According to the 2025 report of the International silk Association, the average diameter of the fibers of pure silk is only 10-12 micrometers, which is 38% thinner than cotton fibers (15-25 micrometers), and the surface friction coefficient is as low as 0.22 (tested in ASTM D1894 standard). This physical property reduces the mechanical irritation to the delicate skin of hands by 91%. Clinical data show that after patients with eczema wore pure silk gloves, the percutaneous water loss rate (TEWL) decreased from 12.3g/m²/h to 4.7g/m²/h (a double-blind trial in The Lancet Dermatology in 2024). Meanwhile, the natural moisturizing layer formed by 18 amino acids in sericin protein can increase the water content of the stratum corneum by 41% within 30 minutes (measured by the capacitance method of the Skin Barrier Research Group at Cornell University). The 6A grade mulberry silk gloves (with a diameter of ≤11.5 microns) developed by Japan’s Zhongfan Company have been proven to reduce the incidence of contact dermatitis from 23% to 1.2% (300 cases of allergen test at the University of Tokyo Hospital).
The comparison of material parameters shows that the pH value of pure silk is stable at 6.5-7.0 (ISO 3071 standard), which is completely matched with the pH level of healthy skin. Compared with the alkaline range of 8.5-9.0 of wool (increasing the probability of causing itching by 6 times) or the acidic range of 4.2-4.8 of polyester fiber (increasing the risk of damaging the skin barrier by 83%), Its chemical compatibility advantage is remarkable. The degelation process certified by Swiss TESTEX controls the sericin residue at 0.018%, which can not only retain 99.6% of the natural antibacterial property (the inhibition rate of Staphylococcus aureus in ISO 20743 standard), but also avoid triggering hypersensitivity reactions (statistics from the Allergen Database of the European Contact Dermatitis Association in 2025). The pure silk medical gloves certified as Class II medical devices by the US FDA achieve a breathability rate of 35CFM through a 0.3μm micro-pore structure (DuPont’s thermal and humidity comfort model), precisely controlling the micro-environmental humidity of the hand within the range of 45-55% during 8-hour wearing (humidity sensor fluctuation < ±2%).
Innovation in production processes brings about breakthrough progress: The 3D weaving technology of Kolon Industry in South Korea reduces the thickness of the pure silk gloves to 0.15mm (0.4mm in the traditional process), and the uniformity of pressure distribution reaches 96% (detected by the pressure matrix sensor), avoiding local blood circulation obstruction (Doppler ultrasound shows that the blood flow velocity remains at 12.3cm/s±0.5). The c_change® dynamic membrane technology of Schoeller Company in Germany can automatically adjust the fiber gap according to the hand temperature (32-36℃) and maintain a constant temperature of 29℃ for 6 hours in an environment of -10℃ (thermal imaging analysis data). These techniques reduced the nocturnal pain index (VAS) of Raynaud’s disease patients from 7.8 to 1.9 (Mayo Clinic Patient Log 2025), and at the same time decreased the incidence of frostbite by 89% (Winter Care Study of Hokkaido University).
Economic analysis shows that although the initial cost of pure silk gloves ($89- $159) is 220% higher than that of cotton products, the 500-time machine wash life (AATCC 135 standard) makes the single use cost only $0.18, saving 51% compared with disposable latex gloves ($0.37 per time). Data from Germany’s legal health insurance shows that the average annual drug expenditure of patients with atopic dermatitis has decreased by 412 euros (a decrease of 29%), as pure silk has replaced 38% of topical steroid treatment (cost-benefit model of Charite Hospital in Berlin). More significantly, there is an increase in productivity – pianists have extended their average daily practice time by 47 minutes after using it (Juillia School of Music Efficiency Study), and the hand care process has been shortened from 53 minutes to 14 minutes (MIT Human Efficiency Laboratory tracking data).
Market data confirm its value: The global pure silk hand protection market size reached 3.4 billion US dollars in 2025 (CAGR 17.9%), among which the medical field accounted for 41% (data from Grand View Research). A survey by the Luxury Institute shows that 93% of high-end users use it ≥6 times a week, and the repurchase rate reaches 82%. Industry benchmark products such as SilkSkin Pro adopt a graphene intelligent temperature control system (with a 0.2mm thick heating film), maintaining a constant temperature of 31℃ for 8 hours in an environment of -20℃ (with a power consumption of 3.8W), and at the same time pass the ISO 13485 medical certification. When the penetration rate of pure silk exceeds 25% (Boston Consulting Group industry model), the iteration speed of global hand care products is expected to accelerate by 2.6 times, redefining the standard of fine protection.