Cellulose

What it is

Cellulose is the structural fibre of plant cell walls and the most abundant polymer on earth. In cosmetics it acts as a thickener, mild absorbent and bulking agent, and it is not absorbed by skin. Bio-cellulose, produced by fermenting bacteria, is the material behind the dense, gel-like sheet masks that cling closely to the face and hold a large volume of essence.

What it does well

• As a bio-cellulose sheet, holds essence against skin better than a standard non-woven mask

  Bio-cellulose has a much finer fibre network than paper or non-woven sheets, so it conforms closely to the face and dries out more slowly. The advantage is in delivery and comfort; the cellulose itself is inert.

  Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

• No active effect on skin

  Cellulose is a structural and textural ingredient. Any benefit from a bio-cellulose mask comes from the essence and the occlusion, not the fibre.

  Matters most toAnyone paying a large premium for a bio-cellulose sheet over a well-formulated ordinary one.

Where the EU stands