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

  • J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Mar;19(3):725-735. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13051.
Paola Perugini  1  2 ,  Mariella Bleve  2 ,  Renato Redondi  3 ,  Fabiola Cortinovis  4 ,  Antonio Colpani  5
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
  • 2. Etichub s.r.l, Academic spin-off of Pavia University, Pavia, Italy.
  • 3. Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy.
  • 4. ASST (Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
  • 5. iBeauty, Brembate di sopra, Italy.
PMID: 31301106 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13051
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.

Keywords
bacterial cellulose; cosmetic facial mask; efficacy evaluation; in vivo study; tolerability evaluation.
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