The gelatin in Jell-O® is what enables you to create all sorts of different shapes. I’m sure you’ve all heard of gelatin, but what exactly is it? Gelatin is a structural protein called collagen that is found in many animals, including humans. In fact, collagen makes up nearly one third of all protein in the human body. Collagen is a large molecule that our bodies use to make skin, bones, and tendons both strong and flexible—that is, somewhat elastic.
To manufacture gelatin, manufacturers grind up bones, hooves, and connective tissues of cows, pigs, and sometimes horses and treat these parts with either a strong acid or base to break down the cellular structure of the tissue and release the collagen and other proteins. After this treatment, the resulting mixture is boiled; during this process the collagen protein is broken down, resulting in the creation of gelatin. Yummy!
Because of its versatility, gelatin is a common ingredient in many foods and can be used in many ways; gelatin is used in foods from chewing gum to yogurt. It is even used to make capsules for medications and vitamins to make them easier to swallow.
By now some of you may be wondering, "What the heck does this have to do with special makeup effects, Todd?" Well, in addition to gelatin being used as an ingredient in foods and cosmetics, it is also one of the primary materials used in creating prosthetic appliances, along with foam latex and silicone. Gelatin has been used to create makeup effects since the 1920s.