Sustainable beauty is more than just a buzzword. It’s a movement that aims to reduce the environmental impact of the beauty industry and promote the health and well-being of both people and the planet. One of the most innovative and exciting trends in sustainable beauty is the use of biobased textiles, which are fabrics made from renewable and natural sources, such as plants, algae, or fungi.
One of the leading companies in this field is HeiQ, a Swiss-based textile technology company that has recently launched HeiQ Skin Care, a probiotics-infused textile technology for next-to-skin apparel and home textiles. This revolutionary technology, which is 100% biobased and long-lasting, harnesses the power of active probiotics and selected prebiotics to enhance the skin microbiome, turning the human’s largest organ into the best-looking one1.
HeiQ Skin Care is a synbiotic textile finish that provides a balanced microbiome for glowing skin, even after repeated use and washing of textiles. Unlike conventional products, HeiQ Skin Care utilizes slow-release prebiotics and probiotics seamlessly integrated into a biobased textile matrix, enriching the skin’s microbiome diversity, and offering long-lasting cosmetic benefits. The synergistic combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as synbiotics, delivers a soothing cosmetic skin treatment while we relax, work, or sleep. Probiotics not only restore and improve the skin’s natural balance but also enhance its self-repair capabilities. Synbiotics promote skin renewal, rebalancing, and improved appearance, reducing the signs of aging and establishing a favorable environment for the skin’s natural repair mechanisms1.
According to Mike Abbott, Head of HeiQ Textiles & Flooring Business Unit, “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. It is another way of delivering our promise of improving the lives of billions, which is at the core of everything we do at HeiQ”1.
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 makes it an ideal choice for daily use- at work, during sports, leisure activities, or as bedding items like bed sheets and pillows1.
The benefits of HeiQ Skin Care are backed by scientific research and consumer testing. According to a clinical study conducted by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, HeiQ Skin Care improved skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and barrier function in 28 days of use1. Moreover, a consumer test conducted by HeiQ showed that 90% of the participants felt their skin was softer, smoother, and more moisturized after using HeiQ Skin Care textiles1.
HeiQ is not the only company that is exploring the potential of biobased textiles for sustainable beauty. Other examples include Sangre de Fruta, a Canadian luxury beauty brand that uses upcycled local ingredients for its hair products and soaps2, and Tarte, a US-based cosmetics brand that sources its maracuja oil from a sustainable cooperative in the Amazon Rainforest2.
The use of biobased textiles for sustainable beauty is a trend that is expected to grow in the coming years, as consumers become more aware of the environmental and health impacts of their beauty choices. According to a report by NIQ, sustainability in the beauty industry has been growing for years, and some sustainable beauty trends are more impactful than others. The report identifies six key trends for emerging beauty brands to watch in 2023, including sustainable packaging, free-from claims, retailer participation, widespread sustainability adoption, government intervention, and consumer education1.
Sustainable beauty is not only good for the planet, but also for the people. By using biobased textiles, such as HeiQ Skin Care, consumers can enjoy the benefits of natural and eco-friendly ingredients, while also enhancing their skin appearance and well-being. Biobased textiles are a game-changer for the beauty industry, and HeiQ is leading the way with its innovative and cutting-edge technology.
What do you think of biobased textiles for sustainable beauty? Have you tried any products that use them? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!
