Behaviours, Aesthetics
and Wellbeing
Research group coordinators: Milica Stevic and Ameerah Khadaroo
Projects
Sustainable Lip Balm Through Process Innovation
This research knowledge exchange project focuses on creating silicone-free lip balms that maintain the same smooth feel and performance as silicone-based formulations. The novelty lies in making small adjustments to the production process, allowing the original formulation to remain unchanged. This offers a practical and cost-effective route toward more sustainable lip balm development, without compromising product identity or sensorial experience.
Project outcomes include a market-ready silicone-free lip balm prototype and a peer-reviewed conference poster presentation. The findings establish a foundation for future collaboration and further application of this approach within the beauty and personal care sector.
Research Project Lead
Project Researchers
Professor Veronika Kapsali
Research Student Contributor
Alex Salt
Sustainable Inclusive Sunscreen Development
This research knowledge exchange project explores the development of inclusive, naturally derived mineral sunscreens using sustainable materials. It investigates the innovative use of lignin, a by-product of paper manufacturing, to boost sun protection (SPF) and expand shade options for people with diverse skin tones.
By improving texture, enhancing SPF, and creating deeper, more natural tints, lignin offers a sustainable way to design sunscreens suited to melanin-rich skin. The project demonstrates how upcycled materials can support both performance and inclusivity in beauty innovation.
Outcomes include a peer-reviewed poster presentation and tinted sunscreen prototypes, laying the foundation for future collaboration in sustainable, science-led cosmetic design.
Research Project Lead
Project Researchers
Research Student Contributor
Ramón Antonio Pagán
Bio-based Cosmetic Gels
This research project investigates flaxseed mucilage as a renewable, plant-based alternative to synthetic polymers in cosmetic formulations. It explores how upcycled flaxseed by-products can match the performance and sensory qualities of traditional cosmetic gelling agents while reducing environmental impact. The innovation lies in revealing favourable interactions between flaxseed mucilage and a cosmetic active ingredient, sodium hyaluronate, opening new possibilities for sustainable formulation design.
Project outcomes include a series of flaxseed-based cosmetic gel prototypes and a peer-reviewed paper presented at IFSCC 2025. The findings open new opportunities for future research and collaboration on bio-based materials driving the next generation of beauty innovation.
Research Project Lead
Research Student Contributors
Sanjita Kumar, Noppawan Arsaiphanich
Appearance Matters
This project is part of a larger research interest in the notions of fashion, wellbeing and body image, led by psychology scholars within the Fashion Business School. The Appearance Matters Biennial Conference, June 2024, focused on the role of appearance and body image in people’s lives. Activities include leading plenary discussions on how an understanding of fashion and clothing is essential for psychologists, and a research paper presentation about the relationship with and importance of clothing for first-time mothers as they adjust to their changed body and sense of self.
Project Lead
Project Researchers
Cosmetic Product 3D Printing
The funded project is a research knowledge exchange initiative focused on the 3D printing of cosmetic products. The project investigates innovative uses of 3D printing technology in the cosmetics industry that included developing a prototype demonstrating the potential for customisable, on-demand cosmetic products that could transform the beauty industry by offering people personalised solutions. The project advances understanding of 3D printing applications and addresses key industry challenges such as converting traditional products into 3D printed versions and ensuring material compatibility. The project outcomes include an industry report, presentations and a new 3D-printed cosmetic product. This inaugural project sets the groundwork for future projects on the integration of 3D printing within the cosmetics industry.