These ‘Unsexy’ Products Have Improved Reviewers’ Lives A Whole Lot

Sometimes the most important things you can own are also the least exciting. While splurging on a big new purchase can be fun, there are also tons of affordable products that can change your life — and you may not even know they exist.
The term “unsexy products” has recently caught fire among beauty creators on TikTok. People are sharing the skin care items that don’t have luxe packaging or a big brand name, but that have earned holy grail status just for working really, really well. And beauty isn’t the only area where these hidden gems can shine: I’ve rounded up the best unsexy products on Amazon to solve unsexy issues, from cleaning the bathroom and oral hygiene to sweat and body odor.
Reviewers swear by the effectiveness of these Amazon favorites, many even calling them “life-changing.” They might not make for enviable Instagram posts, but they could very well make your life a lot easier without breaking the bank, so read on to learn more. (Reviewer comments have been lightly edited for clarity.)
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While it can’t fully eliminate bad breath at its source, a tongue scraper can remove buildup on your tongue to improve your oral hygiene and freshen your breath. These scrapers by Basic Concepts are stainless steel, rust-proof and dishwasher-safe, and your purchase comes with two travel cases so you can easily pack the scrapers when you leave home.
Promising review: “For as long as I could remember my tongue has always been white. I tried special tongue brushes, tongue cleaning toothpaste, oil swishing, hydrogen peroxide, another tongue scraper, mouthwashes, and simply brushing my tongue every day aggressively. None of the options ever worked enough to get me a clear tongue, only remove some of the oral thrush. My breath wouldn’t smell the best and it was embarrassing and I avoided talking to people when I felt like my breath didn’t smell right. I started using this tongue scraper and within 7 days I had a clean tongue. I couldn’t believe it would be this easy after all these years. My morning breath has become waaayyy milder and my breath stays fresh throughout the day. I also used this tongue cleaner in combination with a candida cleanse supplement and probiotics. I’ve done candida cleanses alone and it never got my tongue clear. I feel so much more confident now and my mouth also doesn’t dry up the way how it used to. I also can taste food even more now. Thank you to whoever created this, it’s life changing!” — B
However much you love your pet, you can’t deny they can make a mess out of your home, especially if they’re still being house-trained. This super-strength enzyme cleaner can get pet urine, vomit and other stains and odors out of carpets, mattresses, sofas and more. It’s formulated for both dogs and cats, using natural enzymes to effectively eliminate messes, and it can also work on sweat stains, bloodstains and messes made by your kids. Just apply it to the affected area, let it stand for five to 10 minutes or up to an hour (depending on the severity of the stain), and then let dry and vacuum the area. Reviewers are amazed at how well it works — and how little effort it takes.
Promising review: “This product really works! I have two little dogs, one is 14 and failing, so he pees all over the house now even though he wears diapers. The other, 6 years old sometimes pees inside temped to pee where the other guy goes! I’m constantly going around the house cleaning up the messes and spraying the dickens out of my carpets. I follow the directions and leave on for an hour and viola! The pee smell is gone and what remains is the scent of Bubba’s, which I happen to like, btw. It does seem pricely, but you get what you pay for and this product is the first one I’ve used that does what they says it does. It works! So it’s worth every penny I’ve paid for it. I’m ordering my second container now so I won’t have to be without it.” — DonnaRose
If you’ve dealt with lint or pilling on your clothes, sheets or upholstery, you know how tough it is to get rid of. This electric lint shaver can take care of that for you — it’s got six-leaf blades that spin at 9,000 rotations per minute to remove lint (plus two extra blades to replace the old ones when they wear out). The shaver is rechargeable with a USB cord, and can last for up to two hours of continuous use on a single charge. It’s available in 11 colors.
