New research conducted by charity Good360 Australia reveals that up to four million Australians are living in hygiene poverty.
The research finds more than one in eight surveyed have struggled to afford personal hygiene products and over one in seven surveyed have been unable to afford cleaning products in the last six months. One in five respondents are worried about not being able to afford hygiene or cleaning products (19%) in the future.
The Good360 research of 1000 Australians also finds that roughly one in eight of those surveyed (12%) are experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time. It reveals that young people and women are most likely to be impacted by hygiene poverty, with nearly a third of young people (30% of 18–24-year-olds) and one in five Australian women (21% vs 16% of men) concerned about affording essential hygiene and cleaning products.
Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and women’s hygiene products.
Alison Covington AM, founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia, says the new research is highly concerning, and highlights the growing need for Australian businesses and governments to support people affected by this hidden crisis.
“While some commentators have declared that the cost-of-living crisis is over, our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics such soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products such as tampons,” she says.
“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 can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health. Our research also highlights the significant consequences on daily life, such as people avoiding social events or other critical commitments such as work and school.”
Addressing the problem
Ms Covington says 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. There shouldn’t be millions of Australians, including children, going without the basics they need to thrive,” she says.
Good360 connects excess and unsold items from businesses to charities and disadvantaged schools. Its circular model prevents surplus goods from going to landfill, while helping people who need it most.
As of July 2025, Good360 has helped two million Australians access 26.5 million personal hygiene and cleaning products, simultaneously preventing 3,420 tonnes of goods from going to waste.
“While we are proud of our efforts to connect over 26 million personal hygiene and cleaning essentials that may have been destined for landfill to Australians in need, this is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Ms Covington.
“Hygiene poverty is a hidden, but pervasive and personally devastating issue. 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.”
