Non-medical stick-to-skin products such as fashion tape, breast lift tape and cosmetic tape have grown in popularity as designers and product developers have found new applications for pressure-sensitive adhesives. Products like adhesive bras, hair tape and nipple covers have gone from fashion industry secrets to mainstream consumer goods. But what other opportunities await in a global beauty industry expected to top $716 billion by 2025? Designers looking to craft the next generation of stick-to-skin products will have to overcome a number of challenges to bring innovations to market. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when developing fashion tape and cosmetic tape products.
Autonomy and wearability
One of the biggest issues for designers of fashion tape and cosmetic stick-to-skin products is balancing the need for strong holding power while also ensuring the product is comfortable and easily removable. The products need to stay firmly in place without inhibiting natural movement while avoiding skin irritation. This becomes even more challenging for products intended for significant wear time. Product designers will have to consider the tack, holding power and biocompatibility of various pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and decide which is best for the intended application. In short, designers have to work hard to cover all their bases when developing products for mass consumer markets.
Moisture management
Skin has a dynamic relationship with moisture. It acts as a waterproof membrane to protect against the elements, but it also creates its own moisture in the form of sweat and natural oils. When you add in lotions and other consumer cosmetic products, you get a compromised surface that presents an added challenge for product developers. Moisture management needs to be a top priority because improper design could inhibit product performance or even cause serious skin damage.
Managing moisture effectively often comes down to the materials selected (including all adhesives and backing substrates) and product design. Designers need to choose materials that either transfer or absorb moisture without trapping it under the tape material and irritating the skin. An experienced converter can help guide these decisions to ensure adhesives stay strong and users stay comfortable in any conditions.
The age of skin
Part of what makes skin such a difficult surface to work with is that it changes from person to person. Age is also a major factor. Skin elasticity and texture, for example, can vary greatly between someone in their 20s and a geriatric person. So, even if a cosmetic tape product isn’t designed to eliminate wrinkles, Designers will still need to account for creased skin during product development.
The age of skin can also make it more susceptible to irritation or damage. So, product developers will need to think critically about the intended audience, their age and what that means for product design and materials.
The brand is everything
Brand names are extremely important in the world of fashion and cosmetics. So, maintaining that brand experience in the physical product is vital for building loyalty with customers. That means manufacturers need to find a converter that has robust printing capabilities in addition to die cutting, materials sourcing and other standard converter services. Printing logos on liners or even directly onto tapes creates yet another touch point — literally — with the brand identity. In addition to branding elements, user instructions, numbering systems and color coding can all enhance the user experience by ensuring a simple, straightforward application process.
Products that let users shine
Users of fashion tape and cosmetic tape don’t think about the pressure-sensitive adhesives and the moisture management characteristics of stick-to-skin materials. They just want to look and feel great. That’s why it’s up to the designers and the expertise of your converter to focus on what happens outside the spotlight. By concentrating on the issues presented here and prioritizing user comfort, product developers can overcome the challenges associated with stick-to-skin tape products and create amazing experiences for customers.
Want to improve the way you bring stick-to-skin fashion or cosmetics products to market? Contact The Tape Lab to see how our expansive converting capabilities can make a difference for your business.