Promising review: “I’ve used fabric shavers for years to remove the pilling on my sweaters, coats, furniture, etc. I can’t imagine life without them! I’ve tried the cheap ones from the box stores… waste of money. My last one was a Conair with the highest reviews, and it worked ok for years, but the battery compartment broke (Could be my fault, I travel with them a lot) so I needed a new one. Decided to give this one a try for a change and it works better than the rest. Has more blades on the spinny thing so it does a better job and even comes with extra blades for when those wear out. I also like that it has a rechargeable battery rather than regular batteries. Very compact. The fuzz tray is slightly difficult to remove, but not a deal breaker. I’m not sure why this one doesn’t have the high ratings like the other one, but having used both, I would highly recommend this one! Enjoy!” — Cbear
Perfect for travel or a post-workout refresh when you’re in a rush, these aluminum-free scented deodorant wipes can be used on your underarms or other sweaty areas to get rid of sweat and odor. They’re individually packaged and super-easy to slip in your bag or suitcase. The 50-pack is available in five scents, including a variety pack if you want to try them all. Reviewers say the scents aren’t overwhelming for people with sensitive noses or skin, and the effects last all day. Multiple reviewers have bought them to address increased body odor from menopause, or given them to their smelly teenagers.
Promising review: “So I hit menopause and suddenly my boobs weren’t staying fresh throughout the day anymore. Hormones! I didn’t want to put deodorant on them. Natural deodorant never works for me and I don’t like the thought of aluminum on my boobs. So I tried these. They’re not deodorant of course, but they really work! Nice subtle fresh scents that take away all the stink and leave me feeling fresh and clean and smelling nice. I’m so glad I found these! They’re also soft and large. Also, I have super sensitive skin and these don’t irritate my skin at all, not even my most sensitive areas. Very happy. The aloe and cucumber and vanilla and coconut are my favorite.” — Heidi Jeanne Rea
We’ve previously covered this 12-by-12-inch foot scrubber shower mat, which suctions to your shower wall or floor so you can pour body wash and rub your feet over the bristles for an exfoliating massage. If you’ve been dealing with cracked heels or other unsexy foot problems and want to keep them clean, but you have back problems, arthritis or other issues that keep you from bending over, this thing will be your new best friend.
Promising review: “I will be having surgery in about a month and knew I wouldn’t be able to bend over to wash my feet for awhile. I got this and I’m in love! Haven’t even had my surgery but using it already. It feels so good on my feet. Feels like I just got a foot massage and it cleaned my feet to the softest feeling. I did have some trouble with getting it to stay suctioned to the shower floor. However, it sticks to the shower wall for easy storing. Still a great product! It’s a life changer!” — Beth
If opening jars is a struggle, this high-torque electric jar opener could give you back some independence by doing the hard work for you. Once you attach the opener to the jar and press the button on top, the electric motor will work to open the lid. (The brand says the opener is compatible with most jar sizes, but isn’t suited for use with plastic, irregular or conical jars.) It’s available in three colors. Make sure to clip the $5 off coupon to get a discount applied at checkout.
Promising review: “This is the jar opener I’ve been searching for!! It’s been getting harder and harder to open jars and this one is perfect! It’s so easy to use and just the right size! It would also make a great gift just to make life a bit easier in the kitchen! I have been raving about this helpful opener to all my family and friends!” — Nancy Wild
If bathing your baby in the tub leaves your knees and elbows aching, this baby bathtime set can offer some sweet relief. The non-slip kneeler mat and rest pad are both made with comfortable 1.5-inch-thick memory foam, and are quick-drying and machine-washable so splashes aren’t an issue. The elbow rest also doubles as storage, containing four mesh pouches where you can keep your baby’s bath toys or necessities, including the rubber ducky, sponge, hair washing sponge and small microfiber towel that come with the set.
Promising review: “If you want to be comfortable while bathing your baby, get the thing. If you want to be miserable and not be able to walk for 10 minutes after bathing your baby, do not get the thing. The suction cups work so well I have to pull the damsel in distress card and make the husband take it off. It comes with toys and sponges that I use every single bath time too. The memory foam is so thick I’m thinking of buying 5 more and making a little bed for myself. Great purchase!” — Kahlee Meadows
This ergonomic chopper can save you some elbow grease in the kitchen: It’s made to break up ground beef, as well as chop, mix and mash potatoes, vegetables, guacamole and more. The chopper is dishwasher-safe, gentle on nonstick cookware, and heat-resistant up to 410 degrees. It’s available in four colors, and also as a two-pack.
