Innovation in ‘for soldier’ cosmetics on the rise

Innovation in the cosmetics industry in recent years has sought to develop better quality products for soldiers because the military's products had a tendency to ruin the skin. 

Less than five years ago, it was thought that developments in this area were less likely to make it onto the high street, however shopping trends in Asia now suggest otherwise.

Camouflage cosmetics that claim to protect and let the skin breathe are particularly going down well with South Korean soldiers.

In Seoul, international beauty brand, The Face Shop has launched a range of 'For soldier' colour cosmetic compacts with plant based ingredients and UV protection.

Launched in 2011, the compacts come in green, brown and black shades and sell an average of 6,000 units a month nationwide, according to company reps.

'New age' cosmetics ​

In a 2012 study, University of Southern Mississippi researchers led by polymer chemist, Robert Lochhead set about developing face products that protect a soldier’s face from the heat waves of an explosion.

The goal was to create a product with the characteristics of make-up that would also be waterproof, non irritable, include insect repellent and ultimately protect the skin for up to 15 seconds before its own temperature rises to 60°C (140°F).

Not your average cosmetic, then.

Lochhead and his team replaced traditional ingredients that can easily burn — like hydrocarbons, fatty substances and mineral oil — with heat-resistant alternatives known as silicones.

They also used a special chemical technique to make individual particles of pigment come together into large clumps; this helped the makeup reflect the heat of a blast.

But rather than adding it as a liquid, they packed the insect repellent inside microscopic capsules of a gel-like material. This gel also holds water which keeps the repellent from catching fire.

Tests suggest that the new makeup can protect a soldier’s face and hands for up to 15 seconds before its own temperature rises to 60°C (140°F), the point at which mild burns can occur.