UDOM students develop eco-friendly beauty oil

DODOMA: UNIVERSITY of Dodoma (UDOM) students have combined scientific research with entrepreneurial innovation to develop natural, chemical free oil for skin and hair care, made from grape residue waste typically discarded after wine and juice production.

A representative from UDOM’s College of Health Sciences and Engineering, Mr Uswege Mwangoge told the Daily News that the idea stemmed from a study observing the indiscriminate dumping of grape by-products, which contributes to environmental pollution.

“Our students saw an opportunity in this challenge. Through research, we discovered that grape residue is rich in nutrients that can be used to formulate high-quality natural oil for both hair and skin,” Mr Mwangoge explained.

The product is crafted from grape residue waste typically discarded after wine and juice production turning what was once considered waste into a valuable resource.

This innovative solution not only promotes sustainable practices by minimising agricultural waste but also offers a healthier alternative to synthetic cosmetic products.

By transforming grape by-products into marketable skincare oil, the students are contributing to both environmental protection and economic development.

The innovation offers a sustainable solution to both environmental waste and cosmetic needs. It aligns with the national environmental conservation agenda and has been hailed as a promising model of value addition and youth-led sustainability.

He further noted that the product offers a range of hair care benefits: it promotes hair growth, restores moisture, strengthens roots, and prevents breakage all without the use of synthetic additives. It is also particularly effective in eliminating dandruff and soothing the scalp.

“We decided to create value-added products from grape waste instead of letting it go to waste. The oil is both eco-friendly and economically viable, offering solutions for common beauty concerns while helping to reduce environmental harm,” the student innovators said.

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According to Mr Mwangoge, the oil is free from industrial chemicals and rich in vitamins that deeply penetrate the skin, helping to soften, refresh, and restore its natural condition.

“Unlike some industrial beauty products that can irritate or damage the skin, this oil strengthens hair follicles and protects the skin against environmental stressors,” he added.

UDOM has pledged continued support for similar student-led research and innovations that not only promote practical skills development but also contribute to the growth of small-scale industries rooted in local knowledge and resources.

UDOM’s Director of Communication and Marketing, Ms Rose Joseph said the grape-waste oil project clearly demonstrates the university’s commitment to transforming environmental challenges into economically viable innovations that benefit both communities and the broader economy.

“The university has established a robust support structure for student innovators, including competitive pitching sessions where promising ideas are selected for further development. Once selected, projects receive research support, prototyping assistance, and resources to reach the production stage,” Ms. Joseph explained.