Tailored fit: Amorepacific to debut customised 3D-printed mask under IOPE brand

The mask is made-to-measure by a 3D printing system is driven by a smartphone app that instantly measures users' facial dimensions to print a personalised hydrogel mask that is tailored to individual facial features and skin conditions.

The South Korean beauty behemoth developed the custom mask in partnership with Lincsolution, a South Korean company that specialises in 3D printing technology.

The 3D printing system utilises a cartridge-based module that ensures hygienic and efficient use of the liquid-type hydrogel material for skin care.

As the mask is perfectly tailored to each individual’s facial structure, the mask can adhere perfectly onto the skin and can more accurate target certain areas, such as the forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, and mouth.

The hydrogel mask is paired with a personalised serum which is prepared on the spot for consumers using professional-grade equipment.

The brand is able to whip up 20 different version of the serum to respond to the various skin conditions and concerns of each individual.

According to the firm, this 3D printer is able to print an entire hydrogel mask for the face in under five minutes.

The speed of the printer made it especially viable for in-store use, allowing consumers to almost instantly purchase a fully customisable product.

"IOPE is continuing to explore solutions to change the future of the skin with its unique research," ​said Bae Ji-hyun, director of IOPE.

Future of skin care

IOPE was founded by Amorepacific in 1996 as a brand specialising in high-performing botanical ingredients and tailored skin solutions.

The personalised mask service will be available as a part of its tailored service available at the brand's flagship store in Seoul.

Apart from functioning as a store, the IOPE Lab also offers personalised beauty solutions such as genetic testing, which can predict future skin problems.

It is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen next month just in time for the debut of the personalised 3D printed mask service.

The firm had piloted the system in the IOPE Lab located in Seoul for five months from 2017 to 2018. With the pilot program, Amorepacific was able to glean insight and information to improve the accuracy of the analysis as well as the speed of delivery.

Amorepacific then debuted the IOPE Tailored 3D Mask globally in January this year at the annual technology show CES 2020 where it was awarded with the CES 2020 Innovation Award for ‘for extending the scope of 3D printing technology from materials like plastic and silicon to liquid-type hydrogel’​

The IOPE Tailored 3D Mask was also recognised with an award in the design concept category at the 2019 Red Dot Design Awards.

Previously, Johnson & Johnson introduced it own 3D printed mask, Neutrogena MaskiD hydrogel face mask, also at CES 2019.

In addition to the 3D printed customisable face mask, Amorepacific also showcased a wearable beauty device at CES 2020.

The lightweight and flexible LED patch adheres closely to the skin, minimising light dispersion and maximizing the skincare effect, claimed the company.

This firm said this device would be made available in Korea through the company's beauty device brand MakeON in 2020.