Solanique
Aqsa Mustafa
<p>Aqsa Mustafa leads Solanique, a student startup combining skincare research with circular-economy principles.</p>
Overview
<p>Solanique uses eco-friendly extraction to recover plant-based antioxidants and bioactive compounds from potato peels for natural skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, toners, cleansers, face packs, and sunscreen enhancers.</p>
Mission
Transform agricultural waste into high-quality natural cosmetics that support skin health, reduce environmental impact, and promote a circular economy.
Challenge and Solution
Potato peels are widely discarded despite containing useful antioxidants and bioactive compounds, while consumers seek effective, sustainable skincare. Solanique upcycles this waste into science-backed cosmetic ingredients.
Early Constraints and Strategy
The student-led team faced scientific-validation, extraction, formulation, funding, laboratory-access, testing, mentorship, and consumer-confidence challenges. It is responding with research-led validation, eco-friendly formulation, incubation programs, product quality, IP development, and academic and industry collaboration.
Milestones and Impact
Solanique standardized extraction of bioactive compounds, formulated early prototypes, completed laboratory evaluation of key phytochemicals, and developed its brand, portfolio, and business model. The venture links agricultural-waste reduction with sustainable, plant-based skincare.
Future Plans
Complete product validation and certification, launch online and in retail, expand into serums, masks, sunscreens, and body care, source waste from potato processors, and enter national and international markets.