May 2nd saw Superdrug and Beauty Banks celebrate National Beauty Bin Day to honour five years since the first Beauty Bank bin was installed in-store

To celebrate the anniversary, Superdrug, Beauty Banks and Sali Hughes – co-founder of the charity and British Beauty Council Advisory Board member – teamed up with a variety of celebrities, industry leaders, and influencers. Among them are Radio 6 DJ and presenter, Lauren Laverne and author Caitlin Moran, who joined forces to generate awareness of hygiene poverty and encourage donations to the cause.

CEO of the British Beauty Council, Millie Kendall OBE, noted the significance of the anniversary: ‘Beauty Banks’ and Superdrug’s collaboration is vital, now more than ever. To see it reach this milestone is impressive, and there’s no doubt that together, the brand and grassroots organisation will continue to tackle hygiene poverty from UK high streets for years to come.

‘The British Beauty Council is delighted to call Superdrug a Patron, and Beauty Banks a charity affiliate as we collectively work towards ensuring that everyone has access to products that boost their wellbeing, confidence, and dignity.’

Since its launch in 2018, the partnership has seen 100 Beauty Banks bins installed into high street stores across the UK. These enable shoppers to donate hygiene products which are then distributed to charities in local communities, supporting those who struggle with hygiene poverty. To date, thousands of products have been donated, reaching 600 registered charities across the nation.

The most in-demand hygiene products are unisex shower gels and soaps, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hairbrushes and hair products, moisturisers, male-grooming items such as shaving gel, sanitary products and nappies. 

Demand for donations has increased as a result of the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis. The charity has seen an 80% increase in requests in the last year following reporting that 15 million people across the UK were living in poverty in 2022. As the population navigates the difficult climate, this number is sadly expected to rise.

Superdrug’s charity collaboration with Beauty Banks is part of wider ongoing efforts from the high street retailer to provide people with necessary, affordable personal care products. On top of National Bin Day, it launched the Shop Smart campaign with campaigner and activist Jack Monroe, and its continued Price Freeze Promise across 130 everyday essential items.

Simon Comins, Chief Commercial Officer at Superdrug, said, ‘Having worked with Beauty Banks for over five years now, we see first-hand just how valuable the work they do is. We’re proud to be offering our continued support to the charity, in order to help those who need it. We’d love to encourage anyone that feels able to, to donate by dropping off products in any one of our Beauty Bank donation points to support their local communities.’

Beauty Banks Co-Founder, Jo Jones, stated: ‘Superdrug has been an incredible partner to Beauty Banks since we launched five years ago. They remain as passionate and committed today to our cause and our mission to support individuals and families in the UK who can’t afford the hygiene basics.

‘National Bin Day is another example of how thoughtful and active Superdrug are as partners – we can’t wait to get those bins filled up and support people in communities living in hygiene poverty across the UK.’

To support and donate, find your nearest Superdrug Beauty Bank here.