As a scientist, nothing excites me more than discovering new materials in beauty and fashion. So you can imagine my enthusiasm when I found that biocellulose (also known as ‘bacterial‘ or ‘microbial‘ cellulose, the material I wrote my honors thesis on) is used in beauty masks! Here we are—in the midst of a pandemic, when ‘self-care’ products are flying off the shelves. As my own curiosity got the best of me, I finally decided to try Innisfree’s Fermented Soybean Bio Cellulose Mask. Excited to share the science-backed benefits of biocellulose masks below!
I first saw the product last year in their Union Square store. The entire set-up made me feel connected to both science and nature (so cute!).
Thematically, these design choices made sense. Biocellulose is natural, and there is plenty of science behind how this beautiful material is made. Chemically, the structure of bio cellulose is identical to cotton and other plant-based fibers. However, it relies on bacteria to create a complex fiber network (imagine a mesh of cellulose fibers that are 1/1000th the diameter of human hair!). This network greatly expands the material’s water-holding capacity.
Keep in mind, these sheets were $6 a pop! (I luckily found them for $5 in a local store) But still, the price is much more than I am used to paying on a beauty mask.
Was it worth it?
Innisfree’s biocellulose mask is more expensive than average. However, because these masks are made from a more specialized material, I thought they were worth the splurge! Most sheet masks are made from cotton, rayon, and microfibers. While these materials are smooth on the skin, the main drawback is that they dry out very quickly. As such, they lose their stickiness (skin adhesion). One of the key benefits of biocellulose masks, however, is that they have high water retention. This quality makes it one of the most hydrating sheet mask options out there!
Bacteria, though?! Sounds gross.
Truth is, bacteria is found in more products than we think (for example, yogurt and probiotics). Plus, biocellulose is an amazing material. I wish more people knew about it 🙂 So I hope this science guide on the beauty benefits of biocellulose masks will change your mind:
1. Biocellulose adheres perfectly to your skin.
The material feels like a slimy gel, but once it’s on, it essentially feels like a second skin. (And actually, I noticed Innisfree recently renamed it to ‘Second Skin Moisturizing Mask’) Because of this quality, bio cellulose was adapted as a treatment for burn victims.
2. Biocellulose takes forever to dry out.
Under a fermentation medium, certain strains of bacteria can convert sugars into cellulose. The extensive fiber network they create has a remarkable water holding capacity. Now, cellulose is already a hydrophilic (water-loving) material, so imagine how much more water it can hold in every little pocket created by these thin fibers! In simple terms, this means ultra hydration for our skin.
3. Biocellulose is fully biodegradable.
When I harvested this material in the lab, I used all natural starting materials. The bacteria does need to be killed off before the material is repurposed. However, compared to other sheet masks that require bleaching, biocellulose masks are one of the most environmentally friendly options out there!
My own sample of biocellulose that I harvested in the lab, back when I was putting together my research thesis (2017). Where has all the time gone?!
And isn’t it beautiful how translucent the material is?
Since the material feels a lot different than most sheet masks, I also wanted to share how to apply it. The design is pretty thoughtful. Innisfree packages the mask in between two mesh layers (see below). You can peel one mesh layer off, place the sticky side on your face, and gradually peel off the second mesh. Once it’s on, you wait for 15 mins before removing. Because the material is super hydrating, you will notice the mask is still very moist upon removal.
Bottom line: if you are looking for a natural facial mask material, I recommend giving Innisfree’s Fermented Soybean Bio Cellulose Mask a try. Leave me a comment below if you do, and I would love to hear your thoughts!
