A recent study showed that half of French citizens are cutting back on essential hygiene products such as shampoo and shower gel due to financial constraints. Some are even using less toilet paper and doing laundry less frequently.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFOP) reported on Monday that nearly half of the French population are worried about running out of money to cover their monthly living expenses. The survey, conducted last November among 4,003 French adults, revealed that 41% fear falling into poverty, while 21% replied they might rely on charities for food.
Although the economic situation has slightly improved since last year’s economic instability due to inflation, financial concerns remain widespread.
This economic pressure has led to a reduction in hygiene product consumption. 47% of the respondents said they are limiting their use of hygiene products, with 17% reporting having to choose between food and hygiene products.
The first items people gave up were cosmetics. Among female respondents, 33% said they stopped buying makeup and 27% gave up hair dye. As a result, a significant portion of French women reported that they no longer wear makeup (37%) or dye their hair (36%).
Many have also given up basic hygiene products. One in ten French citizens has stopped buying essential hygiene products. 9% said they no longer purchase shampoo, while 8% have given up buying toothpaste or shower gel.
Daily habits have also changed. 24% of the respondents answered they do not replace toothbrushes as often, 22% use less toilet paper, and 15% wash their hair less frequently.
Furthermore, 32% stated they wear clothes longer to reduce laundry and 21% use less detergent or none at all.
According to IFOP, although economic vulnerability and hygiene poverty indicators have slightly improved compared to last year, they still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. The organization noted that hygiene poverty is no longer limited to traditionally vulnerable populations but is increasingly affecting young people. It emphasized the need for society to reassess access to essential products as a key component of social inclusion in order to prevent the crisis from becoming long-term or structural.
