418. US SHAMPOO plus CONDITIONER: Herbal Shampoo that Conditions as it Cleans, by SC Johnson, 1979-80

US SHAMPOO PLUS CONDITIONER, Launch Ad, 1979

Herbal shampoos became popular only in the late 1970s in the Philippines, led by Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo (1971). US SHAMPOO plus Conditioner had its day in the market when it was heralded as “the herbal shampoo that conditions as it cleans your hair”

The 2-in-1 shampoo’s value was recognized by consumers, and soon US SHAMPOO enjoyed a good start and was soon being advertised in TV and full color, full page magazine ads such as the ones you see here.  Popular model Myra Mendoza even appeared in the commercials, testifying that “you need not shampoo often” with US SHAMPOO.

At its peak, US SHAMPOO had 3 variants—for Dry, Oily and Normal Hair, packaged in striking bottles with a circular cap. The shampoo brand was surprisingly a product of SC Johnson Philippines, which, at that time was more well-known as a major of home products like floor waxes, furniture polishes, and insecticides. The success of US SHAMPOO prompted the launch of US Anti-Perspirant, in aerosol cans that mimicked the silhouette of the shampoo bottles.