15 Classic Ads That Would Be Banned Under Today’s Consumer Laws
These classic ads pushed boundaries in ways that would get them banned under today's stricter consumer laws.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Advertising standards have evolved significantly over the decades, leading to the prohibition of certain practices that were once commonplace. This listicle explores 15 classic advertisements that, due to their content, would not align with today’s consumer protection laws.
1. “More Doctors Smoke Camels”
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia Commons
This 1940s advertisement claims that more doctors smoke Camel than any other cigarette brand. Such endorsements would be prohibited today due to strict regulations against misleading health claims and the promotion of tobacco products.
2. “You Mean a Woman Can Open It?”
Alcoa Aluminum on Wikimedia Commons
This 1953 Heinz ketchup ad implies that it’s surprising a woman could open the bottle, reflecting the sexist attitudes of the time. Modern advertising standards prohibit gender stereotyping and discriminatory content.
3. “Cocaine Toothache Drops”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
An 1885 ad promotes cocaine-laced drops for children’s toothaches. Today, advertising controlled substances, especially to children, is strictly forbidden under consumer protection laws.
4. “The Harder a Wife Works, The Cuter She Looks”
Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
This 1950s ad suggests a wife’s attractiveness is linked to her domestic labor. Such messaging would be considered sexist and unacceptable in today’s advertising landscape.
5. “DuPont Wraps Babies in Cellophane”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
A 1930s DuPont ad features a baby wrapped in cellophane, promoting the product’s purity. Modern safety standards would deem this portrayal dangerous and misleading.
6. “Nothing Comes Between Me and My Calvins”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
This 1980 Calvin Klein ad featuring 15-year-old Brooke Shields was criticized for sexualizing minors. Current advertising regulations enforce strict guidelines to protect children from exploitation.
7. “Gucci’s G-Spot Campaign”
Gucci in 1960s on Wikimedia Commons
Gucci’s 2003 ad featured explicit imagery that sparked public outrage. Today, such content would likely be restricted to adult audiences and subject to content warnings.
8. “Sisley’s Fashion Junkie’ Campaign”
Benetton Group S.r.l. on Wikimedia Commons
This 2007 Sisley ad glamorized drug use through fashion imagery. Modern advertising standards prohibit promoting illegal or harmful behavior.
9. “Tom Ford’s Controversial Fragrance Ad”
Tom Ford on Wikimedia Commons
Tom Ford’s 2007 fragrance ad was criticized for its overt sexual content. Under current advertising codes, such explicit imagery would be restricted.
10. “YSL’s Opium Perfume Ad”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Yves Saint Laurent’s 2000 ad for Opium perfume featured nudity that led to public complaints. Today, such ads would be subject to placement restrictions and content warnings.
11. “Protein World’s ‘Beach Body Ready’ Campaign”
Elena I Leonova on Wikimedia Commons
This 2015 ad was criticized for body shaming and promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Modern advertising guidelines emphasize body positivity and diversity.
12. Fast Food Ads Targeting Kids with Toys
Fernanda da Silva Lopes on Pexels
These ads blurred the line between food and play, using collective toys to lure kids into wanting more fast food. Today’s regulations crack down on marketing junk food to children, especially when disguised as entertainment. The link between childhood obesity and these tactics pushed governments to step in.
13. Cigarette Ads Featuring Medical Professionals
Valeria November on Pexels
Some cigarette ads once claimed doctors preferred their brand, giving smoking a false stamp of medical approval. These endorsements weren’t just misleading; they were dangerous. Modern laws ban health-related claims in tobacco advertising entirely.
14. Car Ads Encouraging Reckless Driving
JÉSHOOTS on Pexels
Older car commercials often glamorized speeding and stunts, pushing the thrill without warning about safety. Today’s consumer laws require clear disclaimers and prohibit ads that promote dangerous driving behavior. The shift aims to reduce accidents tied to risky road habits.
15. Beauty Ads Making Unverifiable Celebrity Claims
António Ribeiro on Pexels
Some beauty brands used celebrities to make bold promises, like flawless skin overnight, without evidence to back them up. Today, such endorsements require proof or disclaimers. Regulatory bodies now call out exaggerated claims, especially when tied to fame.