Accessible Skincare
- Saskia Müller
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Disclaimer: This post is not an advertisement or paid promotion for any specific brand. However, it does contain affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to purchase a product through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. My goal is to provide helpful, accessibility-focused skincare advice based on personal experience and research. All opinions expressed are my own, and I only recommend products that align with the needs of disabled individuals seeking more accessible self-care solutions.
Self-care should be accessible to everyone, but for disabled people, many aspects of the beauty and skincare industry remain difficult to navigate. From hard-to-open packaging to physically demanding application techniques, traditional skincare routines can be frustrating and exhausting. While brands like The Outset provide minimalist and gentle products that simplify skincare, there is still a significant gap in accessibility across the beauty industry. Many self-care products are not designed with disabled consumers in mind, making daily skincare routines unnecessarily challenging. In this post, we will explore the major accessibility barriers in skincare and self-care products, along with practical solutions to make beauty routines more inclusive and manageable.
One of the biggest accessibility challenges in skincare is packaging design. Many products come in tight screw-top lids, glass jars, or tubes that require strong grip strength, which can be difficult for people with arthritis, joint pain, or limited dexterity. Some moisturisers and balms are packaged in tubs that require scooping out product with fingers, which may not be feasible for those with tremors or fine motor difficulties. Similarly, tubes that require squeezing can be frustrating for people with muscle weakness or paralysis. Pump bottles, like the ones used by The Outset for their Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser and Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum, are far more accessible because they allow for easy, mess-free dispensing with minimal effort. However, even pump dispensers can be problematic if they require too much force to press down. Ideally, skincare brands should consider touchless or adaptive packaging, such as airless pumps with light-touch mechanisms or containers designed to be opened with one hand. Until these options become widely available, adaptive tools like rubber jar openers, pump attachments, or silicone spatulas can make it easier to access product without unnecessary strain.
Another significant barrier in skincare is the physical effort required for application. Many skincare products need to be rubbed in thoroughly, layered multiple times, or applied using small, precise movements, which can be exhausting for those with chronic fatigue, limited mobility, or pain conditions. Sunscreen, for example, often requires extensive blending to avoid a white cast, which can be an energy-draining step in a routine. Similarly, facial masks and thick creams can be difficult to spread evenly. To make application easier, lightweight formulas that absorb quickly without excessive rubbing are ideal. The Outset’s Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturiser is a great example of this—it hydrates deeply but has a non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture that requires minimal effort to apply. For people who find rubbing motions difficult, using a silicone applicator, soft cloth, or even a beauty sponge can help distribute product with less strain. Spray or mist-based skincare products, such as hydrating facial mists, can also be a great alternative for those who struggle with traditional lotions and creams.
Cleansing can be one of the most physically demanding parts of a skincare routine, particularly if it involves multiple steps like double cleansing or exfoliation. Splashing water on the face, rubbing in cleanser, and drying with a towel can be exhausting for those with limited mobility or chronic pain. Waterless cleansing options provide a great alternative for people who struggle with traditional face washing. The Outset’s Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser is an excellent example—it removes dirt and oil without needing to be rinsed off, making it perfect for people who cannot easily access a sink or who experience fatigue. FreshWipes are another accessible cleansing option, especially for those who may not always have the energy to complete a full routine. These no-rinse wipes can be used to freshen up the skin without requiring a trip to the bathroom, making them especially useful for bedridden people or those with mobility restrictions. Additionally, using a damp microfiber cloth instead of splashing water on the face can make cleansing more manageable while reducing mess and excess movement.
The placement and storage of skincare products can also present accessibility challenges. Many people keep their skincare in high bathroom cabinets or on deep shelves, which can be difficult to reach for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids. Even products stored on a counter may not be easily accessible if they are too small to grab quickly or if they require two hands to open. Keeping skincare essentials at an accessible height, in an organised and easy-to-reach location, can make a huge difference. A bedside skincare station with a small basket of daily-use products allows for easy application without needing to go to the bathroom. Travel-sized containers can also be helpful, as they are lighter and easier to handle than full-sized bottles. Some people find it helpful to use magnetic or Velcro strips to keep frequently used products in place, preventing them from falling and making them easier to locate.
Another overlooked issue is sensory sensitivity. Many skincare products contain strong fragrances, alcohol, or harsh exfoliants, which can be overwhelming for people with autism, or chronic skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Fragrances, even natural ones, can trigger headaches, nausea, or skin irritation. Alcohol-based products can cause stinging or dryness, which may be intolerable for those with heightened sensory sensitivity. The Outset’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations are ideal for individuals who need gentle, non-irritating skincare. Choosing cooling, lightweight textures can also help prevent discomfort, as thick or sticky formulas can feel overwhelming on the skin. Additionally, opting for soft, reusable applicators instead of rough washcloths or disposable cotton pads can make skincare more comfortable for those with tactile sensitivities.
For many disabled people, energy conservation is a priority, and skincare should not feel like an exhausting task. On days when even a simplified routine feels like too much, skipping certain steps should not be a source of guilt. Some people find it helpful to alternate between full routines and low-energy routines depending on their condition. On good days, they may follow their usual three-step regimen, while on more challenging days, they might just use a cleansing wipe and moisturiser. If applying sunscreen is too difficult, using a moisturiser with built-in SPF can eliminate an extra step. If washing the face feels impossible, keeping a hydrating mist nearby can help refresh the skin without any physical effort. The key is to create a routine that is flexible, adaptable, and forgiving—skincare should support well-being, not add stress.
Despite growing awareness of disability and accessibility issues, the beauty and skincare industry still has a long way to go in making self-care truly inclusive. Many brands focus on anti-aging, flawless skin, and perfection, rather than prioritising ease of use, accessibility, and skin health. Packaging remains largely designed for able-bodied consumers, and few companies actively consider the needs of disabled people when formulating products. Advocacy for universal design in beauty—where products are created to be usable by people of all abilities—can help push the industry toward greater inclusivity. Features like easy-open packaging, one-hand dispensing, mess-free application, and fragrance-free formulations should be standard, not an afterthought.
At the end of the day, skincare is a personal and essential part of self-care, and everyone deserves to have access to products that work for them. By choosing accessible, gentle, and energy-saving skincare options, disabled people can build a routine that fits their needs without unnecessary frustration. Brands like The Outset, which focus on minimalist, skin-friendly, and easy-to-use products, offer a step in the right direction. However, there is still work to be done to make beauty truly inclusive. In the meantime, adapting routines with the help of tools like FreshWipes, accessible dispensers, and multi-use products can help ensure that skincare remains a joyful and accessible experience for all.