How does the conquest of space affect the beauty industry?
Space beauty – a new era in skin care
How has space influenced aesthetics and fashion?
Testing in space – a new dimension of care
Why does space accelerate skin aging?
Cosmetics of the future – what ingredients inspire scientists?
Space beauty and asteroid mining
Space – a new frontier in business
Is space beauty ethical?
Cosmic Beauty – A New Era in Skin Care
Space has always fascinated people, inspiring both artists and scientists. Today, it also influences the cosmetics industry, which increasingly draws on technologies used in the exploration of the universe. Space beauty is no longer just a futuristic trend – it is a reality that changes the approach to skin care. Cosmetics companies are developing innovative formulas, testing products in microgravity and studying the effects of space conditions on skin aging.
How has space influenced aesthetics and fashion?
Already in the 60s, after the first landing of man on the moon, space exploration set new directions in fashion and beauty. André Courrèges created the Space Age style, which dominated clothing, makeup and interior design. Today, the fascination with space is back with a vengeance. Thom Browne’s AW23 fashion show referenced NASA uniforms and “The Little Prince,” and FKA twigs appeared on the red carpet in a style inspired by nebulae and black holes.
Testing in space – a new dimension of care
Space beauty isn’t just about aesthetics. More and more beauty brands are testing their products in microgravity. 111Skin, founded by Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, developed Y Theorem Repair Serum based on research into astronaut skin repair. Estée Lauder sent its Advanced Night Repair serum to the International Space Station, and PCA Skin studied the effects of microgravity on skin-related genes.
Why does space accelerate skin aging?
Space conditions have a significant impact on the human body. The lack of atmosphere means that the skin has no protection against UV radiation and cosmic particles. Gravity, or rather the lack thereof, leads to skin thinning, reduced collagen production and accelerated aging. That is why research into the effects of microgravity is helping to create formulas that are more effective than ever before.
Cosmetics of the future – what ingredients inspire scientists?
Cosmetic companies are increasingly drawing inspiration from the extreme conditions of space. An example is Clariant, which created active ingredients based on NASA research. Epseama protects against premature aging, BioDTox cleanses the skin with minimal water consumption, and VageStop protects against strong solar radiation.
Cosmic Beauty and Asteroid Mining
Space exploration could also affect the extraction of raw materials used in cosmetics. Asteroids contain precious metals such as gold and platinum, which are already used in luxury beauty products. La Prairie uses platinum in its Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir, which costs a whopping $1,460. In the future, such ingredients may come not from Earth but from space.
Space – a new business frontier
The development of space technologies opens up new possibilities for the beauty industry. Start-up Varda is working on the production of cosmetics in space, and the number of patents related to microgravity has increased from 21 in 2000 to 155 in 2020. Space beauty is not just a marketing gimmick – it is the future, which could change the way we care for our skin.
Is cosmic beauty ethical?
While the beauty industry is excited about the new possibilities, questions about ethics and sustainability are emerging. Space debris is a growing problem, with scientists calling for global regulations to protect the space around Earth. Experts suggest that brands should consider the ethical aspects of their operations, rather than focusing solely on innovation and profit.
Space beauty is a trend that combines science, technology and skincare. Brands are increasingly testing their products in space, and are drawing inspiration from the extreme conditions beyond Earth. In the future, cosmetic raw materials could come from asteroids, and production could take place in orbit. However, an ethical approach and concern for sustainability will be key. Exploring the universe offers the beauty industry endless possibilities, but it is up to humans to decide how to use them.
