Nearly 70% of Americans have products in their house they think can ‘cure-all’

Half of Americans think they’re the unofficial “doctor” or “expert” in their families when addressing skin concerns, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 people looked at how they treat some of their most uncomfortable skin concerns. It found that while nearly a fifth of respondents doesn’t own a standard first aid kit at home, 65% have a favorite cure-all product.

And nearly three-quarters of Americans like being the "go-to" for their family and friends, citing that they are often excited to share helpful information they learn about different products (73%).

But these self-proclaimed skincare “experts” can’t take all the credit for finding their go-to product — more than two in three people said they learned about those products from their parents.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel, the survey showed that, on average, people spend over three hours researching products for different skin concerns before committing to them.

Three in four prefer remedies for different skin concerns that are simple, natural and effective (76%). Most Americans agree that they prefer to use a versatile cure-all treatment for different skin concerns rather than other products for varying concerns (68%).

One in five respondents who have a favorite cure-all product said it is a staple for their entire family (21%). 

Nearly a third of Americans use their cure-all item a few times a week (32%), and 18% use it every day to treat different concerns.

The top products that people turn to for almost any skin ailment include antibiotic ointment, petroleum jelly and witch hazel.

“Not only can it be difficult to find genuine products that work for everyone in the family to treat a variety of skin concerns, but it can also be hard to find 100% natural witch hazel, that is not watered down, and versatile products that are safe for whole the family,” said Bryan Jackowitz, president of Dickinson Brands Inc.

People are so attached to their cure-all products that they’re willing to take them on vacation (58%), to work (36%) and on a date (28%).

Respondents concur that the most uncomfortable skin concerns that pop up any and everywhere include rashes (31%), cuts (27%) and bug bites (25%).

Versatility ranks No. 1 on the list of top factors people consider when purchasing items to treat their skin (42%), followed by price (41%) and reviews or recommendations (38%).

One of the most versatile products respondents chose is witch hazel, ranking in the top three cure-all items. Respondents noted that they enjoy using witch hazel to treat rashes, bruises, breakouts and clear dirt from the skin.

“Naturally distilled witch hazel is a versatile ingredient that can be used to treat a multitude of skin concerns. It is gentle enough for daily cleansing and offers fast relief for minor everyday skin irritations,” added Jackowitz.

TOP CURE-ALL ITEMS

1. Antibiotic ointment
2. Petroleum jelly
3. Witch hazel
4. Rubbing alcohol
5. Vapo-rub

MOST UNCOMFORTABLE SKIN CONCERNS

1. Rashes - 31%
2. Cuts - 27%
3. Bug bites - 25%
4. Itching - 21%
5. Bruises - 21%