Cosmetic textiles: important active ingredients, products and their applications

Purpose - The skin is the largest organ of human, and its care and health are, therefore, important. Cosmetotextiles development transforms daily ordinary textile products into cosmetically active products, ending the need to actively apply the cosmetic substance. Design/methodology/approach - The textiles can act as delivery systems of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, fragrances, metallic compounds and drugs, as well as some plant-based compounds. Encapsulation and grafting/coating technologies have provided these cosmetic ingredients with effective stabilization, sustained dermal delivery and prolonged dermocosmetic efficiency. Findings - Current cosmetotextiles in the market claim to be moisturizing, cellulite-reducing, perfumed, body slimming, energizing, rejuvenating, refreshing, improving the firmness and elasticity of skin or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This paper provides an overview of the development history, important cosmetic ingredients and their applications and commercial cosmetotextile products available in the market. Originality/value - For the past few years, the emergence of cosmetic textiles has created even further synergy between the benefits provided by products offered by the textile and cosmetic industries. Thus, cosmetic textiles appear on the market as part of two megatrends - one is a strong movement toward general well-being, and the second is embracing more technology into our everyday lives.