Fighting Cellulite with Cosmetotextiles

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: August 28, 2009, from the September 2009 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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The Pros and Cons
According to Lahmani, shape-wear incorporating encapsulated ingredients reduces the potential for contamination, in contrast to topical products. “[When using] a cream or lotion, you have to be sure that your hands are clean. In addition, the cream can deteriorate from bacteria or over time,” said Lahmani.

Lahmani added that with creams and lotions, dosage can be a factor whereas with the garments, it is not a concern. “With encapsulated actives in garments, the consumer does not have to worry about dosage since it is already prepared for them,” commented Lahmani.

Ingredient-encapsulated garments do have their drawbacks; most notably, the actives are only 100% effective for 20 washes, after which efficacy decreases. “After 30 washes, the consumer [only] has about 30% of the active ingredients, but they can still benefit,” said Lahmani.

Future of Cosmetotextiles
The company continues to examine other applications for cosmetotextiles such as encapsulating lavender or citrus into bedding to help the consumer sleep or improve their mood, or applying medicines in garments to treat elderly patients. Other concepts include socks for athlete’s foot and shirts for sunburn, all melding cosmetics and textiles into one.

References
1. G Pirotta, Skin Delivery of Active Ingredients from Fabrics, in Skin Barrier: Chemistry of Delivery Systems, JW Wiechers, PhD ed., Carol Stream, IL: Allured Books (2008) p 554