Make deodorant aerosols accessible to disabled and elderly people again!
The Issue
Make Aerosol Deodorant Bottles Accessible for Disabled and Elderly People
Who is affected?
Millions of disabled and elderly people struggle to use modern aerosol deodorant bottles due to their inaccessible designs. The recent trend of slanted or encased nozzles makes it difficult or impossible for those with limited hand strength, dexterity issues, arthritis, or other mobility impairments to apply deodorant independently. Previously, simple push-down nozzles allowed for easier use, ensuring everyone could maintain personal hygiene with dignity and ease.
I have difficulty using anything other than a bare press nozzle, as I have to use my whole palm to press it down. With current designs, this is impossible, making it extremely challenging to use aerosol deodorants independently.
What is at stake?
If this issue is not addressed, many disabled and elderly individuals will continue to face unnecessary barriers to personal care. The inability to use aerosol deodorants affects hygiene, confidence, and independence. Exclusionary design forces people to seek alternative, often less effective or more expensive products. In contrast, reverting to accessible nozzle designs would ensure that essential hygiene products remain usable.
Furthermore, under the Equality Act 2010, companies have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure their products are accessible to disabled consumers. Failing to provide accessible packaging could be seen as indirect discrimination, as it disproportionately disadvantages disabled individuals. Ensuring that aerosol deodorants are easy to use aligns with manufacturers' legal and ethical responsibility to create inclusive products.
Why is now the time to act?
Manufacturers must act now to prioritise accessibility in everyday products. With an ageing population and increasing awareness of disability rights, it is unacceptable that a simple design change is making personal care harder for millions. By reintroducing push-down nozzles or creating universally accessible designs, brands can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. We urge deodorant manufacturers to listen to their consumers and make aerosol products usable for everyone. Sign this petition to demand change now!
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The Issue
Make Aerosol Deodorant Bottles Accessible for Disabled and Elderly People
Who is affected?
Millions of disabled and elderly people struggle to use modern aerosol deodorant bottles due to their inaccessible designs. The recent trend of slanted or encased nozzles makes it difficult or impossible for those with limited hand strength, dexterity issues, arthritis, or other mobility impairments to apply deodorant independently. Previously, simple push-down nozzles allowed for easier use, ensuring everyone could maintain personal hygiene with dignity and ease.
I have difficulty using anything other than a bare press nozzle, as I have to use my whole palm to press it down. With current designs, this is impossible, making it extremely challenging to use aerosol deodorants independently.
What is at stake?
If this issue is not addressed, many disabled and elderly individuals will continue to face unnecessary barriers to personal care. The inability to use aerosol deodorants affects hygiene, confidence, and independence. Exclusionary design forces people to seek alternative, often less effective or more expensive products. In contrast, reverting to accessible nozzle designs would ensure that essential hygiene products remain usable.
Furthermore, under the Equality Act 2010, companies have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure their products are accessible to disabled consumers. Failing to provide accessible packaging could be seen as indirect discrimination, as it disproportionately disadvantages disabled individuals. Ensuring that aerosol deodorants are easy to use aligns with manufacturers' legal and ethical responsibility to create inclusive products.
Why is now the time to act?
Manufacturers must act now to prioritise accessibility in everyday products. With an ageing population and increasing awareness of disability rights, it is unacceptable that a simple design change is making personal care harder for millions. By reintroducing push-down nozzles or creating universally accessible designs, brands can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. We urge deodorant manufacturers to listen to their consumers and make aerosol products usable for everyone. Sign this petition to demand change now!
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Petition created on 8 March 2025