4 Ways to Save Money on Hygiene Products
The price of hygiene and personal care products has increased, especially within the last few years. Thanks to inflation, the rising costs of materials and transportation have led to the buyer paying more at checkout. While you can’t eliminate making these purchases, there are ways to save money on them.
Before you go any further, getting a sense of what you’re currently spending on toiletry, beauty, and other hygiene-related products can be useful. However, since most of your toiletry purchases are lumped in with other purchases, such as groceries, it can be challenging to know what you’re spending just on hygiene products. For the next month or two, make an effort to calculate what you’re spending on just these items. You may be shocked how much these everyday purchases add up over time! But don’t fret because below are four ways to start saving money on hygiene products.
1. Use Reusable Products
You may think of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic and paper goods, however, the beauty and personal care industry is also taking this motto to heart. Companies are now offering products that can be reused. For the buyer, this means less money is spent on them.
Many women, for instance, are starting to use period underwear which can be washed like regular underwear. These products can absorb the same amount of liquid as one regular-sized tampon, meaning that you can wear it on its own for lighter days. This can replace boxes of tampons or pads — disposable products that can quickly add up over time.
Some beauty companies are also using refillable packaging for their products, such as face wash and deodorant. After purchasing the first product with the reusable case or bottle, you only need to then buy the insert. By going the reusable route, you’re making a cost-effective decision while also helping planet Earth.
2. Opt for Multi-Use Products
Buying products that have multiple functionalities is another money-saving strategy that is gaining popularity among consumers. A Mintel survey found that 64% of U.S. consumers prefer multi-use products when given the option between them and single-use products. Multi-use products save consumers money and time. For example, coconut oil can be used as a hydrating body moisturizer and does a wonderful job removing makeup too. Pure-castile liquid soap can be used as hand and body soap as well as hair wash.
Additionally, opting for multi-use products can be more convenient for you too, especially if you’re traveling frequently. Instead of buying numerous travel-sized toiletries, you just have to buy one reusable TSA-approved bottle and fill it with the product.
When looking for multi-use products, check out the products’ ingredients and efficacies. Read reviews online to see others’ thoughts and suggestions on how they’re using the product. A tip from another consumer could help you get the most bang for your buck!
3. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is another way to save some dollars while stocking up on your hygiene products. Although the initial cost may be higher, the per-unit cost is often significantly lower when buying items in bulk. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly stock name-brand products in larger sizes. If you don’t have a subscription to these or another big box retailer, then you can also buy in bulk online via Amazon or directly from the retailer.
If you live in a smaller apartment or home and don’t have the room to keep bulk items, then consider sharing the items with a family member or friend. If you and a neighbor both need toilet paper, then buying a big package and splitting it can be a worthwhile investment for both of you. Also, bulk purchases mean that you have to go to a store less often for these goods, which can save you from spending on other unnecessary items too!
4. DIY What You Can
No matter your skill level, you can create some of your beauty products using pantry ingredients you already have on hand. Face masks, lip scrubs, and body butter are all relatively inexpensive to make. And by using real, natural ingredients, you know exactly what is going on your skin. This can be particularly important for those with sensitive skin who may react to the laundry lists of ingredients found in a lot of cosmetics.
Before you dive in and start making your own products, think about what you will actually be using. Making body butter if you already have a similar brand name product is a waste of time, money, and resources. If you want to pamper yourself with a face mask but don’t have one on hand, however, making it can be a money-saving solution. By using what you already have stocked, such as yogurt, honey, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, you will be saving money and repurposing pantry ingredients into personal hygiene solutions.
Takeaways
While you can’t forgo your hygiene to save some dollars, there are other ways to be more economical when it comes to your purchasing habits! Keep the above tips in mind the next time you need to purchase personal care and beauty products. Your wallet will certainly thank you!
