We wanted to impact caregiving in a meaningful and long-lasting way with intuitive and tangible innovation. The idea was simple: Thousands of razors have been designed for inward use on one’s own face. But what would it look like if we redesigned the razor for use on someone else’s face? We’d need to address functional issues, like handle ergonomics, blade economics, and skin prep, as well as personal ones, like dignity, usability, and comfort. All in all, the Handle with Care initiative symbolizes Gillette’s commitment to making sure that all men, no matter their circumstances, can be their best.

Partnering with experts in Gillette Innovation and Research & Design, we engineered a razor for men under care, caregivers, and their specific grooming needs; customizations included: replacing the traditional stick handle with a divot for greater caregiver comfort and control; a cost-effective blade intended for single use to prevent infection; and a handle with built-in lubrication, eliminating the need for messy shaving cream or a difficult move to the sink. To help inform the design, we enlisted caregivers to test the product and share their feedback.

To get products into the hands of those who needed them the most, we initiated targeted outreach to care homes and launched a webpage to allow interested parties to sign up for updates about Gillette’s new assisted shaving solution. The page features a short film of a man caring for his elderly father to highlight the challenges that inspired the Handle with Care initiative.

For Procter & Gamble, the implementation, design, and manufacturing of a new product is incredibly complex and can require years of development; however, due to the powerful idea behind Handle with Care and the passion it created, the process was accomplished – from concept to in-market launch – in an unprecedented 18 months. The Gillette Treo (as it will be called in market), was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from caregivers and the caregiving community around the world, with thousands of requests to try the product. We received strong positive feedback that the razor is transformative and significantly helped make the shaving experience easier, more seamless, and more dignified.