Selena Gomez Reveals Lupus-Related Arthritis, Shapes Accessible Beauty Packaging

Selena Gomez recently shared that arthritis linked to lupus has affected her hands and inspired changes in the packaging of her beauty brand, Rare Beauty.

In a conversation about her health challenges, Gomez described how even simple daily tasks can become painful.

These difficulties motivated her to prioritize accessibility in product design. “When we created Rare Beauty, I wanted the packaging to be something that’s easy for everyone to use. The foundation caps and applicators are designed so you don’t have to struggle,” Gomez explained.

The company also introduced a fragrance with a push-button spray instead of a traditional cap, helping reduce the strain on finger joints.

Lupus, Arthritis, and Management

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. When the joints are affected, it can lead to arthritis that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain, often interfering with mobility and routine activities.

Doctors rely on medical history, clinical examination, and blood tests—such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-dsDNA—to confirm lupus-related arthritis. Imaging tests may also be used to evaluate joint involvement.

Treatment is personalized and may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease discomfort, corticosteroids to control flare-ups, and disease-modifying drugs like hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate. In advanced cases, biologics can be prescribed. Lifestyle strategies such as balanced exercise, physical therapy, and adequate rest also play a role in managing symptoms. ^[1]

Accessibility in Beauty Products

Gomez noted that her experience with lupus arthritis directly influenced Rare Beauty’s approach to product design.

The brand’s packaging incorporates wider applicators, rounded caps, and simplified mechanisms, making the products easier to use for people with arthritis or limited hand strength.

Beauty brands are increasingly focusing on packaging that everyone can use comfortably, including people with limited hand strength or vision challenges. Rare Beauty has designed spherical tops and flat-sided containers to make products easier to hold and open. Brands like Fenty Beauty, Pleasing, and Humanrace have introduced wider applicators, ergonomic shapes, and textured surfaces to improve usability. Victoria’s Secret adds tactile markers so visually impaired users can identify products more easily. Olay created an “Easy-Open Lid” with winged edges, raised texture, high-contrast labels, and Braille, developed in collaboration with consumers with disabilities, and made it freely available to inspire wider adoption in the beauty industry. ^[2][3]

Gomez’s openness underscores how chronic illnesses such as lupus extend beyond medical treatment and influence everyday life. By applying her personal experience to Rare Beauty’s design, she highlighted how accessibility can be integrated into consumer products, offering practical benefits for individuals living with joint conditions.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Lupus: Symptoms and Causes. Updated 2025.

2. Berlin Packaging. Importance of Inclusive Beauty Packaging. May 8, 2023. 

3. Allure. Olay Launches Easy-Open Lid to Support Users With Limited  Mobility. 2023.

(Rh/Eth/SS/MSM)