Bacterial Cellulose: The Revolution in Cosmetics and Healthcare

AIMPLAS researches a natural biopolymer for facial masks and biomedical applications, offering sustainability and high performance.

Generic image of bacterial cellulose in hydrogel form.
IA

Generic image of bacterial cellulose in hydrogel form.

The Institute of Technology of Plastics (AIMPLAS) is researching the potential of bacterial cellulose to create new facial masks and healthcare applications.

Bacterial cellulose, a 100% natural biopolymer produced by bacteria such as those of the genus Komagataeibacter, is emerging as a promising material for the cosmetic and healthcare industries. This material, typically synthesized in fermentation processes of products like vinegar or kombucha, stands out for its ability to create three-dimensional networks of nanofibers that retain large amounts of water.
Thanks to its flexible structure and its ability to adapt to the face, creating a "second skin" effect, bacterial cellulose is ideal for developing innovative facial masks. These masks can act as a vehicle for incorporating active ingredients for skin care, especially in the months following summer when skin dehydration is more common.

"Bacterial cellulose brings together very interesting properties for developing more sustainable cosmetic products with high performance. Its extraordinary water-retaining capacity, along with its flexibility and skin adaptability, make it an ideal material for obtaining facial masks and as a support for incorporating active cosmetic ingredients."

María José de Manuel · Biotechnology Researcher at AIMPLAS
Beyond its cosmetic applications, bacterial cellulose shows great potential for the healthcare sector. Its biocompatibility, high absorption capacity, and nanoporous structure make it suitable for developing dressings and patches for burns, treatments for wounds and ulcers, or supports for the controlled release of active principles. It also facilitates applications related to tissue regeneration and the creation of new biomaterials.
This natural and biodegradable material represents a more environmentally friendly alternative to other conventional products, as it is obtained through fermentation processes with lower consumption of forest resources. Its high purity, flexibility, transparency, and absorption capacity position it as a valuable resource for sectors such as cosmetics, medicine, and biotechnology, driving sustainable and high-value-added solutions.
Based on information from the official source: REDIT — Red de Institutos Tecnológicos de la CV (07/09/2026)