In vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of biocellulose facial masks as active delivery systems to skin

Abstract

Background In recent years, bacterial cellulose (BC), or biocellulose, a natural polymer synthesized by certain bacteria, has attracted great interest in dermatology and cosmetic applications. Several bioactive ingredients are currently loaded into BC masks. However, only a few studies have reported the effectiveness of such delivery systems. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on skin parameters of three biocellulose masks formulated to have different cosmetic effects (anti‐aging, lifting, and cell renewal). In particular, skin moisturizing, skin color, skin viscoelastic properties, skin surface smoothness, wrinkle reduction, dermal homogeneity, and stratum corneum renewal were evaluated. Materials and methods The study involved 69 healthy Caucasian female volunteers between 25 and 64 years, who were divided into three different studies. Biocellulose facial masks were applied using the split‐face method three times a week for 4‐8 weeks depending on the study. Results The results obtained from this work highlight that biocellulose masks are very well tolerated. A significant decrease in skin roughness and wrinkle breadth, and an improvement in dermal homogeneity and firmness, was observed after 2 months of treatment with “anti‐aging” masks. A significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity was observed after 1 month of treatment with “lifting” masks. Furthermore, a 1‐month treatment with “cell renewal” masks promoted the production of new skin cells through a mild exfoliating action. Conclusions This study highlights that biocellulose masks are effective delivery systems to successfully release into the skin several types of active compounds exerting many beneficial effects.

Applicability of bacterial cellulose in cosmetics – bibliometric review

“…Trans. 1 2019 Perugini et al [ 2 ] In vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of biocellulose facial masks as active delivery systems to skin; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 0 2019 Amorim et al [ 18 ] Bacterial cellulose production using fruit residues as subtract to industrial application; Chemical Engineering Transactions 0 2020 Martins et al [ 36 ] A dry and fully dispersible bacterial cellulose formulation as a stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions; Carbohydrate Polymers. 0 …”

“…To mitigate these changes, mainly antioxidant and moisturizing active agents are required. With facial procedures and the regular use of masks with cosmetic actives, it is possible to maintain skin hydration levels and a healthy stable hydrolipid layer, thus, the loss of transcutaneous water is attenuated, keeping the skin younger in appearance [ 2 ].…”

Bacterial Nanocellulose toward Green Cosmetics: Recent Progresses and Challenges

“…Sheet facial masks are typically made of a diversity of fabrics (e.g., cotton, non-woven) and synthetic polymers (e.g., poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)) and are currently one of the most popular and fast-growing types of facial products, thus representing an important and highly competitive niche of the cosmetic market [95,96]. The popularity of facial sheet masks is largely due to its easy application and removal, fast use, and effective results that make them very appealing for the nowadays consumers, compared with other mask types (e.g., rinse-off or peel-out) [97]. The mechanical strength and elasticity of BNC (in the wet state) make it particularly resistant to handle, easy to use, and enable a perfect adhesion to skin, enhancing the penetration of active substances into the skin.…”

“…Another aspect that is not always included in the development of new BNC facial masks is their acceptance and effectiveness using in vivo assays. In this perspective, Perugini et al [ 97 ] recently provided a scientific protocol to evaluate, in vivo, the efficacy of topical treatments with BNC masks employing a methodology that combines non-invasive skin bioengineering techniques and statistical methods. The authors evaluated the skin effect of three BNC facial masks embedded with cosmetic formulations with different beneficial skin actions (anti-aging, lifting, and cell renewal).…”

Biobased and Eco-Compatible Beauty Films Coated with Chitin Nanofibrils, Nanolignin and Vitamin E

“…Regarding the solid beauty masks, some materials were investigated as substrates, such as collagen [16] or biocellulose [17]. PHA/starch-based film substrates were developed in a previous work of our group through compression molding or extrusion [18].…”