Armpit hairs on a roll-on deodorant is Brits' top bathroom 'ick', study finds

16 January 2024 , 11:27

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A new photography exhibition in London is showcasing the nation's top 10 bathroom 'icks' - like hair in a roll-on deodorant (Image: PinPep)

Brits have shared their top 10 bathroom “icks” – with dried toothpaste in the sink, and armpit hair on a roll-on deodorant, topping the list.

Other things that leave people feeling uncomfortable in the bathroom include a full bathroom waste bin, gunk in the soap dish, and dried or congealed toothpaste left around the cap of a toothpaste tube.

The survey of 2,000 adults found that 42% have experienced discomfort in the bathroom at a friend or family member's house, after spotting an “ick” – a slang term for something that makes you feel repulsed or disgusted.

And now, to highlight some of these skin-crawling occurrences, a new, free “Ick-xhibition” photography show has been launched in Hackney, London, open until January 20.

Visitors can take in a gallery of 12 toe-curling canvases, shot by photographer Angèle Châtenet – showcasing everything from the universally icky dried toothpaste in the sink, to the sticky soap gunk on the bottle of shower gel.

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James Mishreki, founder of sustainable personal care brand, Life Supplies, which commissioned the research, said: “The Ick-xhibition is elevating the daily grimaces we have all faced first thing in the morning, and last thing at night.

“It’s a visceral, and in some scenes, oddly horrifying, display of the tiny things in life that can actually make us feel a bit rotten.”

Armpit hairs on a roll-on deodorant is Brits' top bathroom 'ick', study finds

Meanwhile, three-quarters of Brits agree that many bathroom products need to be given a makeover, to become more sustainable and recyclable (PinPep)

The poll also found that women feel more strongly that specific bathroom icks would be a turnoff if they saw them in a love interest’s bathroom – with flying finger and toenail clippings (51%), and armpit hairs on deodorant rollers (50%), their top bathroom turnoffs.

Further research also revealed a significant shift in attitudes towards bathroom products, revealing a clear push towards sustainability.

Nearly half (45%) are dissatisfied with non-recyclable products, highlighting excessive plastic in bathroom product packaging as a primary concern.

And 44% expect recyclability in bathroom products – but 20% still encounter challenges in finding recyclable alternatives.

As a result, more than three-quarters (76%) think bathroom products need to be designed more sustainably, with 52% attributing excessive waste to current packaging styles.

The classic toothpaste tube emerged as the top bathroom essential in need of a design upgrade (47%) – followed by pump action soap (31%), toilet brushes (31%), roll-on deodorant (25%), and bottles of moisturiser (21%).

James Mishreki, for the free “Life Supplies: The Ick-xibition”, taking place at Spazio Leone, Hackney Downs Studios, added: “This poll paints a promising picture for the future of bathroom product sustainability, with 57% saying they have either taken steps or would like to become more sustainable and eco-conscious in 2024.

“It’s a shame that 44% say they feel guilty for having plastic bathroom products in their homes – it is a calling card to the industry to make changes.

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“We have had a visceral response to the collection, which shows that poor product design can send a shiver down our spine, as well as cost us more money.”

THE NATION’S TOP 10 BATHROOM ICKS: