Over a third (36%) of adults admit to sharing their beauty products with others, despite potential hygiene risks.
A new study has highlighted a surprising trend for personal hygiene tools such as nail clippers, tweezers, and even skincare products being commonly shared among family members, friends, and housemates, without awareness of the associated hygiene dangers.
Online retailer Beauty Pie surveyed 2,000 adults and found that one in five share skincare products, potentially risking bacterial contamination and skin irritation.
Men are much more willing to share, with 60% of men admitting to using their partner’s products, compared to just 25% of women.
Nail clippers are the most commonly shared item, followed by tweezers, hairbrushes and skincare products such as moisturisers and serums.
While sharing items like lip balms and lipsticks is particularly popular among Gen Z (27% of 18-24-year-olds say they do this regularly), it can increase the risk of viral infections such as cold sores.
Similarly, 15% of adults admit to sharing razors, a practice that can spread blood-borne diseases due to minor cuts often caused by shaving.
One in five (20%) adults admit to sharing serums, moisturisers and cleansers, with a quarter of women (25%) admitting to sharing these items with their partners and 60% of men saying they use these products without their partner knowing.
The 10 most shared beauty items
Nail clippers (37%)
Tweezers (33%)
Hairbrushes (27%)
Skincare products (20%)
Lip balm (16%)
Razors (15%)
Shower puffs (11%)
Foundation (10%)
Foot files/pedicure tools (10%)
Lipstick (9%)
Who are adults sharing beauty tools with?
The study revealed that people are sharing their beauty tools and products with their partners the most, with one in three (33%) saying that is the case, followed by family members (25%) and then friends (12%).
In addition, Gen Z consumers are most likely to share their items with friends, with many living with other students and friends, whilst those aged 65 and older most commonly share with their partner (56%).