to go somewhere

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'wobbly bits' can be the fun bits #justsaying

    Tammy Kirks
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't agree with this statement as it's too generalized. Shapewear should *help* your shape, not change it. For example, I have a bit of a jiggly belly. Shapewear helps smooth it down and eliminate panty lines. If your shapewear pushes your fat out, it's the wrong style and size. Much like a bra, it's supposed to enhance your figure, not create new bulges.

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #12

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Some of those over-the-counter cures for baldness include creams, gummies, and vibration tools to stimulate hair growth.

    Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For hair growth... That's what she said.

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    as a balding man, those products are so demoralising,

    Shayne Randlett
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Creams, gummies, and vibration tools sound like the recipe for a fun night in to me

    #13

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Static magnet therapy. There is a large ecosystem of products with embedded magnets that purport to provide all manner of health benefits. There are magnetic water treatment devices, magnetic pillows and blankets, magnetic shoe insoles, and the list goes on and on (see Nikken International). These products have a cult following of true believers, in spite of numerous scientific studies showing zero benefit over a placebo.

    Toa Heftiba Report

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i had a magnet wrist-thingy - ruined my smart watch

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha. Nikken. You need to buy their stuff and try to resell it. its like an MLM. as usual you can become a millionaire within a few years if you sell enough of their products.

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    4 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #14

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Anything for a cold. You can't cure a cold; you just need to wait for your body to fight it off. The time taken varies.

    Brittany Colette Report

    R Dennis
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cold medicine is generally to alleviate the symptoms while your body is fighting the illness.

    L.V
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup. And I find that hot drinks and soup help as well. Won't cure it, but will make me feel better

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True but enough hot toddy and you won't care so much

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can take stuff to make it feel better though. Also stop asking for antibiotics for a virus, you utter tools.

    Steve Kadner
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grandma used to say "Have a cold? Take medicine and it will only last a week. Don't take medicine and it will last 7 days"

    Bored Trash Panda
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I drink hot water with honey, lemon, ginger, and a little apple cider vinegar in it when I am sick, helps me a lot. I also make it for my husband and son.

    Digital Fantasy
    Community Member
    4 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Fkn Americans needing medication for a common cold..

    #15

    CLR. (Calcium, Lime, & Rust remover.) Don't waste your money.

    Marie Proročenko Report

    CD Mills
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want to get rid of calcium, lime scale, and rust use the Lysol brand toilet bowl cleaner. It always works.

    Timbob
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry ! It does work !

    Uncle Panda
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I spent four years trying to scrub the rust ring out of an old toilet before I realized I'd spent more money on cleaners than it would have taken to replace the toilet. So I replaced the toilet.

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hate that stuff. Spray Nine is way better, if you want to use stronger chemicals.

    Sue
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely. The Works works pretty good & it's cheap. Recommended to me by a professional house cleaner.

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or vinegar

    Sue
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vinegar is great & non-toxic. I put a little in my dish suds. Vinegar & baking soda works great on the tub.

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    #16

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Solar-powered snake repellents are a waste of money, in my experience. Get guinea fowl instead.

    Arvid Høidahl Report

    Shayne Randlett
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know about snake repellers, but my solar-powered vampire repeller works like a charm. Maybe not so much at night, but ever since I bought it I've not had to fend off a single vampire when the sun is out.

    Historyherstory (old guy)
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mothballs work for snakes, but it is really hard to get them to spread their legs..I'll see my way out.

    #17

    People Shared 20 Useless Products That Somehow Still Have Fans Protein Powder.

    LyfeFuel Report

    Bonnie Blue Bird
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disagree. Protein powder is a great way to increase your protein intake. But it's meant for those looking to increase muscle. You also don't want to buy ones full of unhealthy fillers.

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    stick to eggs, tuna and chicken - a bit more cost effective, from my experience

    Myoviridae
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also disagree with this one. If you have a medical condition like long-covid, in which your cells are using amino acids to produce energy, then you absolutely need a high-protein diet. I was craving mac n' cheese (not that much protein in it) and could not eat meat, so I added whey protein. Not only did it add protein that I need, but made the mac n' cheese super creamy.

    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're eating a lousy diet and not working out regularly, yeah don't expect to look muscular, but a good protein shake (not loaded with sugars) that has proper nutrition is great for building muscle. We also give protein shakes in the hospital