According to one study, prices of health products like toothpaste and razors can rise and fall dramatically in the same stores throughout the year.
Research by consumer advocates at Which? discovered that supermarkets have a “promotion cycle” in which product prices can fluctuate by more than 100 percent over a period of months.
Experts analyzed products from three best-selling brands in 15 personal care areas available for at least 42 weeks between March 2023 and February 2024.
They checked prices at Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco and Waitrose and, where available, Aldi and Lidl. Prices for each product were recorded at the same time each week.
The findings showed that the price of Colgate’s Max White Ultimate Radiance toothpaste (75ml) ranged between £11 and £25.20 over the year at Waitrose.
Research by consumer advocates at Which? discovered that supermarkets have a “promotion cycle” in which product prices can fluctuate by more than 100 percent over a period of months.
Which? checked prices at Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco (left) and Waitrose (right) and, where available, Aldi and Lidl.
In mouthwashes, large variations were found for Colgate’s Max White Expert Whitening (500ml), which regularly sells for between £2.50 and £5 in major supermarkets. Meanwhile, Listerine Advanced Defense Gum Crisp Mint (500ml) was sold at various prices, from £3 to £6 at Boots.
As for deodorants, Sure Maximum Protection Clean Scent Antiperspirant (150ml) costs between £3.35 and £5 at Asda and £3.50 to £5.25 at Waitrose.
Sure Men’s Anti Perspirant Aerosol Active Dry (200ml) was the cheapest at Aldi (£1.95) and the most expensive at Waitrose (£3).
The price of Lynx Africa deodorant (150ml) fluctuated everywhere it was available: between £2.66 and £4.75 at Superdrug and £3 and £4 at Tesco.
The research found that Carex, Palmolive and Radox shower gels benefited from more stable prices than other products.
Stores also periodically reduced prices on razors.
The Gillette Labs razor with exfoliating bar was £22.49 at Morrisons at full price, but was often sold for almost half price at £11.25. Meanwhile, Venus Comfortglide With Olay sold for between £6.48 and £14.99 throughout the year at Superdrug.
The price of Lynx Africa deodorant (150ml) fluctuated everywhere it was available: between £2.66 and £4.75 at Superdrug and £3 and £4 at Tesco.
Razor prices were also periodically reduced in stores.
Allergy tablets saw surprising price changes: 30 Piriteze Hayfever tablets at Waitrose dropped in price from £11.50 to £8 between May and July 2023 and then cost £11.55.
Which? He advised consumers to stock up on hay fever products when they are cheap or buy generic brands, as most tablets have a shelf life of at least a year.
Perhaps surprisingly, sunscreen prices fell during peak demand in the spring and summer.
At Asda, Nivea Protect and Moisture Sun Lotion SPF 30 (200ml) cost £6 between April and August 2023 and almost doubled to £13 in September.
Which? discovered that the price of a 12-pack of latex-free Durex Real Feel condoms went up and down between £11 and £18.15 throughout the year at Waitrose.
The same product was priced at £5.50 at Superdrug and £5 at Boots compared to their best in-store deals.
Asda was the cheapest for overall health products. When comparing 107 items, it scored the best value on 28 percent of the products.
They were followed by Morrisons (26 per cent), Superdrug (16 per cent), Ocado (10 per cent), Boots and Sainsburys (7 per cent) and Tesco (5 per cent). Waitrose was cheaper only 2 per cent of the time. Aldi and Lidl had smaller ranges so were not included.
Aldi had a smaller range so it wasn’t included.
Ele Clark, which one? Retail Editor, said: “Retailers are constantly changing product prices based on demand, seasonality, agreements with manufacturers and what their competitors are doing.”
The advice of “Which?” in this rapidly changing market is to keep an eye on the prices of products you buy regularly and stock up when the price is low, or ask yourself if it is really essential to have your preferred brand and consider switching to a cheaper product that can do an equal job Good.’