Technological evolutions and innovations are going to transform the fashion market in depth over the coming years. It is estimated that in 20 years, 80% of textiles will be technical or functionalised.” The emerging trend of amplifying beauty through healthy means inclined the consumer’s interest towards clothing which not only meets their basic needs but also carries extra functions, including perfuming, changing appearance and keeping a healthier and natural life. Many top beauty and fashion colleges in Maharashtra are offering industry-linked programs in this field to help professionals understand the current and upcoming technological trends in these fields.
According to European Cosmetic directive “Any textile article containing a substance or preparation that is released over time on different superficial parts of the human body, notably on human skin, and containing special functionalities such as cleansing, perfuming changing appearance, protection, keeping in good condition or the correction of the body odour is called Cosmetotextiles.”
Emergence of Cosmetotextiles
The application of textiles for delivering cosmetic and healing effects is not a new concept. From antiquity yarns and fabrics were being prepared by using natural fibres and dyeing with extracts of natural herbs to obtain diverse beneficial effects on skin so we say that using fabrics and garments to deliver health solutions is actually a very old concept called Ayurvastra.
The concept of traditional knowledge has reference to natural herbs, aromatic plants and natural dye sources with the recent advancements in textile science and technology giving rise to the emerging field of cosmetotextiles – often referred to as “wearable skincare”. Cosmetic textiles have truly discovered their place in the market and are now looking to overcome other segments of beauty and wellness products such as anti-ageing, replumping, etc. Cosmetotextiles can be classified on various bases of end use, nature of ingredients used which include Natural ingredients of plant, animal and metal derivatives.
Classification of Cosmetotextiles
Fabric engineering aspect is also an important criterion to classify Cosmetotextiles. Knitted Fabrics are used to design compressional garments which apply pressure on a specific area of the human body. Woven structures are used in developing garments and linen with cosmetic effects. Non-woven structures are used to design non-durable disposable materials.
Techniques Used for Applying Cosmetic Effects Over Textiles
There are basically different ways of applying cosmetic effects on textiles; Microencapsulation, coating, dope insertion. “Microencapsulation is a micro packaging technique that involves the production of microcapsules which act as barrier walls of solids or liquids”. These capsules are produced by deposition of a thin polymer coating on dispersions of solids in liquids. The core ingredients in these capsules gently transfer to the skin by the movement, pressure, skin natural warmth and the enzymes thus these cosmetic textiles nourish and revive the skin when worn next to skin.
Other than microencapsulation, the active cosmetic agents can directly add to the dope solution before the fibre extrusion or can be transferred to the fibre surface to manufacture inherently functionalised cosmetic textiles. Direct coating is also an effective way to produce cosmetic textiles where effective material is directly coated on fibre, yarn, and fabric surface.
Ingredients Used in Cosmetotextiles
Artificial and organic ingredients such as iron oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, derivatives of ranitidine, aloe vera, ginseng, fruits, essential oils, flowers, etc. are employed as cosmetic ingredients in cosmetotextiles. Major ingredients in cosmetics are typically derived from synthetic and inorganic compounds, as well as plant and animal derivatives. Plant derivatives such as aloe vera, Padina povonica, flowers, fruits, essential oils, animal derivatives such as chitosan, squalene, and sericin, as well as synthetic ingredients such as iron oxide, ethane-diol, zinc oxide, and zinc nanoparticles, are used to impregnate fabrics. Chitosan-based cosmetic microcapsules can be incorporated into fabrics to provide a variety of effects, such as moisturising, cooling, energising, calming, anti-heavy legs, and mosquito repellent. Padina pavonica is thought to help improve skin firmness and suppleness. Ginseng extract, when microencapsulated, can protect the skin from cancer and inflammation. Squalene, ascorbyl phosphate, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid contribute to preventing premature ageing and the appearance of brown age spots. The aromatic properties of hinokitiol make it a useful substance for achieving relaxation. Aloe vera is used for its antibacterial, antiviral, antimitotic, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. One-step esterification was used to create hyaluronic acid-grafted pullulan polymers, which displayed a high swelling ratio and a relatively speedy hemostasis ability, making them a favourable wound-healing dressing.
Preparation of Cosmetic Textiles
The final finishing and binding of cosmetic agents to textiles differ according to the type of product, desired effect, and technique of skin transfer. Copper oxide, a synthetic and inorganic chemical, can be impregnated into textiles or added to the molten mass of synthetic polymers. Microcapsules are the most effective method for integrating cosmetic ingredients. Microcapsules can be added to textiles using padding, coating, spraying, or immersion processes.
Furthermore, during the time of dope preparation prior to fibre extrusion, active agents are introduced to the fibre-forming substance. The direct contact method is also used to develop cosmetotextiles. Some active compounds are coated on fibre, yarn, or fabric surfaces based on the compatibility of the existing facility and the product’s intended application. Cyclodextrins are integrated into wash- resistant, odour-absorbing wool and odour-absorbing polyester fibres. Shoe soles are covered with a β-cyclodextrin complex of o’methoxy-cinnamaldehyde to prevent microbial development and odours. Bed linen can be made more pleasant and healthier by coating fibres with essential oils, antibacterial, anti-dust, and anti- mite chemicals.
Conclusion
The development of cosmetotextiles will continue in order to develop and research completely new potential outcomes for passing on diverse body and wellbeing functions to the wearer. It actually compensates consumers for a specific time period. Scheming Cosmetotextiles must be created in such a way that the construction and work of art of textiles, garment design, and cosmetic finish all work together to produce the most effective cosmetic benefits. Innumerable cosmetic active substances can be successfully applied using procedures such as grafting, encapsulation, plasma, sol-gel, doping, exhaustion, spraying, and layer-by-layer deposition.
With increased consumer needs and expectations, more sustainable and cost effective cosmetotextiles with varied health advantages are being created globally, ushering in a new era of ‘dermocosmetic fashion art’. Adidas, Nike, and L’Oreal are all interested in cosmetotextiles, indicating that they are in high demand among customers. There are many different types of cosmetic functionality garments available, such as slimming, skin care, energising, cooling, perfumes, pain relief, insect repellent, anti-odour, and ultraviolet protection. Customers all across the world have resorted to natural resources to promote their well-being in an environmentally friendly setting. It is now a niche sector, although the development of novel applications will open up new market potential for textile and garment manufacturers.