Price of popular healthcare products varies wildly across the year

Research has revealed the cost of popular healthcare products can change wildly throughout the course of a year.

Consumer group Which? looked at the prices of items from top-selling brands at the same time each week between March 2023 and February 2024, ignoring multi-buy offers or loyalty pricing.

They found the cost of Colgate’s Max White Expert Whitening Toothpaste varied from as little as £2.50 up to £5.

A 75-ml tube of Colgate’s Max White Ultimate Radiance toothpaste cost from £11 up to £25.20 in Waitrose. In Asda and Boots, the same product was priced around £12.

Mouthwash also fluctuated hugely in price. Researchers found that Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Crisp Mint cost between £3 and £6 at Boots.

Colgate’s Max White Expert Whitening mouthwash also doubled in price depending on the time of year, sold at between £2.50 and £5 at all big supermarkets.

A packet of 30 Piriteze Hayfever and Allergy Relief Tablets cost different amounts:

- Waitrose: £11.50, then reduced to £8

- Boots: £10.55, then rising to £11.55

There was significant variation in the cost of razors, too. Prices of Gillette products were particularly volatile – the Gillette Labs Razor with Exfoliating Bar sometimes cost as much as £22.49 at Morrisons, but was often reduced to half the price.

Why are retailers changing prices?

According to Which?, there are a number of reasons retailers change the price of the products they sell. Retail editor Ele Clark put it down to factors such as:

• demand
• seasonality
• agreements with manufacturers
• what their competitors are doing

How to avoid paying over the odds

Knowing how much the cost of healthcare products can vary, it makes sense to:

• shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal
• stock up when prices are low, if you can afford to
• consider switching to possibly lesser-known, cheaper brands

Do you need help with rising costs?

If you’re struggling to afford essential items, you might be able to get help from the government. The Household Support Fund helps those who have been severely affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

You can also check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to with our free benefits calculator.

Need money advice?

Are you struggling to keep up with all your expenses? We’re here to help.

We give free and impartial advice, budgeting help and can suggest grants you may be able to apply for.

If you’re unable to manage your debt, we can also advise you on debt solutions online or you can give us a ring. Some solutions are free, others have a fee.