axe-core rule: color-contrast
Text does not have enough contrast against its background
What it is
Text is rendered in a color too close to its background color to read comfortably. WCAG requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+, or 14pt bold).
Who it blocks
People with low vision, color-vision deficiencies, and older users. It also affects everyone reading on a phone in sunlight. Low-contrast prices, buttons, and form hints directly cost sales.
How to fix it
Darken the text or lighten the background until the ratio meets 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text). Check candidate pairs with a contrast checker before applying. A common quick win is replacing light gray body text (#999 and lighter) on white with #595959 or darker.
Example fix
/* Before: #999999 on #ffffff is 2.85:1, fails */
.product-description { color: #999999; background: #ffffff; }
/* After: #595959 on #ffffff is 7:1, passes */
.product-description { color: #595959; background: #ffffff; }This is one of the barrier types BarrierScan checks for on every scan. Request a free accessibility scan to see whether it appears on your site, alongside the rest of the automated findings.