Wearable skin care: HeiQ weaves prebiotics and probiotics into biobased clothing textiles

22 Nov 2023 --- Material innovator HeiQ threads the line between fashion and skin care with a 100% biobased and long-lasting cosmetic finishing technology for textiles. The company says that makes it possible to wear skin care as clothing. Branded HeiQ Skin Care, the “synbiotic textile finish” contains slow-release prebiotics and probiotics infused into a biobased textile matrix for long-lasting cosmetic benefits.

The newest addition to the company’s portfolio is designed to promote a balanced and diverse microbiome for glowing skin even after repeated use and washing of textiles.

“HeiQ Skin Care represents a leap forward in textile innovation, combining the power of probiotics and prebiotics to enhance skin microbiome and overall skin appearance,” remarks Mike Abbott, head of HeiQ Textiles & Flooring Business Unit.

“Our technology is a testament to HeiQ’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what textiles can achieveand we are excited to showcase it at ISPO Munich 2023.”

Skin-soothing clothing for dermal renewal
HeiQ Skin Care is marketed as a “second skin that takes care of the first.” The synergistic combination of prebiotics and probiotics — in a HeiQ-patented system known as synbiotics — is said to deliver a soothing cosmetic skin treatment while users relax, work or sleep. 

Probiotic textiles are designed to help promote a balanced and diverse skin microbiome, even after repeated washes.Probiotics not only restore and improve the skin’s natural balance but also enhance its self-repair capabilities, highlights the manufacturer. Synbiotics promote skin renewal, rebalancing and improved appearance, reducing the signs of aging and establishing a favorable environment for the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

“Designed in nature, perfected by science, we use synbiotics, a unique synergy of probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (good sugars) as active ingredients in our personal care and cosmetics products. Synbiotics are a patented technology for skin and cleaning applications,” outlines HeiQ.

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms called the skin microbiome. It plays a crucial role in maintaining  good skin condition, acting as a protective barrier against harmful agents. 

However, various factors, such as hormones, genes, diet, smoking, environmental exposures and excessive UV radiation can disrupt its balance, leading to skin conditions like rashes, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, skin irritation, redness, eczema and odor. HeiQ says maintaining a balanced skin microbiome is essential for preserving skin integrity.

Adaptable to apparel types
HeiQ Skin Care is suitable for all textile fibers, both natural and synthetic, and can be applied to all textile items that come in direct contact with the skin.

This versatility could make it an ideal choice for daily use at work, during sports, leisure activities or as bedding items like bed sheets and pillows.

Intensive wear trials conducted by HeiQ during the development stage have proven the consistent release of synbiotics (prebiotics and probiotics) onto the skin, creating conditions to foster a well-balanced microbiome.

Advancements in pre and probiotic skin care gained considerable traction this year as label-conscious consumers are more aware of how harsh additives can impact skin

Innova Market Insights data reveals Europe as the current leader in global microbiome-friendly ingredients and claims in personal care launches, at a significant 65%. The region is followed by North America (16%), Asia (11%), Latin America (3%), Australasia (3%) and Middle East/Africa (2%).

Speaking to Personal Care Insights, suppliers previously stressed cosmetic companies should consider Staphylococcus epidermidis-friendly preservatives in their products and avoid their overuse to keep healthy skin with balanced microbiota.

By Benjamin Ferrer