Hygiene poverty a ‘heartbreaking reality’ for millions

More than four million Australians are currently living in ‘hygiene poverty’ with the cost-of-living crisis leaving many unable to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and tampons.
 
According to Good360’s Hygiene poverty in Australia: Impact report, Australians are being forced to choose between heating, eating, and keeping clean – and it’s a struggle showing no signs of easing.
 
The report found more than five million Australians are worried about not being able to afford hygiene and cleaning products in the future, and more than three million have had to go without products altogether to afford food, rent, or power bills.
 
Good360 founder Alison Covington said the research lays bare the ‘heartbreaking reality’ currently being felt by millions.
 
‘Eliminating hygiene poverty isn’t just about ensuring people have access to toothpaste and deodorant, it’s about helping people to live a dignified and healthy life,’ she said.
 
‘The impacts of hygiene poverty are wide ranging, with our research showing it takes a devastating toll on people’s mental and physical wellbeing.’
 
Hygiene poverty is defined as going without one or more hygiene products because a person cannot afford them, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, period care, toilet paper, and nappies.
 
The report found that for more than 1.6 million Australians, the struggle to afford basic hygiene items impacts their mental health, leaving them feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and with lower self-esteem.
 
While for 1.3 million people, their physical health has been affected as they are forced to skip dental care or avoid exercise and other personal care habits.
 
Around 12% of people are struggling to afford personal hygiene and cleaning products for the first time in 2025.
 
Ms Covington said more action is urgently needed to address the crisis.
 
‘Hygiene poverty is a hidden, but pervasive and personally devastating issue,’ she said.
 
‘It’s time for corporate Australia and governments to step forward and help eradicate hygiene poverty for good by funding initiatives that put these essentials into the homes that need them most.’
 
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