18 Products Marketed as Healthy That Were Dangerous
This article lists 18 products that were promoted as healthy but were later found to be unsafe or harmful.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Throughout history, many products have been advertised as beneficial for the health despite containing harmful ingredients. From medicines and tonics to food and cosmetics, these items show how marketing often ignored safety. Their stories reveal the importance of regulation and scientific testing in protecting consumers.
1. Cigarettes
LoMit on Wikimedia Commons
For decades, cigarette companies promoted smoking as healthy and even recommended by doctors. Ads claimed cigarettes calmed nerves and improved digestion. In reality, they cause cancer, heart disease, and many other illnesses. Cigarettes remain one of the deadliest consumer products ever sold.
2. Radium Water
Roger McLassus on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 1900s, bottled drinks containing radium were marketed as energy-boosting tonics. Consumers believed the radioactive element improved vitality. Instead, it caused radiation poisoning and death. Radium water became a notorious example of dangerous pseudoscience.
3. Cocaine Toothache Drops
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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, medicine makers sold cocaine-based drops for children’s toothaches. They claimed it relieved pain quickly and safely. Parents were encouraged to give it to their children. The product was addictive and harmful, leading to its eventual ban.
4. Tapeworm Diet Pills
Jim Griffin on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 20th century, companies sold pills claiming to help people lose weight by using tapeworm eggs. Advertisements suggested they were safe and effective for slimming. In reality, they caused severe illness and infections. The dangerous practice was eventually outlawed.
5. Lead-Based Makeup
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
Lead was once a common ingredient in cosmetics like face powder and lipstick. It was marketed as safe and fashionable. Prolonged use led to poisoning, skin damage, and even death. Today, lead in cosmetics is banned in most countries.
6. Asbestos Products
Jpatokal on Wikimedia Commons
Asbestos was widely used in hairdryers, clothing, and even home appliances. It was praised as durable and protective. Later, it was proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Despite the health risks, it took decades for bans to be enforced.
7. Mercury Pills and Tonics
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Mercury was once used in pills and tonics marketed for curing constipation and syphilis. Doctors promoted it as a powerful medicine. Over time, people suffered poisoning, organ failure, and death. Mercury-based remedies were eventually abandoned as unsafe.
8. Fen-Phen Diet Drugs
James Heilman, MD on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1990s, Fen-Phen was a popular weight-loss drug combination. It was marketed as a breakthrough in managing obesity. Later studies showed it caused serious heart and lung problems. The drug was pulled from the market in 1997.
9. Sugar-Filled Cereals
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
In the mid-20th century, sugary cereals were marketed to children as nutritious breakfast foods. Companies highlighted added vitamins while hiding the high sugar content. Excessive consumption contributed to obesity and diabetes. These cereals are still sold but criticized as unhealthy.
10. Arsenic Pills for Complexion
Roland.karlsson on Wikimedia Commons
Arsenic pills were once sold as beauty aids, claiming to clear skin and improve complexion. They were promoted as safe when taken in small amounts. In reality, arsenic is highly toxic and causes poisoning. The product was later banned for its deadly effects.
11. OxyContin
The Drug Users Bible on Wikimedia Commons
Introduced in the 1990s, OxyContin was marketed as a safe and non-addictive painkiller. The manufacturer downplayed its addictive potential. Widespread use fueled the opioid crisis, leading to dependence and overdose deaths. It remains one of the most controversial pharmaceutical products in history.
12. Cigarette Candy
Craig Pennington on Wikimedia Commons
Candy shaped like cigarettes was marketed to children as a harmless treat. It was promoted as fun and playful. However, health experts argued that it normalized smoking and encouraged children to become future smokers. Many countries banned it due to public health concerns.
13. Lysol as Birth Control
Lysol on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 20th century, Lysol disinfectant was advertised as a feminine hygiene product and even as a method of birth control. Advertisements claimed it was safe for women to use internally. In reality, it caused burns, poisoning, and infections. The practice was extremely dangerous and harmful.
14. Butter vs. Margarine (Trans Fats)
Helge Höpfner on Wikimedia Commons
Margarine was marketed as a healthy alternative to butter during much of the 20th century. Companies highlighted its plant-based oils while hiding the dangers of trans fats. Later research showed trans fats increased the risk of heart disease. Regulations eventually forced reformulation of margarine products.
15. Coca-Cola with Cocaine
angrit on Wikimedia Commons
When Coca-Cola was first created in the late 1800s, it contained coca leaf extract with cocaine. It was marketed as an energy drink and health tonic. Consumers praised it as refreshing and stimulating. The cocaine was eventually removed due to health concerns.
16. Electric Belt Cures
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Electric belts were marketed in the 19th century as health devices that cured fatigue, impotence, and various illnesses. Advertisements promised increased energy and vitality. In reality, they offered no medical benefits and sometimes caused burns. They were exposed as fraudulent and unsafe.
17. Weight-Loss Cigarettes
Geierunited on Wikimedia Commons
In the mid-20th century, cigarette brands promoted smoking as a way to stay slim. Ads suggested women could control weight by smoking instead of eating. The health dangers were ignored in favor of sales. These campaigns are now infamous examples of false health marketing.
18. “Healthy” Sodas and Tonics
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Before modern regulations, many sodas and tonics were marketed as healthy elixirs. They contained ingredients like alcohol, opium, or untested chemicals. Consumers believed they boosted energy or cured illness. Instead, they often caused addiction and health problems.