Beauty
4 things you need to know about the new ingredient that's going to change beauty for the better
By George Wales
5 years ago
All-natural and built for efficacy, these sustainable fibers are about to transform some of your favourite beauty products…
If, like us, you’ve always got one eye on the latest developments in the world of beauty, there’s a new ingredient you need to have on your radar - Lyocell fibers.
The newest innovation Veocel™, a brand that specialises in making fibers used in facial sheet masks and wipes from botanic origin, Lyocell fibers have been designed to make some of your most frequently-used products a little bit kinder to the environment, with a number of beauty brands already working on incorporating them into their upcoming collections.
So how do these eco-fibers actually work, and what can you expect to see them do for your skin, as well as your environmental footprint?
These are the four things you need to know about the next big thing in sustainable beauty…
1. They're derived from natural resources
The primary function of Lyocell fibers is to act as a naturally-derived replacement for the synthetic fibers commonly used in your day-to-day beauty basics.
Instead of creating fibers using fossil fuels, Veocel branded Lyocell fibers are derived from sustainable wood resources.
Felled trees are turned into wood chips, which are further processed into Lyocell fibers.
As a result, those fibers are fully compostable and biodegradable, enabling them to break down safely and be returned to the environment.
2. They're going to upgrade facial sheet masks
So what will those fibers actually be used for? Well, one product you’ll find them in will be facial sheet masks.
As well as offering a sustainable alternative to masks made using synthetic fibers, Lyocell fibers also promise a more effective delivery system for your skin.
Using Veocel’s patented Translucency technology, Lyocell fibers regulate both the absorption and release of liquid, ensuring that any serum used within the mask is evenly distributed around your face, while also ensuring the product stays moist and translucent.
Not only that, but the fibers are also produced under an environmentally responsible production process that ensures they are clean and safe, and are medically certified as having been tested for toxins.*
Good news for your face.
3. They're going to offer a face wipe solution
Around 474,300 tonnes of fossil-based fibers are used in nonwoven fabrics every year**, none of which are biodegradable.
Instead, they can end up contributing to marine pollution, potentially ending up in the oceans as microplastics where they can enter the food chain, drastically disrupting the natural ecosystem.
It makes for pretty grim reading, but fortunately, Veocel branded Lyocell fibers offer a sustainable alternative, as they can be used to create wipes that are still kind to your skin without damaging the environment.
Since they’re biodegradable, you can enjoy the convenience of a wipe without being concerned about the impact you’re having on the environment. Win-win.
4. The manufacturing process is also green
Not only are Lyocell fibers biodegradable, the actual process of making them has also been optimised to be as sustainable as possible.
First of all, wood comes from certified and controlled forests and plantations that have received either the PEFC or FSC seal of approval.
Then the manufacturing process uses a closed loop system that sees a high recovery rate of materials used, meaning that wastage is minimised wherever possible.
Not only that, but thanks to a transparent supply chain that protects manufacturers from sourcing counterfeit products, you can feel reassured that anything bearing the Veocel label contains genuine premium Lyocell fibers.
The future of beauty is looking just that little bit greener…
Want to make your beauty regime more sustainable? Look for pieces made from Veocel Lyocell fibers, bearing the Veocel label. Find out more here.
*Certified by the FKT Medically Tested – Tested for Toxins - Based on the requirements of the ISO 10993 norm (Biocompatibility standard)
**Source: Smithers Pira, The Future Of Global Nonwoven Wipes To 2023, 2018
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.