What can I do if I can’t afford hygiene essentials?

If you’re counting the pennies, you can end up making tough choices in the supermarket - such as sacrificing your own personal hygiene.

New research from Kind Direct has found that in the last year, more than one in four Brits (27%) have cut back on hygiene items to save money.

Among the steps they’re taking is:

• buying fewer products - 32%
• choosing to clean the home less - 17%
• putting off buying hygiene items until pay day - 25%

Many are also sharing or substituting items to save money.

For example, one in ten (10%) are sharing items like toothbrushes, and a similar number (11%) are substituting period products with alternatives like toilet roll or clothing.

Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) are using the same item for different purposes, such as using washing up liquid as a surface cleaner and handwash.

What impact is this having?

Unsurprisingly, cutting back on personal hygiene products is having a serious knock-on effect on many people.

Of those who’ve had to make this choice:

• 35% feel anxious or stressed
• 29% have experienced a loss of confidence
• 25% say it’s affected their mental health

And in many cases, they’re choosing to isolate themselves from other people.

For instance:

• 44% have stopped socialising with friends
• 34% have stopped going to the gym
• 32% have stopped leaving the house
• 11% are avoiding going to work

Help is available

Worryingly, just one in ten people say they’d ask for support to help them afford basic products like toiletries, according to Kind Direct.

But these items aren’t a luxury - they’re essential for everyday living. 

So if you’re struggling to afford them and going without, there are charities who can help, such as:

• The Hygiene Bank
• Toiletries Amnesty
• 3sg

Some food banks also stock toiletries and there are specific beauty banks dotted around the country.

Find out what help is available in your area by searching The Trussell Trust’s interactive map.

To access these groups, you’ll usually need a referral from a professional body, such as your GP, child’s school, or the local police station.

Check our money saving tips

We’ve rounded up lots of ways to cut how much you spend on essentials like toothpaste and deodorant. 

And don’t forget to check back here regularly for our round-ups of standout deals that can save you money in the shops and free up cash for vital essentials.

Try our household bills calculator

If you’re worried about rising living costs, try out our free and interactive household bills calculator.

It only takes a few minutes to use and shows how bills may change based on where you live.

Once you’ve done this, try our free budget planner to map out your monthly finances. 

And if you’re struggling, remember that you might be entitled to some government help.

Use our benefits calculator to find out what benefits you’re eligible to claim.