one in two French people reduce their consumption of hygiene products, according to a study

Hygienic insecurity is gaining ground in France. Half of French people say they are reducing their consumption of hygiene products, such as soap, toothpaste or even menstrual products due to the increase in the cost of living, according to the 4th Hygiene & Precarity barometer in France carried out by the Ifop for the Dons Solidaires association and unveiled by France Bleu on Monday February 26. A rapid deterioration of the situation since there were only a third of them a year ago and which particularly affects the youngest.

According to the study, 50% of French people surveyed say they have to reduce their consumption of hygiene products, due to inflation which affects these same products as much as energy and food. In 2023, only 34% would do so. Having to choose between hygiene and meals is also judged “alarming” with “one in five French people who today have to decide between the purchase of a hygiene product and food”. A proportion which rises to 45% among the most precarious.

Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and even toilet paper are out of stock

The hygiene products that the French are increasingly doing without are first and foremost deodorant (16%), followed by shampoo (12%), toothpaste (10%) and even toilet paper (9%). Hygienic insecurity also requires special monitoring of family consumption. 41% of French people surveyed ensure controlled consumption of shower gel and shampoo, compared to only 28% in 2023.

“Today, having to choose between buying a food product or a hygiene product, giving up going to a job interview or going to work, avoiding seeing loved ones or doing sport due to lack of of hygiene products is a reality that is establishing itself in the daily lives of the French”we can read in the study.

The 18-24 year olds most affected

18-24 year olds are among the groups most affected by this hygienic insecurity: 41% of them make the choice between meals and hygiene. In particular, a quarter of them limit the renewal of their toothbrush. A situation that directly generates anxiety for a third of these young people.

For women, menstrual insecurity remains a problem that remains at a “worrying level”. 16% say they cannot afford to buy protection for themselves or their daughter and 11% sometimes resort to unsuitable substitute products such as tissues or paper napkins.