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Move over, pricey serums — your next glow-up might come straight from a potato.
Scientists at the University of Aberdeen are turning discarded potato stems and leaves, known as “shaws,” into high-value ingredients for skincare and cosmetics.
Normally tossed after harvest, these humble scraps are now being tapped for solanesol, a key compound used in coenzyme Q10 and vitamin K2 — staples in moisturizers and other hydrating anti-aging products.
The project could even cut out tobacco as the main source of solanesol, reduce agricultural waste, and create new income for Scottish farmers, according to reports.
With over 12,800 hectares of seed potatoes grown in Scotland, experts say the industry could churn out enough solanesol to fuel a cosmetic revolution.
“This project is particularly significant for Grampian Growers and the wider potato industry,” said Sofia Alexiou, Project Lead at Grampian Growers.
Heather Wilson, Chair in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen, explained the science behind the spud magic: “Exploring the quality and yield of solanesol extracted from locally sourced potato shaws — and evaluating its potential applications across the cosmeceutical and related industries represents an exciting and impactful area of research.”
She added that the work highlights how science can turn farm waste into gold while supporting rural communities.
Beyond skincare, the initiative could bolster circular economy innovation, reduce environmental impact, and give Scottish farmers a fresh revenue stream.
But do potatoes actually do anything for your skin when applied topically?
On BeautyTok, TikTokkers have been swearing by rubbing spuds on their faces — claiming they zap acne scars, banish dark circles, and give an instant glow and plump-factor boost.
This week, user @monamakeupdoll shared a TikTok video showing her pressing potato slices under her eyes, insisting they work “like concealer” to minimize dark circles.
Similarly, @mellysandford18 filmed herself placing sliced potatoes beneath her peepers and also using them like you would usual “pimple patches.”
“You can rub the potato on your skin,” she explained. “You can slice it up and put it on certain areas of the skin. I especially love them for under the eyes for dark circles and puffiness and for reducing scarring and lightening up dark spots.”
Fellow BeautyTokker @shamiebirungi19 did the same in another clip, meticulously rubbing sliced potatoes across her face like they were trendy Mediheal facial pads.
While asking her followers, “did you know a raw potato might be the skincare hack you never knew you needed?” she also claimed that doing this could “dry out active breakouts.”
She said to “rub a fresh slice on clean skin,” let the “juice sit for 10-15 minutes,” and then “rinse off with lukewarm water.” She then showed off her glowy results after removing the slices.
Need more convincing? Researchers previously found that potato peel extract can help human skin cells produce more collagen by activating key signaling pathways — suggesting your spuds might be better for wrinkles than you think (Suto, Masutomi, Ishihara & Masaki, Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2019).
While slathering potatoes on your face — whether as slices, masks, or trendy serums — might become the next big thing in beauty, there’s still plenty to be said for the skin benefits of simply eating them.
As Serena Poon, a certified nutritionist and celebrity wellness advisor, previously told The Post, “carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene,” which are “found in sweet potatoes,” can “enhance tone and glow while providing natural sun protection.”
Overall, maybe your next wrinkle-fighter or dark-circle zapper could come straight from the spud bin — talk about farm-to-face glow.
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