Spent coffee waste: A sustainable source of cleansing agent for a high-performance makeup remover

Abstract

Cosmetic consumers’ demand upon natural/eco-friendly and sustainable products are increasing. Those of cosmetic substances upcycled from agricultural industries are of significance in terms of availability and feasibility. Accordingly, spent coffee grounds left over from processing of coffee products are revealed as a renewable source for cosmetics. Spent coffee oils were prepared by several methods. The fatty acid composition was determined as methyl ester derivatives by gas chromatography. The analyses gave comparative yields of extracts (8–16%) and fatty acids (78–94%). Palmitic and linoleic acids were the major fatty acid constituents followed by oleic and stearic acids. The oil was proved to be practical for cosmetics based on its physicochemical properties, with 95.05 ± 3.05% of makeup removal efficacy. Stable spent coffee oil removers were developed, among which that of 40% oil formulation was significantly better in removal efficacy than the 35% (90.59 ± 1.30 and 81.76 ± 1.06%, p < 0.01). The spent coffee oil remover was safe and satisfied in 20 female volunteers.The oil is evidenced as the sustainable cleansing agent for a high-performance makeup remover. Spent coffee oil is appointed as a promising source of high-value added products, i.e. cosmetics and personal care that the tendency for sustainable/naturally derived cosmetic ingredients is increasing. Successive management of coffee processing waste into a more profitable cosmetic product is highlighted.