Original Article by CHLOE BOWEN, cited below

Summary by Simply the Basics

A surveys carried out between October 2021 and February 2022, before the recent surge in the cost of living, demonstrates the impact hygiene insecurity has on UK residents, similary to in the US.

• 3.2 million adults in the UK are affected by hygiene poverty, struggling to afford even the most basic essentials including toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant and sanitary products.

• Three in five (62%) of those experiencing hygiene poverty said they have to choose between buying products for themselves or their children.

• Over one tenth (12%) of workers surveyed admitted to avoiding facing colleagues because of the overwhelming shame.

Read the full article to read the story of Elaine, a single mom of two in the UK.

Bowen, Chloe. “Hygiene Poverty Is Stopping People from Socialising Due to Intense Shame.” Cosmopolitan, Cosmopolitan, 27 Oct. 2022, https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a41788064/hygiene-poverty-people-shame-cost-of-living/.