ParagonCorp and ARC USK Explore Aceh Patchouli as Cosmetic Ingredient
ParagonCorp has entered into a research collaboration with the Atsiri Research Center at Universitas Syiah Kuala (ARC USK) to explore the potential of Aceh patchouli as an active cosmetic ingredient. One of the research focuses currently being developed is patchouli alcohol crystal, a component derived from Aceh patchouli oil that is being studied as a candidate natural active ingredient for cosmetic applications.
Indonesia possesses vast biodiversity, including a wide range of plants that have been used for generations for various purposes. However, according to ParagonCorp, the wealth of natural resources does not end with the availability of raw materials. The challenge lies in how this potential can be understood more deeply through science, tested scientifically, and developed into value-added innovations.
As a purposeful beauty tech company, ParagonCorp believes that innovation development does not only take place at the final stage when a product is produced. Innovation also begins with the process of understanding available resources, building knowledge about their characteristics and potential, and generating scientific evidence that serves as the basis for further development.
“Indonesia already has extraordinary natural wealth. The challenge is how we build knowledge and scientific capability behind these materials. For ParagonCorp, local ingredients become far more meaningful when we not only know their origin, but are also able to understand and prove their potential through research,” said Deputy CEO and Chief R&D Officer of ParagonCorp, Dr Sari Chairunnisa, in a written statement on Thursday (20/8/2026).
In this collaboration, ARC USK brings expertise in patchouli research, essential oils, and natural materials, while ParagonCorp brings research and development capabilities in cosmetics as well as an understanding of the needs of the beauty industry.
The meeting of these two capabilities opens space to explore the potential of natural materials in a more targeted manner, from material characterisation to testing their potential benefits for cosmetic applications.
Exploration of patchouli alcohol crystal is part of this effort. Rather than viewing patchouli solely based on its already known uses, this research attempts to delve deeper into the characteristics of the components contained within it and understand the possibilities for its use in the context of developing active cosmetic ingredients.
A research-based approach is also important because not all natural materials automatically have sufficient scientific data to support certain benefit claims. Therefore, a research process is needed to understand the characteristics of materials, test their potential, and produce scientific evidence that can serve as the basis for the next stages of development.
“This collaboration brings together complementary expertise. ARC has experience in patchouli and essential oil research, while industry has needs and perspectives regarding the development of materials for cosmetic applications. We hope this process can continue to be developed so that the research results have broader benefits,” said Head of Atsiri Research Center at Universitas Syiah Kuala (ARC USK), Syaifullah Muhammad.
More than simply discovering new possible uses, this exploration also opens space for the development of approaches and methods in active cosmetic ingredient research. However, as the research is still ongoing, these various potentials still require further testing and validation before they can be established as scientific conclusions or applied in products.
For ParagonCorp, this process is an important part of the journey of downstreaming natural materials, namely connecting natural resources, knowledge, science, technology, and industrial capability so that local resources have the opportunity to generate greater value.
Through collaboration with universities and research institutions, ParagonCorp continues to encourage the strengthening of the science, technology, talent, and innovation ecosystem in Indonesia.
This effort is part of ParagonCorp’s vision to contribute not only through the beauty products it produces, but also through the knowledge and capabilities that support the development of Indonesia’s beauty industry in the future.