Find examples of personal care products people need but can’t afford from A to Z.
Introduction
Nearly three in four (73%) low-income families have cut back on food in the past year to afford household goods.
Of these, one in four (24%) report doing so each month. These heart-wrenching numbers highlight a need for support.
All individuals and families should have access to essential hygiene items that help them feel clean. Nobody should not have to cut back on food to access these products.
This guide provides examples of personal hygiene products that people in our community struggle to afford.
These essential items are often taken for granted. But each one comes at a cost. We’ve included rough estimates of these rising costs as a reminder of that price we pay for hygiene.
Hygiene Care Products from A to Z
Below are examples of personal hygiene products that everyone should have access to.
Three-quarters of low-income families need help to afford these types of hygiene products.
Costs associated with each product are rough estimates. They are meant to remind us that personal hygiene comes at a price that continues to rise.
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A - Antiperspirant: (~$5 - $8 per stick)
Antiperspirant is also referred to as deodorant. This personal care product is applied under your arms to reduce perspiration and body odor.
Antiperspirants are essential for personal hygiene because they help to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.
B - Body wash: (~$6 - $10 per bottle)
Body wash is iquid soap that is used in a shower or bath to wash your body.
Body wash is essential for personal hygiene because it helps to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin. This prevent body odor, skin infections, and other health issues.
C - Conditioner: (~$6 - $10 per bottle)
Conditioner is a hair care product that helps to detangle, soften, and nourish hair.
Conditioner is a vital personal hygiene product. Using it in the shower helps to keep hair clean, healthy, and easy to manage.
D - Dental Floss: (~$2-$5 per pack)
Dental floss is a thin thread used to clean between teeth. When you are cleaning your teeth with dental floss, you are removing food particles.
Dental floss is an important personal hygiene product because it helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
E - Eye Drops: (~$4-$6 per bottle)
Eye drops are a type of medication used to treat various eye conditions. We need eye drops when we have dry eyes, allergies, and infections.
Eye drops are dispensed in liquid form. They contain active ingredients that can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and provide moisture to the eyes.
F - Face wash: (~$5 - $20 per bottle)
Facel wash is a cleanser designed specifically for your facial area. Face wash is essential for personal hygiene because it helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from your face.
By removing dirt and keeping your skin clean you are able to have minimize skin problems.
G - Gel Soap: (~$4-$10 per bottle)
Gel soap is often used as a hand soap, body wash, or face wash. Gel soap is typically packaged in a pump bottle, making it easy to dispense and use.
You wet your hands or body with water, pump a small amount of the gel soap onto your hands or a washcloth, and then lather it up into a foam.
H - Hairbrush: (~$5-$20 per brush)
Hairbrushes are used to comb and style hair. A hairbrush is an essential personal hygiene product.
Hairbrushes help to keep your hair clean, healthy, easy to manage and looking good.
I - Incontinence pads: (~$10-$20 per pack)
Incontinence pads are important for personal hygiene. This hygiene product can cost up to $20 depending on where you live.
This is an essential personal item that everyone should have access to.
J - Johnson's Baby Powder: (~$4 - $8 per package)
Johnson’s Baby Power is a popular personal hygiene product that can cost up to $8. This is a product that mother’s need for their baby’s.
Johnson’s Baby Powder is particularly helpful for preventing diaper rash in infants.
K - Kleenex: (~$5 - $7 per sponge)
Kleenex is a brand of facial tissue that is commonly used for personal hygiene purposes. We use Kleenex to blow our nose, wiping away tears, or remove makeup.
Using Kleenex helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria
L - Laundry detergent: (~$10 - $20 per bottle)
Laundry detergent is a cleaning product that removes dirt and stains from clothes. It is an essential personal hygiene product as it helps to keep clothes clean and fresh.
By not having access to laundry detergent, your clothes start to smell. This causes a number of social and professional issues.
M - Mouthwash: (~$6-$12 per bottle)
Mouthwash is used to rinse the mouth and freshen breath. Mouthwash is an essential personal hygiene product as it helps to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth.
By using mouthwash when you brush your teet, you can reduce the risk of dental problems.
N - Nail Clippers: (~$3 - $6 per clippers)
Nail clippers are small handheld tools for trimming fingernails and toenails.
Nail clippers are Important for personal hygiene. They prevent ingrown toenails, infections, and other foot problems.
O - Oral B Toothbrush: (~$5 - $15 per toothbrush)
Oral B toothbrushes have been used for several years. This type of toothbrush has soft bristles that rotates and oscillates to clean teeth.
This is important for oral hygiene and preventing dental problems, gum disease, and bad breath.
P - Perfume: (~$10 - $100 per bottle)
Perfume is a fragrance product used to smell nice.
Perfume or cologne is essential for personal hygiene because it boosts confidence. It is also with mental health in social settings.
Q - Q-tips: (~$3 - $10 per pack)
Q-tips are used to keep your ears clean. They are also used to apply makeup or remove nail polish.
Q-tips are essential for personal hygiene because they help to remove dirt, wax, and other debris.
R - Razor: (~$3 - $20 per razor)
Razors are a personal grooming tool used to remove hair from your skin. This tool is essential for personal hygiene because it helps to remove unwanted hair.
They also help keep your skin clean and boost confidence.
S - Shampoo: (~$7 - $22 per bottle)
Shampoo is an essential hair care product. It is used to clean and condition hair. Shampoo is important for personal hygiene because it helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the scalp.
By cleaning your hair with shampoo on a regular basis, people are able to prevent dandruff, hair loss, and other scalp problems.
T - Toilet Paper: (~$5 to $10 per package)
Toilet paper is an essential personal hygiene item. This soft paper product prevents the spread of germs and infection.
All families should be able to afford toilet paper.
U - Universal Cleaner: (~$4 - $6 per bottle)
Universal cleaner is a versatile cleaning solution. It can be used to clean and disinfect various surfaces in the home, such as kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and floors.
Using universal cleaner helps promote good personal hygiene and prevent the spread of illness-causing bacteria and viruses.
V - Vinyl Gloves (~$3 - $6 for box)
Vinyl gloves are an essential tool for personal hygiene. These disposable gloves are commonly used for hygiene tasks like cleaning, cooking, and applying creams.
Vinyl gloves provide a protective barrier between the hands and potentially harmful substances or bacteria.
W - Windex: (~$6 - $7)
Windex is important for personal hygiene because it helps to keep surfaces free from germs and dirt.
Regular cleaning of surfaces, such as bathroom and kitchen countertops, can help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, and reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
Windex also promote a healthier and more hygienic living environment.
X - Xlear Nasal Spray: (~$8 - $12)
This isn’t a product endorsement. There are very few personal hygiene products that begin with X.
But nasal sprays are considered a personal hygiene product. This one begins with X.
Y - Yellow Rubber Gloves: (~$4 - $6)
Yellow rubber gloves are worn for household cleaning and dishwashing.
These cleaning gloves are essential for personal hygiene because they protect your skin from harsh chemicals.
They also support your efforts to keep surfaces and eating areas clean.
Z - Ziploc Bags: (~$6 - $9)
Resealable plastic bags used for storing and preserving food. They are helpful for personal hygiene because they keep food fresh.
Ziploc bags can help with organization, too, making them a versatile personal
Provide Personal Hygiene Products to People in Need
We believe all individuals and families should have access to essential hygiene items that help them feel clean.
Join us at the Provision Promise to help break hygiene barriers with a small donation. Donate to Buy Personal Hygiene Products for People Who Need Them:
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