People will buy almost anything if it sounds “scientific” enough. Even when the science part doesn’t check out. These days, there’s no shortage of creative sales pitches or people willing to buy them & claim they’re scientifically proven to work. Here are nine purchases people justify with fake science. Which of these do you think is the worst?
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Detox foot pads
Detox foot pads are essentially sticky pads for your feet. People claim they’ll suck out toxins while you sleep. Yet the truth is that courts have called out the companies for false advertising, and health experts have said that the stains come from sweat & ingredients in the pad itself. It’s not poison escaping through your soles, just…dirt.
Ionic foot detox machines
Apparently, ionic foot detox machines also remove toxins from your body. They turn the water inside brown & that’s often sold as proof that the heavy metals and toxins are leaving your body. But tests show the color change happens even when your feet aren’t in the water. It’s just the electrodes corroding, no toxins removed, just an expensive soak.
Ear candling cones
The hollow candle trick involves someone sticking this “ear candle” in their ear and lighting the end. People say it’ll pull out wax, although it actually just drips hot wax into your ear. Worse still, it could actually cause burns. The FDA has been clear that this trick doesn’t vacuum any earwax out & the risks are very real.
Homeopathic pellets and drops
People sell these tiny sugar pills & diluted drops on the idea that “like cures like.” But the doses are usually so watered down that they don’t contain any measurable active ingredient, and research has found little to no evidence any of these products treat anything at all. They’re a waste of cash.
EMF “shield” stickers for phones
EMF stickers are ones you put on the back of your phone, apparently to block cell phone radiation. They’re just a lie. The Federal Trade Commission has gone after sellers for making those promises without proof, as independent tests don’t back up any of these claims. The stickers don’t block exposure, but they do make phones look…stickier.
Alkaline water machines
Sure, balancing your body’s pH sounds like it’d be great for you. That’s why there are so many countertop machines that “ionize” tap water into a magical health drink. Yet many hospitals have said that your organs already tightly control your body’s pH. While the machine can change the water’s pH, that doesn’t mean it changes you.
Colon hydrotherapy sessions
Some spas advertise colon cleansing as a way to flush out waste that supposedly builds up over time. However, your colon doesn’t need outside help. In fact, colon cleansing includes a bunch of risks, like dehydration & infection. It could even cause perforations. Somehow, it doesn’t seem worth it anymore.
Copper and magnetic arthritis bracelets
It’d be nice if you could ease your aching joints by wearing copper or magnetic bracelets. However, reality is different. One placebo-controlled study tested them against fake bracelets & found no real difference, as people’s pain levels were the same whether or not the copper or magnet was there. You could wear any sort of bracelet and convince yourself you’re not hurting.
Ozone “air purifier” boxes
Who doesn’t want clean air? Air purifiers can get you that, although the ones that release ozone don’t make things as clean as you might expect. The EPA claims ozone doesn’t remove the most common indoor pollutants at safe levels. Higher levels of ozone can actually hurt your lungs.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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