Engineering optimisation of commercial facemask formulations capable of improving skin moisturisation

Introduction The stratum corneum is the biggest obstacle in cosmetics with respect to skin moisturisation. Many approaches have been taken to overcome the barrier, one of which is incorporating natural cosmeceuticals into cosmetic products to enhance moisturisation effects. Here, a commercial facemask formulation was electrospun to develop dry facemasks capable of hosting cosmeceuticals within the pores of incorporated mesoporous silica. Methods Ethanolic solutions containing 40% w/w of the marketed facemask (7th Heaven Dead Sea peel-off facemask) and mesoporous silica were prepared and electrically processed at 30 mu L min(-1) at an applied voltage of 12 +/- 2 kV. In vitro characterisation and release studies using fluorescein dye as a model probe were carried out. Results SEM images confirmed the fibrous nature of the resulting matrix; showing an average fiber diameter of 298.32 nm. The electrospun mask was found to be advantageous due to this fibrous nature providing high active loading capacity whilst demonstrating 100% probe release within 60 min. Contact Angle hysteresis, thermal analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) presented evidence of compatibility and stability of and within the formulation. Conclusion Adapting the formulation of a commercial polymeric facemask into an electrospun facemask has shown the versatility of the electrospinning process; now successfully crossing over into the cosmetic industry.