Promising review: “This is truly a life changer. It takes less than a minute to get ground meat chopped up while browning. I can keep the meat chunky for chili or browned finer for tacos. It’s genius!!!” — Mary Beth Sharpe
If you — or someone you share a bathtub or shower with — has long hair that often clogs the drain, this OXO drain protector can save you from the nasty task of having to pull chunks of hair out of the pipes later. (Ew.) Made to fit both flat and pop-up drains, with rust-proof stainless steel and silicone and a weighted design that keeps it from moving around, the protector catches hair and small debris while still letting water drain. Now, you can just pick up hair from the protector post-shower and easily discard it — no yanking involved.
Promising review: “Where has this thing been all of my life?!? This drain protector is the best invention since air conditioning! I have fairly long hair along with a thyroid problem, which is not a good combination when it comes to my indoor plumbing. I wash my hair while bathing in my huge copper tub and every few months, I would have the utterly disgusting task of pulling about a four foot ‘rope’ of hair out of my drain. This dreaded chore is a thing of the past! The OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector never moves — even in a tub full of water. It stays over the drain where it belongs and catches the hair before it has a chance to go down the drain. The hair is easily removed and I can put it in the trash where it belongs. My only regret is that I did not find out about this drain protector sooner. My life is so much better because of this nifty little tool. I highly recommend this. Now to figure out how to keep the rest of my house as clean as my bathtub drain…” — SSK
If you own a pair of shoes (or several) that are just a tad too tight, or are causing you bunions, calluses or corns, this shoe adjuster can stretch the width, length, instep area and specific areas on the sides using bunion pads. It can stretch everything from sandals and flats to sneakers and loafers — just don’t use it on boots. All you have to do is set up the stretcher to adjust the shoe how you want, and then leave it for 24 hours or longer to do its magic. Your feet will thank you. Check the 10% off coupon box to get a discount applied at checkout.
Promising review: “Where has this been all my life? I’m cursed with wide feet that rarely fit comfortably into cute shoes. I bought this after splurging on a new pair of (wide!) Aerosole suede sandals. Of course, even though they were wide, they were so tight I couldn’t even get my foot all the way in. I really didn’t want to return them so I bought this on a whim. I stretched the new sandals out in 3 different places, going about 24 hours in each spot. I am happy to share that the sandals now fit like a dream. I’m now using this product on a 3rd pair of other too-tight shoes (2 pair of flats and some boots), and am determined to never again suffer from uncomfortable cute footwear. Seriously, this has been a game changer!” — Jordyn
You may have seen people extolling the virtues of The Pink Stuff on your TikTok “For You” page, but Amazon reviewers also agree that this just… really, really works. (More than 150,000 of them have left five-star ratings.) Tough on stains, grease and grime, and able to be used on metal, wood, porcelain, glass and more surfaces, this is a great, streak-free all-purpose cleaner with some gotta-see-it-to-believe-it before and after photos in the reviews.
Promising review: “This pink stuff had kept being recommended to me so I tried it and it’s life changing. I can’t believe I thought stuff was clean before… we were painting the wall where the fireplace was so I’d had it taped off when I cleaned it and took the tape off and was shocked at the difference. The place we live in was built in the ’80s so that’s like 40 years worth of funk. We had some doubts if we were possibly taking the finish off but nope it’s literal filth no other product can get off. Recommend wiping down with a wet microfiber towel after to get it to really shine.” — Ami Hansen
Body powder is a great odor-absorbing and freshening product for anyone living in a hot climate, going to the gym or otherwise sweating a lot. Apply it before physical activity or after a shower to keep your skin feeling silky-soft and dry. This 10-ounce bottle is scented with chamomile and aloe, and is talc-free.
