Ordering chemist products online is convenient, but a wide selection does not always make comparing products easy. Attractive packaging, a familiar brand name or a low price does not tell you whether a product is right for your household. This applies to personal care products online, as well as cleaning products, oral care and mosquito protection.
Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:
By checking the product details in advance, you can compare more than just the price. You can also assess the cost per millilitre, ease of use and suitability.
Do not compare the promotional price alone. Note the contents, number of items and recommended usage. A 250 ml bottle of mouthwash may seem inexpensive, but at a recommended dose of 20 ml per use, it provides around twelve uses. With body oil, the amount used per application also matters.
When looking at a multipack, check whether it contains two full-size products. Also make sure that the product variant and contents match the product title. This prevents you from buying a smaller pack than expected.
With skincare, ingredients are more important than general promises. For example, check whether a product contains perfume, alcohol or essential oils if you prefer to avoid these ingredients. According to the product information, Vaseline Body Oil Lavender contains shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E and lavender fragrance. The usage instructions state that the product is for external use only and should not be applied to irritated or damaged skin.
For haircare, the variant and ingredients are equally important. Andrélon dry shampoo contains, among other ingredients, tapioca starch and propellants such as butane, isobutane and propane. Aerosols come with clear safety precautions: do not store above 50 °C and keep away from heat and sunlight.
When buying oral care products, read the instructions on the packaging. The Listerine products in this range contain fluoride at 220 ppm fluoride ions. The product information recommends rinsing twice a day with 20 ml for 30 seconds and not swallowing the product. According to the product information, the Total Care variant mentioned is not suitable for children under 12.
For mosquito protection, the active ingredient and concentration are important. Azaron Anti-Mosquito Spray contains 9.5% DEET and, according to the product information, is intended for use from the age of 2, with restrictions applying to children aged 2 to 12. The stick contains 20% DEET and, according to the label, is intended for adults and children aged 13 and over. Use biocides safely: always read the label and the full instructions for use.
The intended use also matters when choosing all-purpose cleaner. Dettol All-Purpose Cleaner Spray Cherry Blossom contains 750 ml and is described as a spray for grease and dirt around the home. Before use, check which surfaces the product is suitable for and follow the instructions on the packaging. A fragranced cleaner is not automatically suitable for every material.
Why it suits this profile: An easy-to-understand body oil for daily use after showering, containing 200 ml and offering simple application to clean, dry or slightly damp skin.
The ingredients and warnings are clearly stated. This means you can check the perfume, shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E against your personal preferences beforehand.
200 ml contents; lightweight formula according to the product description; suitable for daily use after a bath or shower.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal if you want to build oral care into a regular routine and value clearly stated volume, dosage and ingredients.
You can estimate how long it will last more accurately because the product information specifies a 20 ml dose and rinsing for 30 seconds. The product must not be swallowed.
250 ml pack; contains 220 ppm fluoride according to the product information; clear usage and safety instructions.
Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for households and travellers looking for a spray format suitable for use from the age of 2.
The 9.5% DEET concentration and age limit are clearly stated. This means you do not have to rely solely on a general term such as “family-friendly”.
100 ml spray; up to two applications per day according to the product information; suitable for outdoor use or well-ventilated areas.
Why it suits this profile: Handy for busy mornings, travelling or those times when you want to freshen up your hair between washes.
The packaging lists the ingredients, allergens and aerosol warnings. This allows you to check in advance whether the formula suits your hair and intended use.
Two 245 ml packs; tapioca starch as the stated absorbent ingredient; coconut fragrance according to the product description.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Alongside the options mentioned above, you can shop online for body oil, dry shampoo, mouthwash, mosquito protection and all-purpose cleaner. If you are putting together a larger basket, you can also compare snacks and delicacies. Always check the allergens, alcohol percentage, nutritional values and storage advice. For products with an expiry date in particular, it is best not to order more than you are likely to use within a reasonable period.
First check the contents, ingredients, usage instructions, intended user and warnings. Then compare the price per pack or per millilitre. With sprays and biocides, the concentration, age limit and maximum frequency of use are particularly important.
That depends on the brand, pack size and offer. Comparing prices online is easier, but you should also consider delivery costs, multipacks and the actual contents. A lower price per bottle is not automatically better value if you buy a variant you rarely use.
It depends on the product. The expiry date or information about the period after opening is shown on the packaging. Store aerosols, oils, cleaning products and food products according to the storage advice. Do not use products if the packaging is damaged or if the smell, colour or texture has clearly changed.