Background

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in human skin and plays a crucial role in maintaining elasticity, hydration, and barrier integrity. While collagen sheet masks are widely used, robust clinical evidence on their efficacy has been limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and skin benefits of a sheet mask composed of >92% native bovine collagen (types I, II, and V).

Methods

A series of in-vitro and clinical evaluations were conducted:

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  Protein and structural analysis: Soluble collagen components and peptides were identified; scanning electron microscopy confirmed a native fibrillar structure highly similar to human dermis.
  
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  Fibroblast activity: Collagen peptides were shown to modulate wound-healing proteins, increasing growth factors while downregulating inflammatory cytokines.
  
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  Clinical studies:
  
  
  Microbiome and pH (n=28, 28 days) – assessment of microbiome diversity, skin pH, and transepidermal water loss.
  
  
  Tolerability in atopic dermatitis (n=15, 5 days) – evaluation of irritation potential on lesional and intact skin.
  
  
  UV-induced erythema (n=10) – comparison of collagen mask with after-sun lotion, antihistamine gel, and fabric.
  
  
  Short-term hydration and roughness (n=10) – corneometer and 3D skin surface analysis at baseline, 20, 40, and 120 min post-application.
  
  
  Periorbital wrinkles (n=5, 4 weeks) – twice-weekly application with 3D wrinkle volume measurements.
  
  
  Comparison with cellulose mask (n=20) – hydration and wrinkle reduction after a single application.
  
  
  

All studies followed EU cosmetic safety regulations and dermatological testing standards.

Results

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  Composition and structure: The mask contained low-molecular-weight collagen peptides (<2 kDa) and exhibited a porous fibrillar network mimicking native dermis.
  
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  Fibroblast modulation: Increased expression of collagen type IV and growth factors; reduced levels of MMP7, MMP9, and pro-inflammatory interleukins.
  
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  Microbiome: Diversity preserved; skin pH decreased significantly (−1.79%), moving toward a healthier acidic range.
  
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  Tolerability: Very good dermal tolerance in both healthy and atopic skin; no adverse events reported.
  
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  UV erythema: Collagen mask produced the strongest reduction in redness compared to all controls.
  
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  Hydration and roughness: Significant increase in skin hydration (+59% after 20 min) and reduction in roughness, especially when combined with an activator containing hyaluronic acid.
  
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  Wrinkle reduction: Periorbital wrinkle depth decreased by ~27% after 4 weeks of use.
  
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  Comparison: Outperformed cellulose sheet masks in both hydration longevity and wrinkle reduction.
  

Conclusion

The Difyned glow collagen mask demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability, even in sensitive and atopic skin. Clinically, it provided superior hydration, reduction of UV-induced redness, improved skin texture, and significant wrinkle reduction compared to standard sheet masks. The preservation of microbiome diversity and lowering of skin pH suggest additional long-term benefits for skin barrier health.

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Ciska Janssens-Böcker et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024)