From shampoos to shaving gel, stocking up on everyday essentials could help tackle hygiene poverty. Read on to find out how…
This article is sponsored by Sure, TRESemmé, Lynx, Dove, Simple, Radox, Vaseline & SheaMoisture
What if we said you could help people affected by poverty, simply by stocking up on your essential bodycare products? Well, thanks to our partnership with The Hygiene Bank and Unilever, you can do just that.
What is hygiene poverty?
‘Hygiene poverty’ is the term used for when someone is not able to afford many of the everyday bodycare and personal grooming products most of us take for granted. Often, it means those affected are having to decide between things like heating their homes, paying their rent or being able to clean themselves.
In fact, a recent survey from The Hygiene Bank revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of those living in poverty in the UK have skipped a meal to afford hygiene products. On top of this, 51% said they’ve even had to ask for essential hygiene products as a Christmas or birthday gift.**
At the moment, an estimated 4.2 million adults in the UK are affected by or living in hygiene poverty. Sadly, since 2022, the cost of living and inflation crises have led to an additional 1.1 million people being impacted by it.^
What is The Hygiene Bank?
The Hygiene Bank* is a people-powered charity that aims to give people in need access to basic personal care and household cleaning products – from shampoos and deodorant to nappies and laundry detergent. They believe that basic hygiene is not a privilege and want to bring communities and businesses together to tackle hygiene poverty.
“These donations help us support families who would otherwise not be able to afford what we consider essential items. By getting these for free it leaves them more money for food and bills.”
How is Boots supporting The Hygiene Bank?
With the shared aim of tackling hygiene poverty, we’re joining forces with The Hygiene Bank and Unilever for the fourth year running. The campaign will see Unilever donate a minimum of 300,000 essential items to The Hygiene Bank when customers purchase products from selected brands at Boots until the 27 August 2024.^^
You can also give products through our in-store donation drives, and we’ve pledged that for every kilogram of product donated in a Boots store, we’ll donate one full-sized product to The Hygiene Bank.
We’re really proud to say that, since our partnership launched, we’ve donated over 1.5 million products to those living in hygiene poverty.
“I didn’t realise how much better I felt when I was clean. I definitely feel more confident and feel more like I belong.”
Which brands are involved in the ‘You Buy We Donate’ campaign?
When it comes to your own donations, The Hygiene Bank collects any new, unused and in-date personal care items – think deodorant, shampoo, make-up, sanitary items and anything in-between. And these don’t have to be brand specific.
So, if you have any spare toiletries in the cupboard at home or fancy popping an extra toothbrush in your basket, anything you can give could make a difference to someone in need.
As for what counts towards the ‘You Buy We Donate’ campaign, when you purchase any products across Dove, TRESemmé, Radox, Sure, Lynx, Simple, Vaseline and SheaMoisture, this will trigger a donation from Unilever.^^
To give you some ideas, here’s a small selection of some of the items you can buy to support the ‘You Buy We Donate’ campaign…
Sure Men Thermo Fresh Nonstop Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Size: 250ml
• With Body Heat Activated Technology
Featuring Body Heat Activated Technology, Sure’s Nonstop Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant provides 72-hour protection against odour and sweat. So, whether you’re working hard, having a kick-about or meeting up with friends, you’ll stay feeling clean, fresh and dry all day long.
TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Cream
• Size: 200ml
• With PRO Style Technology
Treat yourself to salon-like hair at home with TRESemmé’s Lamellar Shine Cream. Infused with PRO Style Technology, this multi-purpose serum can be used as a leave-in finisher, a rinse-off treatment or a pre-shampoo product. Hair is left super strong and ultra-shiny!
Lynx Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray
• Size: 150ml
• Infused with lavender, mint & amber essential oils
Produced by world-renowned perfumers, this Lynx body spray gives you up to 72 hours of freshness and unbeatable confidence – think fine fragrance meets hard-working deodorant. With twice the odour-busting zinc technology than standard Lynx body sprays, it works smarter, not harder.
Dove Advanced Care Deeply Nourishing Body Wash
• Size: 400ml
• With MicroMoisture technology
Everyone’s skin is different, but when it comes to dryness, Dove has got you covered. Made with 24-hour Renewing MicroMoisture, this Dove body wash transforms even the driest skin in just one shower, leaving you feeling lotion-soft all day.
Simple Replenishing Cream Cleanser
• Size: 230ml
• With hyaluronic acid & panthenol
• Hypo-allergenic
• Dermatologist-tested
Keep it simple with this ultra-comforting, creamy cleanser. Powered by 11% ceramide boosters, the face wash lathers into a rich foam to deeply cleanse your skin while strengthening it from within.
Radox Mineral Therapy Feel Awake Shower Gel
• Size: 225ml
Infused with the revitalising scents of sea minerals and fennel, this two-in-one shower gel and shampoo cleanses your skin while awakening your senses. Packed with a unique blend of four minerals and 13 herbs, your daily shower is transformed into a self-care ritual.
So, whether you buy online or drop a donation in store, join us in our fight against hygiene poverty and feel good knowing you’re helping those in need.
