How to Build a Hygiene Kit: Essentials Every Filipina Needs

Welcome to the era of the hygiene kit. Like a kikay kit but packed with more sanitizing and antibacterial products, the hygiene kit is a new essential that’s here to stay. Building a personal hygiene kit is all about considering various factors.

Ask yourself: Where am I going? Will I be able to wash my hands? What will the comfort rooms be like? What thing will make me feel safe and comfortable? It may sound like a daunting new step to add to your daily routines, but once you’ve put one together, you’re set for at least the next month! Here are all the essentials you’ll need:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent sickness. A good 20 seconds of handwashing with soap and water removes germs and chemicals from your hands.

When handwashing is impossible, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs on your hands, instead of removing germs, which handwashing does. Hand sanitizing wipes with at least 60% alcohol also works. 

No matter where you are, wash your hands whenever you can. With Lifebuoy, hand hygiene has no excuse. Lifebuoy Bar Mild Care contains Activ Silver, which removes all kinds of germs. It is also formulated for sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about irritation from frequent handwashing. You can carry the whole bar or cut it into smaller chunks with a knife. Pack it in a small resealable plastic pouch to prevent leaks.

Alcohol and sanitizers kill germs and harmful bacteria. To clean your hands, apply a generous amount on your palms and rub for at least 30 seconds. Don’t forget to include the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails.

Your hygiene kit doesn’t have to be so rigid — you’re allowed to pack refreshing and comforting items, too. Since hygiene is not just about handwashing, you’ll also need products that will keep you clean and fresh. For freshening up on the go, pack an anti-bacterial facial spray and alcohol-free wipes that are gentle enough to use on your face and body. Carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste with you for a confident smile. Additionally, since hands can get so dry from handwashing and alcohol, you can also include hand cream in your hygiene kit.

Face mask breakouts are a struggle these days, especially with the humid weather. Be sure to carry around an anti-bacterial facial spray. You can easily freshen up with a spritz while you're on the go.

If you have sensitive skin, trying out gentle skin care products for baby can be an option. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Care Wipes are gentle enough to refresh your face, neck, arms, and hands. It removes impurities while moisturizing with a non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free formula — a great choice when you have skin flare-ups.

Good hygiene includes brushing your teeth, so always pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. closeup Menthol Fresh Toothpaste is an anti-bacterial formula with micro-shine crystals that eliminate 99% of bacteria. Bonus: a minty fresh flavor that keeps you feeling fresh and confident all day. 

These days, you just never know what you need. Pollutants, like dust and dirt, and other types of grime can get trapped in your hair. If you're traveling or going to the gym, having some shampoo handy could be helpful. CLEAR Complete Soft Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has amino acids that deeply cleanse and nourish the scalp as well as eliminate dandruff. It's been proven to combat damage caused by UV and pollution exposure.

The CDC recommends that we replace our face masks every four hours to keep ourselves protected. So always bring extra face masks to change with, or if the one you are using is compromised. You might also want to bring tissues and actual alcohol — hold the vodka, we mean the cleaning kind — for wiping down surfaces, such as your office desk, elevator buttons, or door handles.

A good hygiene kit is all about protecting yourself and those around you. Start getting a hold of these essentials and face each day confident and worry-free. Spread the word, not germs, with your friends!