Functional and safe natural hygiene cosmetics crafted from grape pomace waste from Polish vineyards.

How to Use Wine Production Waste to Make Natural Cosmetics?

A team of researchers at Łukasiewicz Research Network – Heavy Organic Synthesis Institute "Blachownia", led by Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski, D.Sc. Eng., is intensively expanding its research field related to cosmetics and detergents. Together with Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, PhD, Leader of the Analytics Research Group, they conduct research on novel technologies leading to highly intriguing cosmetic and detergent solutions. Their work has already resulted in numerous patent applications, valuable scientific publications, and awards at trade exhibitions. The utilization of grape pomace from Polish vineyards—a byproduct of winemaking—is the core focus of a project funded by the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) under the Proof of Concept action within the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027 (FENG) program.

The objective of the project, in which Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, PhD, serves as the Principal Investigator, is to develop and market safe and functional cosmetics. Repurposing grape pomace reduces both waste volume and disposal requirements. The research premises and goals fully align with the principles of sustainable production and the minimization of human environmental impact.

Grapes are among the most widely cultivated crops globally, with over 80% used in winemaking. However, the winemaking process generates substantial residue, including grape pomace, which presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Grape pomace is not merely waste; it is a rich source of polyphenols—bioactive compounds with well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

"Research conducted at our Institute confirms that raw materials derived from winemaking waste contain high amounts of valuable bioactive substances. We have therefore planned the formulation of a range of interesting cosmetic products containing relatively high concentrations of bioactive ingredients," says Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, PhD.

Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski highlights the critical importance of factoring economic aspects into the ongoing work. "The cosmetics industry is seeking innovative solutions, but they must remain within an acceptable price range. The project places special emphasis on the economics of the proposed solution."

At the laboratory scale, the scientists have already successfully produced innovative, high-quality cosmetics based on grape pomace from Polish vineyards, leading to several patent applications. The goal of the Proof of Concept project is to establish a methodology for industrial-scale cosmetic production from grape pomace, culminating in the commercialization of the concept. To achieve this, the Łukasiewicz – ICSO team collaborates with Onlybio.life S.A., one of Poland's fastest-growing natural cosmetics companies. The company's mission is to create hair and body care products that are both effective and safe for human health and the environment. This partnership was initiated by Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski, who co-developed cosmetics currently available on the market and is well-acquainted with the company's business profile and needs.

Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski, D.Sc. Eng., defended his doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology in 2004, and earned his habilitation (D.Sc.) at the Faculty of Commodity Science, Cracow University of Economics in 2014. In 2021, by decree of the President of the Republic of Poland, he was awarded the title of Professor. He carries out academic research and teaching in the field of cosmetics and detergents.

For years, he has actively collaborated with industry and academic institutions. He has led numerous R&D projects focused on developing innovative cosmetics and household chemical products. He is the co-author of over 50 patents (including international ones) and 70 research articles indexed in the Journal Citation Reports database ($h$-index 19).

Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, PhD, holds a Master's degree in Basic and Applied Chemistry from the University of Opole, where she subsequently worked in the Department of Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry. In 2008, she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Potsdam while conducting research at the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam under the EU Marie Curie Research and Training Network project. Upon earning her PhD, she joined the Heavy Organic Synthesis Institute "Blachownia" in Kędzierzyn-Koźle. She currently serves as Leader of the Analytics and Measurements Research Area and Leader of the Analytics Research Group. She is the co-author of 14 patents, 12 patent applications, and 30 research papers indexed in Journal Citation Reports ($h$-index 12). She specializes in investigating the physicochemical and aggregation properties of surfactants, with a particular focus on their applications in cosmetics and detergents.