Beauty products like moisturizers into a dry piece of confetti-like ‘paper’

Investigators at the University of East Anglia have developed a new technology that turns beauty products like moisturizers into a dry piece of confetti-like ‘paper.’ 

The breakthrough means that 98 percent of the water in products like moisturizers, sun creams, shampoos, and conditioners can be removed. 

Users simply need to add a drop of water to the paper-like disc to rehydrate it instantly.

It could revolutionize the beauty industry by dramatically reducing its carbon footprint and packaging waste.

The new technology also removes the need for preservatives in these products and improves their shelf life.

Lead researcher Prof Sheng Qi, from UEA’s School of Pharmacy, said: “Most cosmetics and toiletries contain up to 95 percent water, leading to heavy units by volume and bulky packaging. 

“Every year, 120 billion units of cosmetics and toiletries are packaged and shipped globally, so the industry has a huge carbon footprint.

“The technology we have developed uses a no-heat process to transform a range of water- and oil-based beauty and skincare products into small discs of paper-like material.”

The innovative process removes up to 98 percent of water while preserving the stability of delicate active ingredients. 

Add a single drop of water, and the dry sheets rapidly reconstitute to a cream or lotion, which can be applied like conventional products.

“Above all, it dramatically reduces their carbon footprint, which is better for the environment. We hope it will help the beauty industry achieve Net Zero carbon targets and sustainability goals without compromising product quality and performance.”

Prof Qi said: “We originally developed this technology for the pharmaceutical industry, but it quickly became apparent that it could really help reduce the carbon footprint of the beauty and skincare industries.

“Removing the water and oil from toiletries like moisturizer, sun cream, and other hair and beauty products means that we can not only improve their shelf life but hugely reduce product and packaging weight, transportation costs, plastic waste, and the need for preservatives.

Surprisingly History Facts of Paper Bottle and FFS Machine– John Van Wormer (1856 – 1942)