In 2023, nearly one French person in 10 will have to forego the purchase of basic hygiene products. In order to raise awareness of this little talked about societal phenomenon, the association Dons Solidaires commissioned IFOP to carry out a barometer of hygiene precariousness in France.
The survey was conducted with two panels: a sample of 1,801 respondents and another of 1,162 people who are beneficiaries of the associations in the Dons Solidaires partner network and who are in a precarious situation.
The first group was interviewed from 21 to 23 November 2022 and the second from 9 January to 15 February 2023.
First findings
Appearance plays an important role in self-esteem. 40% of the general public indicated that they feel uncomfortable in public because of their appearance. This feeling is even higher among people who receive donations (47%).
This feeling sometimes leads the public surveyed to:
• Not to go out
• Avoid an acquaintance
• Not feeling comfortable at work
• Cancel an appointment
Inflation contributes to this hygienic precariousness. 34% of French people say that the economic context leads them to limit their consumption of hygiene products. This percentage rises to 73% for the Dons Solidaires panel.
And when their budget is under pressure, the French give up first:
• Make-up
• Hair dye
• Moisturizing products
• Razors
• Deodorants
• Shampoo
• Soap
“These behaviors are much more prevalent among low-income and poor populations and peak at record levels among the …
