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  Topic

  Fact or myth?

  Spot the difference between science and spin. Plus major rip-offs, food and beauty myths, and products that are money down the drain.

Scientifically 'proven'

Does the science stack up for these product claims?

• Does your toothpaste make a difference?

  Do we need 'micro-cleaning crystals' - or are toothpaste claims just a load of froth?
• Should you take creatine?

  From boosting sports performance to the elixir of life, we look at the evidence behind the hype.
• Herbal memory boosters for exams

  Take with a grain of salt, and don't expect any miracles.
• Alternative medicines

  Which herbal supplements are OK to take, and which should you avoid?
• Geoclense Home Harmonizer review

  Does this device help you feel less physically and emotionally drained, or does it just drain your bank account?
• Do you need to use dental floss?

  Turns out there's little evidence to support flossing your teeth. So should you stop doing it?

  Home and living

Retail rip-offs

Save big money by avoiding these rip-offs.

• 'Buy now, pay later' services

  They may help if you're cash-strapped, but can pave the way to financial distress.
• 5 mattress myths, sprung

  We cut through the sales spin to help you shop (and sleep) better.
• The truth about holiday resort timeshares

  We compare the cost of a Gold Coast holiday timeshare to booking accommodation online.
• How online ticket scalpers cash in on your confusion

  In the world of online ticket scalping, supply and demand is king.

Shonkys

• And the lemon goes to...

  CHOICE's annual awards name and shame the shonkiest products and companies taking advantage of Australian consumers.

  Whose bad behaviour has earned them a lemon gong at the 15th annual CHOICE Shonkys?

  2019 Shonky Award winners

Safe or scary?

How safe are these common products?

• Is it safe to use essential oils?

  Essential oil brands like Doterra are on the rise, but are they putting our health at risk?
• Dishwasher detergent ingredients

  What's in your dishwasher detergent? Find out whether it's safe or scary.
• Is bottled water safer than tap?

  Many Australians believe bottled water is healthier or safer than tap water. But is it?
• Anti-wrinkle injections, Botox and fillers

  The face of anti-wrinkle treatment is changing with the rapid rise of injectables, Botox and fillers.
• Are you eating genetically modified food?

  CHOICE reveals where you'll find GM foods, and looks at some key concerns, including labelling.

Is it worth it?

Find out if these products and services are worth paying for.

• How much do you really need to spend to get a good toaster?

  We analysed our test results to see if spending more gets you a toaster with the most.
• Period underwear – Modibodi, Thinx, Bonds and more compared

  We trial 10 types of period underwear to find out which are best for absorbency, comfort and more
• Do you need an extended warranty?

  Is extra protection worth it? Here are the questions to ask.
• Should you buy a Dyson vacuum, hair dryer or fan?

  Is the cult brand worth the hype and higher price? Our expert reveals how they compare against other brands in our tests. 
• Are expensive high chairs worth the money?

  Every parent wants the best for their child, but is it worth shelling out big bucks for a high-end high chair?
• Smeg appliances: Best buys and what to avoid

  Should you buy something just because it's from Smeg? It's complicated.
• Is a Thermomix worth it?

  Whether you’re forking out for the original or a competitor, this is no impulse buy. We help you decide if this machine is for you.
• Are you better off flying budget on domestic flights?

  Are Jetstar and Tigerair really all that much worse than Qantas and Virgin?
• Should you freeze your eggs to help preserve your fertility?

  Many women may be investing in a service that they either won't use or that won't work.
• Having a baby? Do you need a doula?

  We look at the services doulas provide and reveal the pros and cons.
• What does thread count mean?

  Thread count alone won't help you pick the best quality bed sheets.
• 10 pharmacy products you don't need

  Which over-the-counter medicines, supplements and health products are best left on the shelf?
• How to buy the best school shoes

  Does price matter when it comes to school shoes and their quality?

Food for thought

Myths and facts about your food: superfoods, supplements and more.

• What is the alkaline diet and can it really improve your health?

  Many are vocal about the benefits, but to experts it’s just another fad diet.
• Is gluten-free food healthy?

  Many people are choosing gluten-free food for health and weight loss, but is it just an expensive, unhealthy fad?
• Is gourmet salt better for you?

  Are Himalayan and other specialty salts really any different to table salt? And do their health claims justify paying a price premium?

• Are your free range eggs the real deal?
• What are the health benefits of turmeric?

  We investigate whether turmeric and its extract curcumin can improve your health.
• Apple cider vinegar

  Is this "superfood" all it's cracked up to be? We look at the health claims of ACV to see if it can help you lose weight.

Latest stories

• Should you buy the Aldi Stirling Thermo Cooker?

  Aldi's budget all-in-one thermal cooker sold for just $249. Can it rival the pricier Thermomix?
• How to get the best roadside assistance plan for you

  Should you get cheap roadside assistance, get it with your car insurance, or sign up to a motoring club like NRMA, RACV or RACQ?
• Australia votes: The best democracy sausage

  Which sausage was elected as the favourite?
• Best slow cookers under $50

  How a slow cooker can save you money in the kitchen. Plus, the top-scoring budget slow cookers from our tests.
• How to buy the best air conditioner

  Choose one that suits your home and saves you money.

Money down the drain

Products that are a waste of money.

• Breville FoodCycler: costly composting

  We review this food disposal system to see if it's worth the investment.
• Is is safe to use essential oils?

  Essential oil brands like Doterra are on the rise, but are they putting our health at risk?
• Multi purpose cleaners: some are a wipeout

  Which multipurpose cleaners give shining results? We review products from Ajax, Morning Fresh, Pine O Cleen and more.
• V.I.Poo review: claims that are on the nose

  Will this pocket-sized personal hygiene product dethrone conventional air fresheners, or are its claims a little on the nose?
• The messy truth about flushable wipes

  Wet wipes are wreaking havoc on Australia's plumbing and waterways, and the ACCC is taking action.
• Do you really need fabric softener?

  Soft fluffy clothes at your fingertips

Beauty myths

Pros and cons of beauty treatments, plus the claims you shouldn't take at face value.

• Is laser hair-removal safe?

  A lack of standards and regulations have experts concerned about the risks to consumers.
• Anti-pollution hair care products

  Are they worth the hype and expense?
• HiSmile teeth whitening kits – do they work?

  Whiter teeth in just 10 minutes? Don't count on it.
• Latisse eyelash growth serum – does it work?

  Is the prescription-only growth serum safe and effective? 
• How long should makeup and cosmetics last?

  Their shelf life may be shorter than you think.
• Skincare for sensitive skin

  What does it mean when products are 'hypoallergenic' or 'dermatologically tested'?

CHOICE membership

• Instant online access to 5000+ expert test results for products and services
• Free assistance from our consumer rights advisers
• Support a nonprofit that campaigns for your consumer rights

Join CHOICE now