The beauty industry often uses messages along the lines of “beauty for all.” But inclusive communication doesn’t necessarily translate to inclusive products.
That is where HAPTA comes in. HAPTA is a device developed by Lancôme to facilitate lipstick application by people with limited mobility in their hands and arms.
Initially introduced as a prototype at CES 2023 and commercially launched in 2025, HAPTA uses stabilization technology and intelligent motion controls to keep the applicator stable while a person puts on their makeup. The user performs the movement, and the device helps improve accuracy.
Image from: Lancôme
HAPTA is part of L’Oréal Groupe’s Beauty Tech strategy, which seeks to combine technology, user experience and accessibility. The device was developed especially for people with limited mobility and fine motor difficulties.
But perhaps the most interesting thing about HAPTA is not its technology, but the way it understands the design it proposes. Instead of developing a product for an average consumer and then thinking about how to adapt it, HAPTA responds to a specific need from the start. Accessibility thus becomes a design, product and innovation decision.
True inclusive innovation is not designing a product for everyone and then adapting it, but in including people from the beginning.
