Recent advances in the extraction and skincare applications of grape by-product extracts

Grape (Vitis vinifera), a globally cultivated fruit, generates substantial by-products (seeds, peels, pomace, and stems) during wine and juice production. These residues are rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which exhibit significant health-promoting and cosmeceutical potential. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in green extraction methods, chemical compositions, and the skincare efficacy of grape by-products. Recent advancements in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical-fluid CO₂ extraction (SC-CO₂) and enzyme-assisted methods, have enhanced the yield and bioactivity of these compounds while minimizing environmental impact. The characteristics and advantages of grape extracts were comprehensively elaborated for their applications in anti-wrinkle treatment, antioxidant activity, skin whitening and sun protection, thereby exploring their potential in the cosmetics industry. These extracts align with the demand for sustainable, natural cosmetic ingredients, offering alternatives to petrochemical-derived additives. Challenges remain in standardizing extraction parameters and ensuring compound stability, yet interdisciplinary approaches from fields such as nanotechnology and microbial metabolism studies provide novel solutions. By valorizing grape by-products, this research bridges agricultural waste management with high-value cosmeceutical development, promoting circular economy principles.