13. Implications and Applications¶
Final Project Presentation Video¶
If the embedded video does not load (e.g., in private/incognito mode), it can be accessed directly here:
https://vimeo.com/1146383705
Research & Concept¶
This final project is grounded in long-term practice with fermentation as a method for education, research, and product development.
The work explores kombucha-based fermentation as a living biofabrication system and investigates how vegetable-based pigments obtained through fermentation can be transformed into cosmetic and skin-contact materials.
Rather than presenting a finished cosmetic product, the project focuses on the research and development process of probiotic, biologically compatible, and skin-supportive cosmetic materials.
Research Context & Precedents¶
This project sits at the intersection of fermentation-based biofabrication, natural pigments, cosmetic material systems, and skin-contact applications.
While kombucha SCOBY and fermentation-derived biomaterials have been explored in textiles, wearables, and HCI, their potential for cosmetic and skin-supportive material prototypes remains underexplored.
This research shifts the focus from textile-only applications toward cosmetic powders, patches, masks, and film-based materials.
Key references include:
- Designing Interactions with Kombucha SCOBY — Fiona Bell et al.
- Exploring Biofoam — Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez et al.
- Light Tissue — Sofia Guridi
Background & Motivation¶
During previous work for a probiotic food brand, I experimented with coffee kombucha–based skin-nourishing masks and peelings.
A freeze-dried peeling developed from fermented coffee grounds remaining after kombucha production showed promising results but lacked structured documentation.
This project transforms intuitive practice into a systematic, experimental, and openly documented research process.
Research Question¶
Is it possible for materials that come into contact with our skin to be produced through natural, living processes that are more compatible with our biological systems?
Methodology & Process¶
The project follows an iterative research approach.
Stage 1 — Kombucha-based vegetable fermentation¶
Vegetables are fermented using kombucha culture as a starter.
Stage 2 — Pigment stabilization¶
Early-stage exploration of pigment preservation and transformation.
Initial Material Experiments (Week 13 Scope)¶
This section documents the first experimental phase conducted during Week 13.
Material Selection¶
Dried red cabbage and purple carrot were selected due to their anthocyanin content.
Fermentation Process¶
Both materials were fermented separately in kombucha liquid to observe pigment behavior.
Drying Strategy¶
- Oven drying was avoided due to color darkening
- Freeze-drying was inaccessible due to batch limits
Materials were air-dried at room temperature and ground into fine powders.
First Cosmetic Prototype — Failed Iteration¶
The fermented powders were added to a basic wax-based lipstick formulation.
Observed results:
- crumbly texture
- poor spreadability
- no visible color payoff
Reflection¶
This failure revealed the need for alternative binding systems and higher pigment density in fermented vegetable-based cosmetics.
Material Applications¶
The pigments are explored in experimental systems such as:
- cosmetic powders
- skin-contact patches
- masks
- film-based materials
No medical or therapeutic claims are made.
Expected Outcomes¶
- natural pigment library derived from kombucha fermentation
- experimental cosmetic material prototypes
- open-source documentation
Future Research Directions¶
- freeze-dried kombucha integration into films and masks
- interaction with responsive e-textile systems
- further development of fermentation as a biofabrication method
Images¶
Slide Show¶
References & Inspiration¶
- Fiona Bell et al.
- Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez et al.
- Sofia Guridi
- Fabricademy & Fab Academy alumni projects
Why, What, Who?¶
Why
To rethink cosmetics as biologically compatible systems.
What
Kombucha-based fermentation and cosmetic material research.
Who
İpek Kuşcu