Biomaterials for skincare applications: Sugarcane bagasse-based activated carbon as a sustainable alternative

The development of sustainable biomaterials for skincare applications is gaining attention due to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This study explores the potential of sugarcane bagasse-based activated carbon as a sustainable alternative, emphasizing both its functional skincare performance and underlying materials science. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agro-industrial byproduct, was converted into activated carbon using a two-step process: pyrolysis at 500 °C for two hours, followed by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 800 °C for one hour. This approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative to conventional activation methods, while enabling the fine-tuning of pore structure and surface chemistry to suit cosmetic applications, thereby representing a novel application of this well-established activation method to generate biomaterials specifically tailored for cosmetic use. This method yielded a high-performance material while supporting waste valorization and circular economy goals. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization was conducted using BET surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The resulting activated carbon exhibited a high specific surface area, well-developed pore structure, and surface functional groups conducive to adsorption. These structural features enabled effective removal of biologically relevant substances such as sebum analogs and model toxins, evaluated using a silicon skin model. Comparative analysis with commercial activated carbon showed that the sugarcane bagasse-derived variant demonstrated equivalent or superior adsorption capacity. The findings validate its potential for deep skin cleansing applications and broader use in eco-friendly formulations. Moreover, the synthesis approach highlights a sustainable route for transforming agricultural waste into valuable biomaterials. By integrating green synthesis principles with detailed materials characterization, this research positions sugarcane bagasse-based activated carbon as a viable candidate for sustainable skincare applications and contributes to the advancement of biodegradable and high-performance biomaterials in the cosmetics industry.