If you thought marketing had reached its peak with weird social media trends, think again. Actress Sydney Sweeney is in the spotlight (and criticism) for launching a soap in collaboration with the popular brand Dr. Squatch. The detail that has set the internet ablaze? The soaps are made with water from her own bathtub. Yes, you read that right.
After the viral Dr. Squatch commercial where she was shown taking a warm, foamy bath, Sydney decided to incorporate the foam used in the shoot into a new product, Bathwater Bliss – a soap which, according to the official description, “combines exfoliating sand and pine bark with a small amount of the foam from the viral commercial.”
In her statement, Sydney humorously stated: “When fans start asking for the bath water, she either ignores them or turns it into soap.” She adds that the product is “weird in the best possible way” and that, beyond the viral concept, it works like any other quality soap.
"I honestly think it's a really fun moment, because fans always joke about wanting my bathwater. I thought: This is just a really good way to start a conversation with the audience and give them what they want. But I also hope to encourage them to take care of themselves in a healthy way," the actress told GQ.
The Internet? Divided into two camps
There has been no shortage of reactions. Some call it a creative idea and a "marketing masterclass", many others have considered it an action that damages her reputation as a serious actress.
"This is what happens when your fans are mostly men. They only see you as a sex object," one person wrote. "After all those tears about not being sexualized, now you're selling water from the bathroom?!" another said. "Sydney, you're more than just a pretty face. You're a promising actress – act like one."
There were even more scathing comments: "This sounds like something a girl on OnlyFans would sell."
The soaps will go on sale from June 6th and will be limited to just 5,000 pieces. In the meantime, people are convinced they will sell out immediately – because, apparently, when it comes to the combination “Hollywood star + bath water + absurd marketing”, anything is possible.
Question: Is the idea or the fact that it will sell out immediately more strange?
