Blog 1: Inclusivity
Inclusivity
The first ‘Better lives’ topic that really caught my attention and changed my view of the world was ‘Inclusivity’ a lecture by Laura Salsbury. Inclusivity was something I’ve always taken for granted up until recently that I began having allergic reactions to every skin product I have been using. I have been suffering from dermatitis for 10 years but for the past year, it has become extremely painful. There are three ingredients that happen to be in pretty much every product the ‘regular’ person uses every day, Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, and fragrance. This is seen in shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and cream, all which are everyday essentials. It has meant getting to enjoy products like body scrubs or body oil or even just a perfumed hand cream impossible for me and others with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and sensitive skin to use.
There is a lack of inclusivity in regards to toiletry products and those with skin sensitivities
The definition of ‘Inclusivity’ by British Standards, 2005 is “ the design of mainstream products and/or services that are accessible to and usable by as many people as reasonably possible … without the need for special adaptation or specialized design” There is a lack of inclusivity in regards to toiletry products and those with skin sensitivities.
I have many times walked into my local drugstore many times to find only a tiny section dedicated to ‘skin conditions’ which only offers a small selection of cream and body wash. I also remember walking into the Body Shop and realizing I couldn’t use any of their products because they were all so heavily fragranced.
I have had to search all over the internet for products that I can actually use. I found a company called ‘Bria Organics’, this company is one of few who offer hypoallergenic products like shampoo ( which you cannot find at all in a regular drugstore) and it made me so happy to think FINALLY I don’t have to wash my hair with gloves on in attempt to protect my hands, the price stands at £14.95 200ml which is on the pricey side but that is all that is available for people with skin sensitivities.
How can we make Toiletry products more inclusive and why?
Laura Salsbury said ‘ It is believed that by understanding diverse needs like age, gender, ability, culture one can create better insights into products’. In 2015 it was estimated 15 million people in the UK suffer from eczema/ atopic dermatitis, costing the NHS roughly £169 million on prescriptions a year. If companies were to focus first on caring for their consumers rather than the aesthetic of a product ( like fragrance) there would be fewer people suffering from these painful skin conditions. And as seen with the ‘Extreme User Circle’ more people would be able to use their products which business-wise is a positive thing overall because it would expand the companies range of consumers.