Promising review: “Where has this been all my life?? I will no longer use anything but this. The smell is amazing! The price is incredible. And it WORKS … This powder is great for summer/working out/etc., under the boobage if you know what I mean. Also, I am prone to sweating and natural deodorants don’t work, and even regular deodorants don’t work great either. So I tried something new. Each night I take a bath, put one coat of deodorant on before bed, and then in the morning I put this powder only on my pits. No more deodorant in the morning. Keeps me dry and smelling great ALL DAY, no joke. No sweating, no stink, and no nasty smell of deodorant throughout the day. This stuff has seriously changed my life as weird as that sounds. 4 bucks well spent.” — Veruca’s Salty
Earwax buildup is normal, but you may get some excess if you frequently wear in-ear headphones or hearing aids. These Debrox earwax removal drops use microfoam cleansing action to loosen and soften earwax so it can more easily drain, leaving you with clear ears. They’re non-irritating and gentle, and they’re safer than sticking a Q-tip in your ear to get rid of wax. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before using them.
Promising review: “This has been a game changer for me. I’ve always had excessive wax buildup, even as a kid. I used to put mineral oil in my ears at night and then I’d try to flush them out. The problem with that is it would take 3 days of me putting the oil in my ears, and then I couldn’t hear for those days. I bought this because I’ve had a lot of pressure in my ears lately. I put the drops in. 15 minutes later, I flush with one of those ear wax kits using warm water and hydrogen peroxide. When I tell you it works, I am not even exaggerating. The amount of wax that came out was incredible (and disgusting). My hearing has improved and no more pressure in my ears from the wax. If you are in the fence, DO IT. I promise it works.” — Lauryn
Who said “unsexy” has to mean “not luxurious”? A bidet can clean more effectively than toilet paper and save you money in the long run, plus it’s a nice upgrade for your bathroom. The Luxe Neo 120 is under $40, much more affordable than other options on the market, and comes recommended by The Strategist. It has a self-cleaning nozzle and a knob to adjust the water pressure, and can be attached to any standard two-piece toilet.
Promising review: “Maybe it sounds dramatic but this thing is actually life changing. I used to go through basically half the roll every time I needed toilet paper, making me dread going to the bathroom. Ever since I have installed my bidet it has made things so much easier, not quite sure how I lived without one before. You still need toilet paper because it leaves your butt wet but you will go through far fewer rolls than before. It is super easy to install and it does not look or feel cheap. It pains me to use any toilet without one now. I’m from the United States and I’m not quite sure why bidets are so uncommon here.” — Amazon Customer
This salve has earned cult status for good reason. Great for dry skin, it also works as a hydrating lip balm, a cuticle treatment, an overnight moisturizing mask, an eye cream and a makeup remover. It’s also excellent for post-tattoo care and for healing minor cuts and burns. Unscented and designed specifically for dry or compromised skin, Aquaphor’s healing ointment may not boast Instagram-ready packaging, but what it lacks in branding it more than makes up for in function.
My grandmother’s medicine cabinet was notoriously sparse, but there was one product reliable stocked in her shelves: witch hazel. This multi-use astringent is a true beauty workhorse, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat acne, bug bites, aching muscles, minor irritations and even soothe hemorrhoids.
When it comes to moisturizing, Vanicream can’t be beat. The sensitive skin-friendly formula is rich, but quickly absorbing and non-comedogenic (in other words, it won’t clog pores). Vanicream is all about the ingredients — or lack thereof. It’s free of dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde, lanolin, and parabens. The bedside table-friendly pump design, while decidedly unsexy, makes your moisturizing routine a snap.
This $8 body wash is causing quite a stir on TikTok. Users have been quick to point out that it smells very similar to scents from Le Labo and Glossier. Inspired by travel in the Mediterranean, the body wash has citrus top notes of blood orange and red currants, a middle of fresh fig, neroli, lavender and finishes with cashmere musk, vetiver and palo santo. True, it’s not as sexy as a Le Labo bottle sitting in your shower, but the high-end pick sports a high-end price tag — so do yourself a favor and snag the more affordable option.
Of course it’s great for its intended use, but did you know baby shampoo can be used for all sorts of other cleansing tasks? Next time you need to give your makeup brushes a deep cleanse, reach for baby shampoo instead of pricey brush cleaner. You can also launder your delicates with a bit diluted in warm water.