Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market– Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Substrate Type (Nonwoven, Cotton, Hydrogel, and Bio Cellulose), By Gender (Male and Female), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.44 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.36%
Fastest Growing Segment	Nonwoven
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 1.97 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market will grow from USD 1.44 Billion in 2025 to USD 1.97 Billion by 2031 at a 5.36% CAGR. The Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market is defined by the production and distribution of foundational carrier fabrics, including biocellulose, hydrogel, and nonwoven cotton, designed to deliver active skincare ingredients effectively. The market is supported by the enduring consumer shift toward convenient at home skincare treatments and the rising industrial demand for sustainable and biodegradable fiber alternatives. These drivers provide a stable foundation for expansion that is distinct from transient cosmetic trends or viral product fads.

A significant challenge impeding broader market development involves the environmental scrutiny surrounding single use synthetic waste which complicates supply chain compliance for manufacturers. Regarding the availability of raw materials for this sector, according to the China Nonwovens and Industrial Textiles Association, in 2024, the output of spunlaced nonwovens reached 1.67 million tons which represented an 8.1 percent annual increase. This production growth highlights the robust industrial capacity underlying the sheet mask substrate supply chain.

Key Market Drivers

Accelerating Shift Towards Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Materials is fundamentally reshaping the manufacturing logic of the sheet mask substrate sector. As environmental scrutiny intensifies, brands are increasingly abandoning synthetic polymers in favor of compostable fibers like lyocell, bamboo, and bio-cellulose to align with regulatory frameworks such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. This transition is not merely cosmetic but structural, compelling nonwoven suppliers to retool production lines for natural fibers that offer biodegradability without compromising wet strength or serum retention. Reflecting this broader industrial pivot toward sustainable disposable applications, according to EDANA, March 2025, in the 'Statistics Report on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2024', the delivery of nonwovens for the personal care wipes segment increased by 4.8 percent. This growth indicates a robust consumer appetite for environmentally responsible wet-application substrates.

Rising Global Popularity of Korean Beauty and Skincare Regimens continues to serve as the primary engine for substrate innovation and volume expansion. The trend has normalized the daily use of sheet masks, transforming them from occasional luxury items into essential commodities and thereby driving massive volume requirements for high-performance carriers like hydrogel and ultra-thin cotton. This influence has expanded beyond Asia, establishing a global trade flow that directly benefits substrate manufacturers who supply these export-oriented brands. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, January 2025, South Korea's total cosmetic exports achieved a record high of USD 10.2 billion in 2024. Furthermore, underscoring the dominance of mask-heavy regimens in this trade volume, according to the Korea Customs Service, in 2024, exports of skin care products specifically accounted for USD 7.67 billion of this total.

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Key Market Challenges

The environmental scrutiny surrounding single use synthetic waste constitutes a substantial barrier to the progression of the Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market. This challenge directly hampers growth by creating a complex regulatory landscape that manufacturers must navigate which often occurs at the expense of speed and scalability. As governments and environmental agencies impose stricter disposal mandates, companies are forced to divert resources from product innovation to compliance assurance. This shift complicates supply chain logistics for producers relying on conventional synthetic fibers who now face potential penalties or market exclusion if they fail to meet emerging sustainability standards.

The sheer scale of the industry output amplifies this scrutiny and makes the transition to compliant materials a slow process. The magnitude of this sector footprint is evident in recent industrial figures which highlight the volume of material circulating in the market. According to the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association, in 2024, the production of nonwovens in the Greater Europe region reached a volume of 2,976,400 tonnes. This massive volume of predominantly disposable material underscores why regulatory bodies are intensifying their focus on this market and constraining its unrestricted expansion.

Key Market Trends

The Integration of Functional Ingredients Directly into Substrate Matrices is transforming the sheet mask fabric from a passive vessel into an active treatment component. Manufacturers are increasingly embedding bioactive elements, such as charcoal, algae, or Vitamin C, directly into the fiber structure during extrusion, allowing for controlled release mechanisms and enhanced stability of volatile ingredients. This innovation addresses the demand for multi-functional skincare where the substrate itself contributes to the dermatological outcome, moving the market beyond simple serum delivery systems. Highlighting the value generated by such specialized material portfolios, according to Ahlstrom, February 2025, in the 'Financial Statements Release 2024', the company achieved a record comparable EBITDA margin of 15.2 percent. This financial metric reflects the industry's successful pivot toward high-performance, functionalized fiber technologies that command premium market positioning over commodity nonwovens.

