In the glittering world of beauty, change is the only constant. Yet, for years, the beauty industry overlooked a vital aspect of inclusivity: accessibility. The tide, however, is beginning to turn, with brands like Tilt Beauty boldly leading the charge. They're crafting products not just for the masses but with a vision that caters specifically to individuals with disabilities—an audience that has long been underserved.
Pioneering Accessible Beauty
Tilt Beauty, founded by Aerin Glazer, is a beacon of innovation in this evolving landscape. Diagnosed with arthritis at 13, Glazer experienced firsthand the barriers that traditional beauty products posed. “I couldn’t use, open, hold, or enjoy the same things that my friends were enjoying with so much ease,” she shared. This personal challenge sparked the creation of Tilt Beauty, a brand that launched in February with products designed for those with limited mobility. Their offerings include mascara and tinted lip balm housed in rubberized packaging with magnetic closures, a testament to thoughtful design for ease of use.
The brand's collaboration with organizations like the National Arthritis Foundation and the National Braille Institute underscores its commitment to accessibility, earning them the Ease of Use Certification. This move marks a significant shift in how inclusivity is approached, expanding beyond skin tone and gender to embrace physical ability.
A Market Ready for Change
According to the 2025 SeeMe Inclusivity Index for Beauty, a growing number of beauty brands are acknowledging this need. Currently, 22% of brands are designing with disability in mind, a notable increase from 11% in 2023. This shift is part of a broader trend towards intersectional inclusivity, with 73% of brands considering multiple identity dimensions in their marketing strategies.
April Lockhart, a disability advocate, emphasizes the importance of this expansion. “In a lot of ways, disability is the last minority group to be recognized. It’s a little bit taboo, especially in an industry like beauty where it’s all about aesthetics,” she noted. Yet, the demand is clear: products must be both functional and stylish, allowing individuals with disabilities to feel just as fashionable as their peers.
Industry Leaders Taking Notice
Other brands are taking cues from the likes of Tilt Beauty. Olive & June’s adaptive nail polish tool, Poppy, and Rare Beauty’s commendable packaging designs are just a few examples of how the industry is embracing this next phase of inclusivity. Meanwhile, brands like Patrick Starrr’s One Size explicitly include consumers with disabilities in their brand narratives.
The beauty industry's giants are also stepping up. Louis Vuitton plans to launch La Beauté Louis Vuitton with Pat McGrath at the helm, a venture that promises to blend luxury with inclusivity. As more brands recognize the value in designing for all, the beauty landscape is poised for a transformation that caters not just to aesthetics but to empowerment and self-expression.
Beyond Products: The Culture Shift
This movement isn't just about creating products; it's about shifting perceptions. Beauty brands are realizing that inclusivity and accessibility can drive both innovation and profitability. The SeeMe Index reports that inclusive brands are outpacing their less-inclusive counterparts, underscoring the business benefits of embracing diversity.
This cultural shift is mirrored in the fashion world, where inclusivity is increasingly becoming a core value. Vogue highlights how new creative directors at iconic labels are infusing inclusivity into their designs, reflecting a broader commitment to diversity across industries.
The Future of Beauty
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, the focus on accessible beauty is more than a trend; it’s a necessary evolution. Brands like Tilt Beauty are not just broadening their product lines—they're redefining what it means to be inclusive. This shift not only empowers individuals with disabilities but enriches the industry as a whole, advocating for a world where beauty truly knows no bounds.
The rise of accessible beauty is a testament to innovation meeting empathy, a fusion that promises to make beauty a more inclusive space for everyone. With brands prioritizing accessibility, the future of beauty is not just bright—it's accessible to all.