Process¶
Methodology¶
The project follows an iterative, material-driven research approach.
Stage 1 — Kombucha-Based Vegetable Fermentation¶
Vegetables are fermented using kombucha culture as a starter to explore pigment behavior and biological transformation.
Stage 2 — Pigment Stabilization¶
Early-stage exploration of pigment preservation, drying strategies, and transformation into powder-based systems.
Initial Material Experiments¶
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.
Rather than forcing a successful lipstick formulation, the research direction shifted toward understanding fermentation itself as a living fabrication system.
Kombucha-Based Healing Tea Fermentation¶
In parallel with cosmetic pigment experiments, kombucha was combined with plant-based teas traditionally associated with soothing and healing properties.
These mixtures were left to ferment to explore their potential for skin bandage and patch applications.
Fermentation Observation — Video Documentation¶
▶️ Watch Fermentation Observation Video
SCOBY Development for Skin Bandage Applications¶
As fermentation progressed, visible SCOBY layers formed on the surface of the liquid.
This stage is critical for the next phase, where the SCOBY and fermentation liquid will be processed together to create powder-based or rehydratable bandage materials intended for skin contact.
Ongoing Fermentation — Skin Bandage Research (Video)¶
▶️ Watch Ongoing Fermentation Video
Current Stage — SCOBY Drying Phase¶
At this stage, multiple SCOBY layers have successfully formed from the herbal tea fermentations.
All produced SCOBY sheets display a similar natural beige tone.
The color remains soft and neutral, while the primary distinction lies in their scent profiles.
Interestingly, the aromas have intensified through fermentation.
Each variation carries a distinct, pleasant fragrance influenced by the infused plant-based teas.
Despite the stronger fermentation notes, the overall smell remains clean, rich, and surprisingly beautiful.
Current Stage — SCOBY Drying Phase¶
The SCOBY sheets are currently in the drying phase.
Once fully dried, they will be ground into powder form and processed into skin bandage prototypes.
This marks the final material transformation stage before documenting and capturing the finished skin-contact bandage application.
The next step will focus on:
- Powder processing
- Rehydration testing
- Final skin bandage assembly
- Material documentation and final visual capture
This phase represents the transition from living fermentation to functional biomaterial.