CES is known as a showcase for innovation—but not every prototype and technology make it. Do you remember Betavision? Well, beauty tech can tank, too.

One CES exhibitor, Prelaunch.com, was at the show to help marketers see the light about the role of testing with consumers during the new product development process.

This online product validation company, according to CEO Narek Vardanyan, helps companies and innovators showcase their product concepts, test customers’ buying willingness, get early supporters and collect vital data to decide whether to launch the product. The company’s advice is as clear as its name: prelaunch before you launch.

The company’s stand at CES featured the Gallery of Flops—a showcase of products that didn’t hit the mark—beauty launches included.

Rejuvenique Facial Toning Mask

One was the Rejuvenique Facial Toning Mask, an early entrant into the tech-driven facial mask category. According to Prelaunch.com, this facial toning mask, launched in 1999, was deemed unsafe by the FDA, but was then later allowed. The product disappeared from the market.

Today, facial skincare masks have launched across the category at a variety of price points. 

The other beauty failures in the Gallery of Flops were fragrances rolled out in the 1990s.

Bic Perfume

According to Prelaunch.com, “the era” wasn’t ripe for disposable French perfume disposable perfumes “during a time when possessions showed status.” Further, Prelaunch.com contends, Bic's scents were hampered by a “lack of testers” at retail.

Harley-Davidson 

Prelaunch said Harley-Davidson scents stalled because Harley was challenging its brand loyalty by producing its own line of perfumes and colognes. The majority of their customers accused the company of brand exploitation and a desire to “increase sales revenue,” according to Prelaunch.

Is The End for Opté?

As CES was underway, another beauty tech device hit the skids. Opté, a skincare device with a host of patented technologies that P&G showcased at CES before the pandemic, said it was “pausing” operations.