Abstract. The cosmetics industry has a worrying impact on the environment, particularly due to the plastics used in products and packaging and environmentally unfriendly additives. In this study, we present an eco-friendly triode-type face mask (TFM) that uses only green and degradable raw materials, non-toxic and harmless solvents, and electrical energy to achieve energy transport properties. Separate switchable directional water, avoiding a humid storage environment. and reduces excessive packaging. The TFM demonstrates droplet stability when not in contact with skin while facilitating rapid transfer of liquid (15 μL) for durations of 2.8 s (dry skin) and 1.9 s (wet skin ) in touch with. We elucidate the mechanism underlying this triode-like behavior, focusing on the synergistic interaction of wettability gradient, Gibbs pinning, and additional circumferential capillary force. Additionally, TFM exhibits a reduction in the proportion of aging cells, from 44.33 to 13.75%, while simultaneously providing antibacterial and skin-beautifying effects. TFM brings a new experience while offering the potential to reduce environmental pollution in the production, packaging, use and recycling of cosmetic products. Credit: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15815
At the start of a new year, many people commit to self-care routines that improve their appearance. And facial sheet masks soaked in skincare ingredients are an easy way to do just that. However, these wet masks and their waterproof packaging often contain plastic and preservatives. A study in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces reports a dry-packed moisturizing facial mask made from bio-based and sustainable materials.
Consumers in the beauty industry are increasingly concerned about the sustainability and sourcing of personal care items, both in terms of ingredients and packaging. Facial sheet masks are popular cosmetic products advertised to benefit and improve the skin. But they are typically made with plastic backing fabrics and are packaged with wet ingredients, requiring preservatives and disposable leak-proof pouches.
A more environmentally friendly option would be to dry pack face masks. So Jinlain Hu and colleagues sought to design a cloth face mask with bio-based materials that could be wrapped in paper and then activated to provide moisture and nutrients.
Researchers developed a face mask with a sheet of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), which could repel water, and covered it with a layer of gelatin mixed with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract. They deposited the top layer as tiny fibers or microspheres, using electrospinning or electrospraying, respectively, and tested how well the masks could transfer moisture. They found:
- Water droplets did not pass through the masks without skin contact, regardless of which side a water droplet was placed on.
- Skin contact triggers unidirectional transport of water from PLA to gelatin to the skin, but only for masks coated with gelatin-based microspheres.
- Placing the mask on damp rather than dry skin improved water delivery through the mask.
Finally, the team studied the impact of its mask ingredients on mouse cells as an indicator of skin reactions. Fewer cells showed signs of aging when cultured on the mask compared to cells cultured under control conditions; researchers attribute this to the antioxidant properties of green tea extracts.
The team says the beneficial properties of natural ingredients and unidirectional moisture distribution design make this mask a promising alternative with lower environmental impact than traditional wet-packaged products.
More information:
Kaisong Huang et al, Electrosprayed Eco-Friendly Triode Type Dry Facial Masks for Skin Care, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15815
Provided by the American Chemical Society
Quote: A greener facial sheet mask that hydrates, even if packaged dry (January 10, 2024) retrieved January 10, 2024 from
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from fair use for private study or research purposes, no part may be reproduced without written permission. The content is provided for information only.
