1. The document discusses cosmetic textiles which impart active cosmetic substances to clothing through microencapsulation technology. Microencapsulation involves coating solid or liquid active ingredients in thin polymer walls to allow controlled release. 2. Common applications of microencapsulation in cosmetic textiles include antibacterial, aromatherapy, thermochromic, and cool textiles. Commercially, companies like Cognis, Skin'up, and STP produce microencapsulated cosmetic textile products. 3. Future areas of research include using nanoencapsulation to further enhance the effectiveness and longevity of cosmetic textile products.

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COSMETIC TEXTILES
Authors: P V Kadole, Rajanna L Gotipamul, Vignesh Dhanabalan & Sharma Saloni
D.K.T.E Society’s Textile & Engineering Institute, Post Box No 130, Rajwada, Ichalkaranji, Dist
Kolhapur – 416115, Maharashtra, India
Correspondance id: vigneshdhanabalan@hotmail.com
Introduction
In recent years textile materials have been used in various fields other than apparel
industry like space, medical, defence, automobile and etc. Cosmetic Textiles is a new sector
which is commercially evolved in the past decade. Micro encapsulation is the technology used in
the manufacturing of Cosmetic textiles. In this article we will discuss the application of Micro /
Nano encapsulation technology and its applications in the cosmetic textiles field and
commercially available cosmetic textile products.
Cosmetic Textiles
Cosmetic textiles is a new concept of transfer or release of active cosmetic substance
from the clothing to the human body. The principle is achieved by imparting the cosmetic and
pharmaceutical ingredients into the fabric of the clothing so that with the natural movements of
the body, the skin is slowly freshened and revitalised. To achieve these functional effects,
microencapsulation technology appears as better way to provide satisfactory performance with
increased durability.
Micro Capsules on the surface of the textiles
The difference between cosmetic textiles and the regular cosmetic products lies in the
fact that the timely release of active cosmetic substances. Usually the cosmetic creams take
effect at a certain time range only, and once this time range is crossed, the skincare incredients
will lose their effect. But the cosmetic textiles can keep Skin care performance for a long period
of time until the skin benefiting incredients were used out. Cosmetic Textiles posses the similar
properties of regular cosmetic products and the below figure shows the type of cosmetic textiles.

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Micro Encapsulation
Micro Encapsulation helps to impart the active cosmetic substances to the clothing.
Microencapsulation is a micro packaging technique that involves the production of
microcapsules which act as barrier walls of solids or liquids. The microcapsules are produced by
depositing a thin polymer coating on small solid particles or liquid droplets, or on dispersions of
solids in liquids. The core contents (Cosmetic substances) are released under controlled
conditions to suit a specific purpose .
One major advantage of microencapsulation technology is its ability to protect the active
cosmetic substances from hazardous environments, i.e. oxidisation, heat, acidity, alkalinity,
moisture or evaporation. It also simultaneously, protects the ingredients from interacting with
other compounds in the system, which may result in degradation or polymerisation. Another
important advantage of this technology is its controlled release properties that seem to be the
best choice for increasing efficiency and minimising environmental damage.
Structure of a Micro capsule
The general structure of a microcapsule which generally consists of two major components:
1. Active ingredient
An active ingredient is the substance that may be in a liquid or solid form. It also refers to
the core contents, internal phases, encapsulations, payloads or fillers.
1. Wall Shell
A polymer coating that surrounds the active ingredients which may also be called the wall,
shell, external phase, membrane or matrix. It may be natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic
polymer.
The release mechanisms of the core contents vary depending on the selection of wall
materials and more importantly, its specific end uses. The core content may be released by
friction, pressure, change of temperature, diffusion through the polymer wall, dissolution of the
polymer wall coating, biodegradation which is based on the different end uses.
The different kinds of micro encapsulation processes being used are Complex
Coacervation, Polymer-Polymer Incompatibility, Interfacial Polymerisation and In Situ
Polymerisation, Spray Drying, Centrifugal Extrusion, Air Suspension Coating, Pan Coating, and
Emulsion Hardening

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Process.
Applications of Micro Encapsulation in Cosmetic Textiles
Generally this versatile technology used in the development of all kind of cosmetic
textiles(given in the figure 2) for the purpose of imparting ,timely release of the substance and
increase the durability .The below are the major applications.
Anti Bacterial Textile
Hak et al. investigated the flexibility of β-cyclodextrin as a protective wall. β-
cyclodextrin was embedded onto cellulose fibres by using N-methylol-acrylamide. Benzoic acid
and vanillin, which acted as an anti-bacterial agent were encapsulated. It was claimed that the
anti-bacterial activity was retained after 10 laundering cycles.
Aromatheraphy and Fragrance Textile:
Wang and Chen developed aromatherapeutic textiles by using fragrance with β-
cyclodextrin inclusion compounds and fixing them onto cotton fabrics with low temperature by
using a conventional pad-thermofixed method. the results of sensorial evaluations showed that
the performance of the fabric lasted for over 30 days.
Thermochromic (Using PCM)
Boh and Knez reported microencapsulation development in textile applications and
prepared melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules containing essential oils and phase change
materials. An in situ polymerisation method was used and the process was modified to achieve
the desired characteristics of a microcapsule wall. These clothings helps to keep the body
temperature uniformly.
Cool Textiles
Questice is a slow release coolant which is very mild and has little or no odour. On
contact with skin, Questice is hydrolysed by the skin's natural enzymes to produce menthol,
giving an extended cooling sensation which make our body to feel cold.

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Apart from textile industry, this micro encapsulation technology is widely used in other
industries like food and feed, chemicals, agriculture, biotech & Environment, Medicine and
pharmacy.
Commercially available Cosmetic Textile Products
The cosmetic textiles has been attracted huge consumer reception and the need for
further research and development rises day to day. The below are some of the companies and
commercial products.
Cognis – Skintex®
Cognis is a germany based company, it developed an microencapsulation based cosmetic
treatment for textiles known as Skintex ®.A series of products are marketed with moisturising,
cooling, energising, relaxing, anti-heavy legs and mosquito repellent properties.
Skin'up ®
It offers cosmetic textiles which made using microencapsulation technology. The
products offered are anti-tiredness cares and etc.
Speciality Textile Product(STP) – BioCap
STP is an UK based company. The active substances including Vitamin A, D, E and aloe
vera, which provide various skin care benefits and promote a sense of well-being. As the fabric
is rubbed, the substances are released and absorbed by the human body. This treatment can be
applied to a wide range of fabrics for bedding, underwear, T-shirts, stockings and socks.
Devon Cemicals
It's another Europe based company which offers wide range of products like flame
retardant, insect control, anti microbial, moisture management and anti bacterials textile
products.
Woolmark Development International Ltd (WDI) - Sensory Perception Technology

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In this product the microcapsules contain various skin benefits, such as moisturising
skin, repelling insects, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal abilities, and treating cellulite. It is
compatible with all types of fibres and has a wide range of application potentials, including
apparel, hosiery,interior textiles etc.
Future Scopes and Conclusion
The development and co operation among the various scientific fields have produced a
good pace in innovations in the field of smart textiles. As one kind of the smart textile, cosmetic
textiles will make good impact in the global Textile market. At present , ADDIAS, NIKE and
L'OReal also have strong interest on cosmetic textiles, which shows that the development of
cosmetic textiles reflects the need of active textiles among consumers. Usage of Nano
encapsulation technology in the manufacturing of cosmetic textiles is the new area of research
and development which would enhance the future prospects and effectiveness of the Cosmetic
textile products.
REFERENCES
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