What is the goal of the Green Beauty project: transforming plant waste into a line of natural cosmetics?
Through our project, we want to inspire others to rethink their approach to cosmetics and daily choices. Do we really know what is hidden in the products we use? Our line of cosmetics proves that it is possible to benefit from nature responsibly by transforming plant waste into high-quality, eco-friendly care products.
What do we mean by green beauty?
This approach to cosmetics combines concern for consumer health with care for the environment. It involves using natural, organic ingredients sourced sustainably and not harmful to ecosystems. An important element is also avoiding synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to skin and the environment. This approach prioritizes the well-being of both people and the planet
What types of cosmetics can be produced?
A variety of cosmetic types can be produced from plant waste, such as scrubs, oils, creams, masks, shampoos, conditioners, facial serums, soaps, or makeup products.
To produce them, a range of local plant-derived raw materials will be used, including horse chestnut fruit, brewing waste, and berry pomace. The horse chestnut fruit caught my attention due to its saponin content, which I can use as a natural cleansing product. Brewing waste, mainly hops, is rich in antioxidant compounds that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
How are such cosmetics produced?
They are produced using yeast fermentation and/or lactic fermentation processes with strains isolated from the raw materials I studied. The resulting bioferment, which constitutes a bioactive preparation, can enrich the final cosmetic product or cosmetic mass and can also be applied directly to the skin. This method yields a fully natural cosmetic with a known composition.
Equally important as content is packaging. What materials can be used for these cosmetics' packaging?
Green Beauty products stand out not only for their natural composition but also for their innovative packaging that is environmentally friendly. Our cosmetics are packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials, significantly helping to reduce waste.
The packaging will be made from waste egg cartons available in various colors. Moreover, our packaging mass will contain seeds of honey plants or herbs. Imagine that after using the cosmetic, we can plant the packaging and enjoy beautiful flowers or fresh herbs in our garden. This is not only a practical solution but also a step towards a more sustainable and green lifestyle.
What sparked your interest in this topic?
My interest in this topic arose during my engineering work in biotechnology when the main raw material for research was pomace from honeysuckle berries. Since then, I have been fascinated by the possibility of transforming waste products into something valuable and useful for consumers.
How would you describe the cooperation with your mentor?
The relationships and cooperation with my supervisor are absolutely crucial for me. They are based on mutual respect and open communication, which forms the foundation of our success. I regularly inform Dr. Motyl about my progress, sharing both achievements and challenges. When I need support, I can always count on her advice and experience.
I appreciate the constructive feedback I receive as it allows me to continuously develop and improve my skills. This relationship full of dialogue and understanding not only fuels my motivation but also makes every step in implementing the project an inspiring adventure.
Interviewed by Agnieszka Garcarek-Sikorska