Secret Clinical Strength

Today, I was at the pharmacy and I noticed this product on the shelf: Secret Clinical Strength. First of all, there were a couple elements about this product that I found strange.

a) First, it was $8!!!! That sounded like a trading up scheme to me.
b) Second, it was packaged in a box, while normal deodorant plastic containers are sufficient enough to protect the contents.
c) The claims on the point of purchase material did not seem to differ so much from conventional deodorant:

- Clinically proven, prescription-strength wetness protection
- Odor-fighting capsules that absorb odor (and release scent) all day to keep you smelling clean and fresh
- Skin-soothing conditioners

You're paying a 100% premium for "capsules"? After looking at it, I simply felt insulted that they would even put such a product on the market.

My assumed rationale behind this amount of packaging: I believe that the box is there to create a look of differentiation on the shelf from other deodorant products, which are typically just a stick in a plastic container. Similarly, I believe it is to create a premium "look" to the product.

Alternative considerations: Get rid of the box and save a couple trees. Change the label instead! A product that really is "clinical strength" or that works above and beyond that of its competition does not need a box to hide in.


Procter & Gamble:
1 800 879 8433
Web: http://pg.custhelp.com

Razor blade packaging

Although it doesn't seem like it, summer is coming up soon, and society kind of frowns upon women who have Sasquatch type legs. While I was in the razor section of the drugstore the other day, I couldn't help but realize how grossly overpackaged razors are. The above, Gillette Venus, is just an example - the package is about 4 times the size of its contents, and I did a bit more research and found out the plastic package is made out of PVC, the most toxic plastic you can find. Oy!

The Gillette Venus is not the only offender. Other examples include:

Gillette Fusion (5 blades!?)
Gillette M3Power
Gillette M3Power Nitro
Gillette Mach 3
Schick Quattro
Schick Quattro for Women
Schick Intuition


My assumed rationale behind this amount of packaging: A number of reasons - first is aesthetics and marketing - razors were a commodity item that used to be purchased in cardboard boxes. Now they seem to be accompanied by splashy advertising (and splashy packaging to boot) and need to have that presence on shelf. Second, is theft - I hear razors are a favourite to steal - not sure about the actual razor, but I heard that razor blades are definitely stolen often and it is the reason why when you purchase refill blades, they are behind a plastic case with an alarm system. The rigid plastic container likely makes it hard to remove the razor blades from the package.

Alternative considerations: First, replace the plastic with perhaps a #1 or #2 plastic that is less toxic. Reduce the package size a bit and double face them. There is so much that can be done that is much less harmful!

The two big offenders of these razors are Schick and Procter & Gamble:

Schick:
Schick Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 537, Neenah, WI 54957
Phone: 1.800.SHAVERS (1.800.742.8377)
Web:
http://www.shaving.com/feedback.asp

Procter & Gamble:
1 800 879 8433
Web: http://pggillette.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/pggillette.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php