Scientists from Great Britain claim that green foliage — the stems and leaves traditionally left to rot in fields after harvest — is a true treasure trove of valuable ingredients for cosmetics.
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As reported by Daily Mail, researchers from the University of Aberdeen noted that potato haulm is characterized by a high content of a substance called solanesol. This component is vital for the production of coenzyme Q10 — a powerful antioxidant well-known to all lovers of quality self-care.
Q10 plays a key role in maintaining skin health and youth, which is why it is actively added to expensive anti-aging serums and moisturizing creams.
In addition, vitamin K2 was found in the "waste" from potato fields, which is usually sold in tablet form and is responsible for calcium metabolism and collagen production.
Currently, cosmetic companies obtain solanesol mainly from tobacco plants. The problem is that demand for it has sharply increased: from approximately 4,000 tons in the early 2000s to about 66,000 tons in 2022. Therefore, the idea of finding an alternative emerged.
The project, named Phytocosmo, is being implemented by scientists together with farmers, with the support of the state Research and Innovation Support Fund. They need to find out which potato varieties accumulate the most solanesol, how best to collect and store potato haulm, and which extraction scheme for this substance will be the most economically viable.
If the project is successful, cosmetic manufacturers will be able to include ingredients derived from common potatoes in their products. This opens up new prospects for farmers: instead of simply discarding the foliage, they will be able to turn it into a new source of income and simultaneously reduce the amount of agricultural waste.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time science has paid attention to the cosmetic potential of potatoes. Earlier studies have already hinted at the benefits of this root vegetable for the skin. For example, a scientific paper published in 2019 claimed that treating skin with potato peel extract significantly increases the production of collagen — a protein whose deficiency makes the skin less elastic and more wrinkled.
Nevertheless, in folk recipes, potatoes have long been known as a "home cosmetologist" for combating hyperpigmentation, dark circles under the eyes, and acne. There is even an opinion that ordinary mashed potatoes, mixed with lemon juice, help smooth out fine wrinkles around the eyes, so-called "crow's feet". However, with home methods, as always, caution should be exercised: the exact concentration of active substances is rarely known, and the skin may react with irritation.
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