More than 8 in 10 French people are keeping a close eye on their spending on health and hygiene products. This is according to a study by Harris Interactive and Toluna for Pharmacies Lafayette on the impact of inflation on these everyday purchases.
The survey was conducted online from 22 to 23 April 2026 amongst 1,080 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over.
A growing sense of caution
84% of French people say they are keeping a close eye on their spending on hygiene products. Women are more cost-conscious than men (87% compared to 80%). And income plays a significant role: 89% of households earning between €1,500 and €3,000 a month pay attention to this, compared to 72% of households with a net income of €5,000 or more.
This caution is reflected in their actions. Over the last twelve months, three-quarters of French people (75%) have compared prices more than in the past. 65% have chosen a cheaper product than the one they originally intended to buy.
59% have reduced the quantities purchased, opting for smaller packs or spacing out their purchases.
Even more drastically, one in two French people have postponed a purchase (51%) or simply cancelled it (50%).
Here too, low-income households are on the front line. 70% of French people with less than €1,500 per month have cancelled a purchase, compared with 35% of the wealthiest households.
