Consumer Products: If it ain't broke...
For over 25 years I have used Mitchum Unscented Gel Antiperspirant. Last month I started a new tube and was irritated by a significant perfume-like scent. Did they mess up a batch? I wrote them and they responded:
The Mitchum deodorant range has implemented a formula change in order to improve performance. This minor formula change includes the addition of a ‘masking agent’ to neutralise scent in the new formula and to ensure that Mitchum Unscented will continue to have no noticeable smell.
<Facepalm>. Not only does the formula change have a very noticeable smell, but it also feels sticky where the previous formula did not. I'm not the only consumer to notice.
Why do companies ruin popular products under the guise of "improvement?" Do they have too many managers with nothing to do? This reminds me of another episode: When I was at boarding school I, like the majority of boys, used a "shampoo + conditioner in one" called Pert Plus. The light green bottles were ubiquitous in the showers. Then the company "improved" Pert Plus with a formula that was relatively watery and had a stronger smell. Before long everyone was using other products. I was annoyed that I had to find a new shampoo.
BTW, the deodorant I found to replace Mitchum is Secret Unscented Gel.