For the fifth year running, the Ifop polling institute and the Dons Solidaires association have carried out the “Hygiene and precariousness in France” barometer. The results of this 2025 edition show that some French people are finding it increasingly difficult to access hygiene products.
The survey was conducted among a sample of 4,003 respondents. Interviews were conducted between November 14 and 20, 2024.
Main findings
“The 2025 results are clear-cut,” comments Dons Solidaires. “Despite a slowdown in inflation, nearly one French person in two still feels economically vulnerable. This anxiety has a direct impact on the purchase of hygiene products. In concrete terms, 47% of the population say that the economic context is prompting them to limit their consumption of hygiene products (shower gel, washing powder, sanitary towels, etc.).” 49% of French people fear that they will not have the necessary resources to finish the month.
“Against this backdrop of difficult month-ends, hygiene insecurity has taken root, affecting a growing number of households. 47% of French people now limit their consumption of hygiene products because of the economic situation. The phenomenon reaches a record level among people living in poverty (71%),” says the association.
Giving up self-care
The study also reveals that 17% of French people have to choose between buying food or hygiene products. This figure rises to 39% among the most precarious.
Faced with financial difficulties, 8% of respondents say they don’t buy shower gel and 12% …
