Are 'microfluidics' the next big beauty trend?

In the highly scientific world of beauty innovation, there is always a trendy new ingredient or concept on the horizon. One of the latest buzzwords is 'microfluidics', which is gaining a high profile thanks to Chanel.

But what exactly does 'microfluidics' refer to? According to Chanel Research, it is a technique that makes it possible to shape droplets one by one, therefore controlling their size and manipulating fluids to alter the structure of an emulsion. The droplets can then be effectively encased in an evanescent membrane.

But what exactly does 'microfluidics' refer to? According to Chanel Research, it is a technique that makes it possible to shape droplets one by one, therefore controlling their size and manipulating fluids to alter the structure of an emulsion. The droplets can then be effectively encased in an evanescent membrane.

The practical repercussions for beauty fans are that active beauty ingredients could be preserved right up to the moment of application. So, for example, droplets within beauty products do not burst until they are applied directly to the skin, whereby they erupt, offering a fresh sensory experience and more efficient moisturization.

In the case of Chanel's new Hydra Beauty Micro Crème, the gel droplets are able to resist bursting when they are scooped out of the jar, and only explode when the cream they are contained in is applied to the face. 

Chanel teamed up with the French scientific start-up Capsum for expertise in the area of microfluidics, and according to Christian Mahé, senior Vice-President of Chanel Beauty Research and Innovation, it is only the beginning.

"This microfluidics innovation platform is capable of broadening the scope of possibilities (new technologies, new visuals, new textures...) to develop tomorrow's cosmetics," said Mahé in a statement.

With so many cutting-edge beauty innovations being developed, only time will tell whether or not the microfluidics method is set to become the hot new beauty trend of the near future, but what is clear for now is that when it comes to cosmetics, good things truly do come in small packages.