Health and wellness textiles company Nufabrx has launched a new face mask that founder Jordan Schindler says will help wearers take back control over their skin.
Nufabrx was founded in 2011 after Schindler learned from his dermatologist that pillowcases were a leading cause of acne. The company's first product was a pillowcase infused with tea tree oil and lavender.
When the pandemic hit, the company pivoted production to create a reusable, washable medical mask. The masks, infused with copper, are designed to be antimicrobial and are good for 30 washes.
On Thursday, however, Nufabrx released the next mask in its collection: Solscia.
Similar to its predecessor, Solscia is infused with the same copper-based technology, which acts as an anti-microbial agent, as well as shea butter. Schindler said the combination of ingredients is designed to keep the wearer safe and help combat the dryness and acne many people have experienced from wearing a mask over the last five months. The mask is machine washable and proven to retain moisturizing capabilities for two-to-three months of regular wear, Schindler said.
"There’s this whole demographic wearing a mask product where we never had to before, and it’s given rise to this new burden called 'maskne,'" Schindler said. "We thought, why couldn't we take our mask and provide a skincare benefit... If it's built into what you're wearing all day, you get that consistent, sustained benefit.
"That's really at the core of our idea, simplifying health and wellness," he said.
Schindler said Nufabrx is partnering with Charlotte Plastic Surgery, as well as dermatological facilities in Philadelphia and San Francisco, to sell the masks. They're also available for pre-sale on the Nufabrx website and will ship on Sept. 1.
Since launching its first mask, Theramask, earlier this year, Nufabrx has more than doubled in size. Schindler said over the last two months they've grown from eight team members to 25.
"Everything we do now is drug regulated by the FDA. We're in the textile industry, but we’re really creating a medical product," he said. "We’ve been able to provide masks to Charlotte Mecklenburg PD, Catawba County, places in New York and D.C., and the exposure has really allowed us to grow our team."
Schindler added, "Ultimately we’ve had the ability to react quickly, and it's required support from the industry to help us grow so we can continue to innovate."
