Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:11
Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions
Published on: October 2, 2018
13.2K
Caffeinated Skincare Development and Optimization: Upcycling Spent Coffee Grounds Into Natural Exfoliants
Alisa Elezović1, Belma Pehlivanović Kelle2, Amila Oras3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|December 13, 2025
Summary
This study demonstrates that spent coffee grounds (SCG) can be transformed into effective cosmetic exfoliants. Formulations using SCG are well-received by consumers and show potential for various skin types.
Area of Science:
- Cosmetic Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Spent coffee grounds (SCG) possess significant ecological and cosmetic value.
- Upcycling SCG into cosmetic products supports sustainability and circular economy principles in the beauty industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the use of upcycled SCG in high-value natural cosmetic products.
- To investigate how formulation bases influence exfoliant characteristics, consumer appeal, and clinical efficacy.
Main Methods:
- SCG characterization, formulation development, and physicochemical stability testing.
- Consumer panel testing for sensory optimization and clinical evaluation of exfoliant efficacy.
- Assessment of skin barrier function using transepidermal water loss measurements.
Main Results:
- Stable cosmetic exfoliant formulations were developed using SCG at 5% and 10% concentrations in ointment, cream, and gel bases.
- Ointment-based exfoliants showed no adverse effects on skin barrier function.
- Aqueous formulations caused temporary skin barrier disruption, with full recovery after 6 hours of hand cream application.
Conclusions:
- Upcycled SCG can be utilized to create high-quality cosmetic formulations with positive consumer reception.
- Different exfoliant formulations derived from SCG may be suitable for various skin types, warranting further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
01:23Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
However, failure of such a system...
However, failure of such a system...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...