Valorization of Grape By-Products in Cosmetic Applications
Summary
The winemaking process generates substantial quantities of solid residues—grape pomace, seeds, skins, stems and lees—that are rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and fatty acids. Historically regarded as waste, these by-products are now recognised as valuable feedstocks for the cosmetic industry, offering natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic actives. Advances in extraction technologies—such as solid-liquid extraction with green solvents, ultrasound-assisted recovery and supercritical fluid extraction—have improved the yield and purity of bioactive fractions. The phenolic and flavonoid constituents exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-aging, photoprotective and antimicrobial properties, making them attractive for topical formulations targeting skin barrier function, hyperpigmentation and oxidative stress. Moreover, the integration of grape by-product extracts into creams, serums and emulsions supports circular-economy principles, reduces environmental footprint and responds to consumer demand for eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.
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Valorization of Grape By-Products in Cosmetic Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in valorization of grape by-products in cosmetic applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Grape pomace: The solid remains of grapes (skins, seeds and stems) after pressing.
Polyphenols: A diverse class of plant secondary metabolites known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids: Subgroup of polyphenols characterised by a 15-carbon skeleton, contributing to UV protection and free-radical scavenging.
Antioxidant capacity: The ability of a substance to neutralise free radicals and prevent oxidative damage in biological systems.
DPPH assay: A common laboratory method that uses a stable free radical (DPPH·) to evaluate the radical-scavenging activity of extracts.
References
- Wine industry by-products as a source of active ingredients for topical applications. Phytochemistry Reviews (2024).
- A Potential Valorization Strategy of Wine Industry by-Products and Their Application in Cosmetics—Case Study: Grape Pomace and Grapeseed. Molecules (2022).
- Relevance of Natural Phenolics from Grape and Derivative Products in the Formulation of Cosmetics. Cosmetics (2015).
- Extraction of Total Phenolic Compounds, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins and Tannins from Grape Byproducts by Response Surface Methodology. Influence of Solid-Liquid Ratio, Particle Size, Time, Temperature and Solvent Mixtures on the Optimization Process. Food and Nutrition Sciences (2014).
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