Does anyone else notice that sample sizes of products are superior to full size?

[JMAngel1]

This has happened to me with 4 items over the last few months.
I got a sample size of Erborian cc cream which was fantastic so splurged on the full size and it's awful - really greasy and I almost look green? Like it's not the same product.
Same has occured with clinique moisture surge eye (the sample tubes were amazing, de- creased and de puffed me) but the full size - meh.
It also happened with Molecules 01 perfume sample - completely different scents.
Plus Clarins Beauty flash balm.
Is it just me or has anyone else had this problem? Is it possible the companies are putting the good stuff into the sample to lure us in?
The wierd thing is that all the samples I bought were from ebay but then the real size prodhcts were from JL or Boots or Look Fantastic. You woukd think that the inferior product would come from ebay!

I haven't noticed this myself as I don't get many sample products, but someone I know worked at Estée Lauder many years ago and told me they did this with the small sample sachets you sometimes get in magazines - made the perfume stronger, the hand cream creamier etc

I've often thought this.

My mother ALWAYS said this. ALWAYS.
I always scoffed at her idea. Maybe she was right.

@OneMillionSteps. I bloody knew it!!!

I notice it with perfume

I've noticed it with a few products but I can't recall which.

I buy a lot of Elemis products and they give out samples with each purchase (used to be nice travel sizes, now those horrid little sachets). I always choose products I use anyway unless I'm dying to try something, and all the samples have been exactly the same as the full size.

Yes! Sample sized Oribe salt spray was fantastic - bought the big one when it ran out and it does nothing. Like spraying water on my head.
Perfumes definitely not as nice when bought in larger sizes - sometimes quite sickly. I thought this was because more is applied by the bigger spray, but now I’m suspicious.

YES! I have said this for years and my friends have never particularly agreed but I genuinely think companies often put more concentrated/better quality ingredients into certain samples. Sounds paranoid but I have often bought a product off the back of a good result from a sample.

Yes. Worked this one out as a 19 year old at Uni. Scamming bastards.