One thing we can all agree on is that there are too many options out there when it comes to skincare. And because innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve, brands never shy away from incorporating new techniques in their formulas. Over the years, we’ve witnessed unique ingredients, colours, and textures of skincare, and now microencapsulation is creating a buzz. The process of microencapsulation involves enveloping active ingredients within tiny, protective capsules with an aim to maintain their potency and stability over time. But here’s what makes it unique – it’s not just about power, it’s about precision.
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These micro cases release the active ingredient slowly and steadily so that you get maximum benefit for your beauty buck. According to Dr Kiran Sethi, aesthetic dermatologist at Isya Aesthetics and author of Skin Sense, as long as micro-encapsulated skincare is done correctly, it’s better at preserving and releasing ingredients, respectively, in the right way. “This technique protects the product from environmental factors that may degrade it. It also separates multiple ingredients in the same product from each other by helping maintain their pH levels,” she explains. So, by extending product shelf life and reducing waste, it’s eco-friendly beauty at its finest. However beneficial microencapsulation may be in the skincare industry, the question is whether it makes sense in make-up products. Foundations and skin tints that use this technology claim that along with providing flawless coverage, it also nourishes and protects the skin throughout the day.
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Dr Sethi feels that microencapsulated pigments are more of a marketing strategy than the need of the hour and can only be beneficial for preventing the degradation of pigment. However, the products in question, namely foundations or skin tints, are designed mainly for the delivery of pigment. So, microencapsulation seems rather counterintuitive. Because this is a relatively new concept in the beauty industry, more research is needed to unlock its full potential, and we can possibly expect exciting breakthroughs in the years to come. The next time you reach for a moisturiser, keep an eye out for these magic words because they are the future of multitasking skincare.
Read the full story on ELLE India’s new issue or download your digital copy via Magzter.
