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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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Religion. In general.
Final score:
44points
RELATED:
#2
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?
Final score:
43points
Apatheist Account2 4 months ago
As has been observed, at the scene of an accident, one doesn't want to hear "Let me through! I'm a herbalist!"
#3
Political propaganda. You can fool some of the people all of the time ...
Final score:
42points
#4
Foot toxin pads. Complete hogwash.
Final score:
37points
#5
My Protection Against Alien Abduction votive candle didn't work at all!
Final score:
34points
#6
Diet fads.
Final score:
33points
Auntriarch 4 months ago
I went on a diet and lost 180 pounds in a month. Those soups and shakes weren't cheap....
#9
Those fancy skin creams that are supposed to lighten your skin and make it glow or something.
Final score:
21points
#10
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.
Final score:
19points
David Morgan 4 months ago
CPR KEEPS a heart beating. Almost nothing can re-start a stopped heart. Otherwise we wouldn't have nearly so many dead people.
#11
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.
Final score:
18points
#12
Some of those over-the-counter cures for baldness include creams, gummies, and vibration tools to stimulate hair growth.
Final score:
12points
#13
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.
Final score:
9points
#14
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.
Final score:
8points
#15
CLR. (Calcium, Lime, & Rust remover.) Don't waste your money.
Final score:
4points
#16
Solar-powered snake repellents are a waste of money, in my experience. Get guinea fowl instead.
Final score:
3points
Shayne Randlett 4 months ago
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.
#17
Protein Powder.
Final score:
-3points
Bonnie Blue Bird 4 months ago
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.
What do you think ?
sweet emotion 4 months ago
"Miracle" supplements that "improve" skin, eyes, joint pain, cognitive function, memory, digestion, energy levels, etc. And diet pills.
Mike F 4 months ago
Do you actually mean that $50 a bottle oyster oil doesn't actually work?! Even though it's harvested from those special deep water grown beds? My life is ruined!
Load More Replies...
General Anaesthesia 4 months ago
They are all things that people try to "sell" to others.
Load More Replies... sweet emotion 4 months ago
"Miracle" supplements that "improve" skin, eyes, joint pain, cognitive function, memory, digestion, energy levels, etc. And diet pills.
Mike F 4 months ago
Do you actually mean that $50 a bottle oyster oil doesn't actually work?! Even though it's harvested from those special deep water grown beds? My life is ruined!
Load More Replies... General Anaesthesia 4 months ago
They are all things that people try to "sell" to others.
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