12 Health Products from the ’70s That Were Later Discontinued
These discontinued health products from the ’70s remind us how quickly science and public perception evolve.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The 1970s brought a wave of health products marketed with bold promises, easy accessibility, and sometimes questionable science. Many were later discontinued due to safety concerns, regulation changes, or simple obsolescence as better products took their place. Revisiting these items offers a fascinating glimpse into the health habits, advertising tricks, and evolving consumer trust of that era.
1. Ayds Reducing Plan Candy
Image from Wikipedia
In the 1970s, Ayds was a popular appetite suppressant candy marketed to help people lose weight. It came in flavors like chocolate and butterscotch and was often seen in women’s magazines and TV commercials. Sales plummeted in the 1980s not because of safety concerns, but due to the unfortunate similarity to the AIDS epidemic, and the product quietly disappeared.
2. Geritol Tonic
Image from Wikipedia
Geritol was a liquid supplement loaded with iron and B vitamins, heavily advertised as a cure for “tired blood.” It was often pitched to women, implying fatigue was due to iron deficiency, though this was rarely medically verified. Though still sold in other forms today, the original high-alcohol tonic was phased out due to overblown claims and changing regulations.
3. Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment (Original Formula)
Image from Wikipedia
This over-the-counter gel was used for cold sores, insect bites, and cuts, praised for its instant sting and strong scent. In the ’70s, its formulation included ingredients like phenol and camphor, which were later scrutinized for safety. The product was reformulated in later years, and the original blend was eventually discontinued.
4. Dexatrim with Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
Image from Wikipedia
Dexatrim was a wildly popular diet pill in the ’70s, relying on PPA to suppress appetite. It was available without a prescription, making it a go-to for anyone trying to drop pounds fast. By the early 2000s, studies linked PPA to an increased risk of stroke, and the FDA ordered it off the market.
5. Ban Roll-On Deodorant (Original Formula)
Image from Wikipedia
Ban was one of the first roll-on antiperspirants and was heavily used in the ’70s due to its slick packaging and strong claims. Its original formula included aluminum compounds that were later scrutinized. Reformulations followed, and the iconic 1970s version was quietly phased out.
6. Lavoris Mouthwash (Red Formula)
Image from Wikipedia
Known for its spicy cinnamon flavor and bold red color, Lavoris was a staple in many households. It contained a high level of alcohol and ingredients later deemed irritating for sensitive mouths. While the brand tried to reinvent itself, the original formula faded out of popularity and eventually off the shelves.
7. Sloan’s Liniment
Image from Wikipedia
This old-school muscle rub was used by generations for aches and pains, boasting a heavy dose of capsicum and other warming agents. In the ’70s, it was still widely used, especially by athletes and laborers. Eventually, newer products with gentler formulations took its place, and Sloan’s became a relic.
8. Serutan Laxative
Image from Wikipedia
“Serutan is Natures spelled backward” was the catchy slogan, and this fiber-based laxative became a go-to for digestive relief. Its marketing was geared toward older adults, many of whom swore by its natural formula. As more refined and better-tasting fiber supplements hit the market, Serutan quietly exited stage left.
9. Lustre-Creme Shampoo (Original Formula)
Image from Wikipedia
Marketed with glamour icons like Marilyn Monroe, Lustre-Creme promised silky, movie-star hair. The shampoo was thick and creamy, resembling a beauty balm more than a cleanser. Despite its initial success, changing consumer tastes and better formulas led to its decline and eventual discontinuation
10. Di-Gel Antacid Tablets
Image from Wikipedia
Di-Gel combined an antacid with simethicone, making it one of the first products to tackle both acid and gas. It was often recommended after big dinners or greasy snacks. Concerns over ingredients and the rise of more modern solutions like Tums and Pepcid pushed Di-Gel out of the market.
11. Toni Home Permanent Kits
Image from Wikipedia
These DIY hair perm kits were advertised as a salon alternative and were wildly popular during the 1970s. The chemical smell was unmistakable, and results were hit-or-miss, but many stuck with it for the promise of bouncy curls. Over time, harsh chemicals and inconsistent results fell out of favor, and the line was discontinued.
12. Sominex (Original Formula)
Image from Wikipedia
Sominex was a sleep aid that, in its earlier formulations, relied heavily on strong antihistamines like diphenhydramine. While it knocked people out quickly, grogginess and dependency concerns followed. Newer sleep aids with more precise formulations led to a retooling of the product, leaving the original version behind.