Superdrug and Beauty Banks call for more donations to tackle rising hygiene poverty

Superdrug and its long-term charity partner Beauty Banks have both reported an "unprecedented increase" in the need for donations and expect "higher than ever" demand for charity's services over the coming months. 

Founded in 2018, Beauty Banks is a grassroots charity that provides personal care and hygiene products to people in the UK living in hygiene poverty via registered charities like foodbanks and homeless facilities.

It is estimated that up to eight million people could be living in hygiene poverty this winter, according to In Kind Direct. This follows an 80% increase in the use of Beauty Banks' services during 2022, compared to other years.

Superdrug is calling for more people to donate any spare health and beauty gifts that they received at Christmas to help those living in hygiene poverty. With over 100 locations across the country, donations can be made by dropping gifts or hygiene products at dedicated "Beauty Spot’ points in local Superdrug stores.

Simon Comins, Chief Commercial Officer at Superdrug, said: “Customers that have any health and beauty gifts or products they’d like to donate can drop them in one of our 100+ collection points in Superdrug stores across the country. All donations will go to Beauty Banks to help support those in need during these challenging times.”

Sali Hughes, Co-founder of Beauty Banks, said: “We all know that the current cost of living crisis has hit people really hard and that hygiene essentials are urgently in need. We would ask that anyone that has any unwanted Christmas gifts this year to please donate to The Beauty Gift Appeal. We already saw the demand for help rise by 80% last year and our expectations are that needs will be even greater this year.”

The update follows the initial launch of 'The Beauty Gift Appeal' by Superdrug and Beauty Banks in December 2022.

Listen to TheIndustry.beauty's podcast with Superdrug's Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Comins.