The Emergence of Dry and Water-Activated Sheet Mask Formats is gaining traction to address the stability challenges inherent in pre-soaked options. These substrates are supplied dry with dormant actives that activate only upon hydration, ensuring the maximum potency of unstable ingredients like Vitamin C while eliminating the need for heavy preservatives. This format also significantly reduces shipping weight and spoilage risks, appealing to logistics-conscious brands seeking efficiency. Underscoring the industrial scale supporting these diverse formats, according to the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), May 2025, in the 'North American Nonwovens Supply Report', the region's nonwovens capacity expanded to reach 5.730 million tonnes in 2024. This robust manufacturing base enables the production of the specialized airlaid and composite fabrics required for these novel dry applications.

Segmental Insights

The Nonwoven segment represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market due to its favorable balance of affordability and functional performance. Manufacturers extensively utilize nonwoven materials because they possess high absorbency rates that ensure effective serum delivery to the skin. Additionally, the porous structure of these fabrics allows for improved breathability and user comfort compared to thicker alternatives. This segment benefits significantly from lower production costs, making it the primary choice for mass-market skincare brands aiming to provide accessible cosmetic treatments to a broad consumer base.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific holds the leading position in the Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market, primarily driven by a robust skincare culture and the expansive reach of K-beauty and J-beauty trends. This high consumer engagement fuels the mass production of various substrates, ranging from traditional cotton to bio-cellulose. The region benefits from a strong manufacturing base and abundant raw material supply, which facilitates efficient production. Furthermore, adherence to rigorous safety protocols established by institutions like China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) bolsters product reliability, securing the region's continued market dominance.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Lenzing Group and Graminton Enterprise announced a strategic collaboration to develop and launch a new range of responsible sheet mask products. The partnership focused on utilizing Veocel branded lyocell fibers, which are known for their biodegradability and translucency, to meet the rising consumer expectation for sustainable beauty products. The collaboration involved the integration of these specialty fibers into Graminton's manufacturing processes to create facial mask substrates that are both skin-friendly and environmentally conscious. This initiative was part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental footprint of single-use beauty items and provide transparent, eco-responsible options to the global personal care market.
• In June 2024, Asahi Kasei presented its proprietary continuous-filament cellulosic nonwoven fabric, Bemliese, at the World of Wipes International Conference. The company highlighted the material's unique properties, including its composition of 100% upcycled cotton linter, which renders it fully biodegradable and compostable. During the event, the manufacturer emphasized the substrate's high liquid absorption and retention capabilities, making it an ideal choice for sustainable sheet masks and cosmetic wipes. This showcase aimed to reinforce the material's position in the North American market as a superior, binder-free alternative to synthetic nonwovens, catering to the industry's shift towards circular economy principles.
• In March 2024, Sunrider International announced the launch of its new Kandesn Pure Bio Cellulose Mask, expanding its portfolio of sustainable skincare solutions. The company utilized advanced bio-cellulose technology to create a mask substrate derived from fermented coconut extract, which adheres closely to facial contours for optimal ingredient absorption. This launch addressed the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable sheet mask materials in the global market. The product was designed to provide intense hydration through a proprietary blend of botanical extracts, positioning it as a premium, spa-quality option that aligns with clean beauty trends and environmental responsibility.
• In January 2024, researchers from a scientific society published a study introducing a novel dry-packaged hydrating facial mask designed to address sustainability concerns in the sheet mask substrate market. The team developed a facial mask using a sheet of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) capable of repelling water, which was then coated with a layer of gelatin mixed with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract. This innovative design allowed the mask to be packaged dry, eliminating the need for preservatives and plastic liners typically required for wet masks. The study highlighted that the biobased materials offered effective moisture delivery and antioxidant benefits while significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional substrates.

Key Market Players

• Alliqua BioMedical, Inc.
• Shanghai GUI Zhi International Trading Co. and Ltd.
• TAIKI GROUP
• Bel Mondo Beauty
• Biocrown Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
• Denex International
• Fitesa S.A.
• Intracosmed AG
• KATECHO, INC.
• Nox Bellow Cosmetics

By Substrate Type	By Gender	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Nonwoven Cotton Hydrogel Bio Cellulose	Male and Female	Online and Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Sheet Mask Substrate Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Sheet Mask Substrate Market, By Substrate Type:

• Nonwoven
• Cotton
• Hydrogel
• Bio Cellulose

• Sheet Mask Substrate Market, By Gender:

• Male and Female

• Sheet Mask Substrate Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Online and Offline

• Sheet Mask Substrate Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE