Cosmeto-textiles hit the US market via Macy's

A line of shaping underwear impregnated with skin care actives will be debuting at Macy's this week designed to slim the silhouette and help rid the wearer of cellulite.

The product is part of a new class of products labeled as cosmeto-textiles that some industry insiders are highlighting as the next big thing.

Cellulite actives inside the fabric In the case of Skineez Skincarewear this fusion of cosmetics and textiles comes in the form of shaping underwear that whilst worn delivers active ingredients to the skin designed to fight against cellulite.

The product will be launched in Macy's after a positive response from the European market, according to Muriel Gonzalez senior vice president of intimate apparel at Macy's.

"Body shapers continue to grow in popularity and demand among our customers.

The launch of this line represents a new era in undergarment and shapewear offerings, combining cosmetic benefits with desired daily contouring ," she said.

The line includes a thigh and a waist slimmer in nude and black.

Although the garments come impregnated with a complex of active ingredients called Skintex this will diminish after six to ten washes, according to the company.

The company also provides top up bottles of Skintex spray that consumers can use to replenish their garments after washing.

Cosmeto-textiles is a trend to watch German ingredients supplier Cognis is behind the technology used by Skineez Skincarewear and back in 2007 they highlighted it as one the most important new trends of the industry.

"Many textile producers regard cosmeto-textiles and medical textiles with added, long lasting functionalities as one of the most important products of the future.

Our aim is to help them open up new markets through specialty chemicals that combine health and beauty benefits," said Oliver-Daniel Bogatu, director of business development textile technology from Cognis.

Similar products on the market are available form Lytess who offer amongst other items anti-bacterial underwear, moisturising vests and anti-cellulite jeans.

The potential for this technology is not limited solely to cosmetics applications.

Other companies experimenting in the field includes France-based company Mulliez which has a range of garments designed to hold in perspiration and body odour until the fabric is washed.