ParagonCorp Strengthens Smart Lab Ecosystem through AI-Based R&D

For ParagonCorp, this complexity continues to evolve alongside the growing consumer demand for more personal and relevant products. To address this need, ParagonCorp is strengthening its transformation in research and development through Smart Lab 2.0. At this stage, AI technology is beginning to be integrated into the formulation process, raw material management, and consumer platform development.

ParagonCorp’s R&D transformation is occurring in stages. It began with paper-based systems and manual logbooks, then progressed to Smart Lab 1.0 through a web-based formulation platform. Now, ParagonCorp’s R&D is entering the Smart Lab 2.0 phase, where AI is being built upon the already integrated digital infrastructure.

Looking ahead, ParagonCorp is also preparing developments towards Smart Lab 3.0, which will include robotic formulation, automated warehousing, and closed-system automated pilot scale.

“We are no longer at the stage of basic digitalisation, but beginning to build an AI layer on top of the integrated R&D infrastructure. The goal is not only to accelerate innovation but also to make the research process more adaptive, systematic, and scalable,” said Deputy CEO and Chief R&D Officer of ParagonCorp, dr. Sari Chairunnisa, Sp.D.V.E, FINSDV, in her statement on Monday (11/5/2026).

She delivered this through a presentation titled “AI-Driven Formulation: Accelerating Ingredient Discovery & Intelligent Experiment Design” at the Indonesia Cosmetic Ingredients (ICI) 2026 forum organised by PERKOSMI at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta. ICI 2026 serves as a collaborative space for industry players to discuss the future direction of the national cosmetics industry, including the utilisation of AI in research and development processes.

Implementation of AI in ParagonCorp’s R&D

In its implementation, AI has been used across various lines of ParagonCorp’s R&D. One example is AI Color Matching in the cosmetic product formulation process. Using a spectrophotometer calibration-based approach and a colorant tinting database, this system can produce predictive colour formulas with an accuracy rate of over 95%, while reducing formulation time by around 60% compared to conventional processes.

The use of AI also supports ingredient discovery and intelligent experiment design through the processing of biological big data, from skin genomics and metabolomics to skin microbiome. This approach helps research teams identify more potential and relevant ingredient candidates for various skin needs, from brightening and anti-acne to skin barrier.

Not only in the research process, the utilisation of AI also opens opportunities for ParagonCorp to deliver more inclusive and targeted innovations. Through the development of a skin colour dataset from over 1,000 Indonesian women, the company can develop product shades that are more representative of local consumer diversity, from cushion to foundation categories.

“AI helps us understand Indonesian consumers more deeply, not just in terms of preferences but also the biological characteristics of their skin. From there, truly relevant innovations can emerge,” said dr. Sari.

Behind this transformation, ParagonCorp emphasises that technology is not the end goal, but a means to deliver broader benefits to consumers and the industry.

In its application, AI is positioned as a co-pilot that helps research teams work faster and more directed. However, scientific decisions and responsibility in product development remain in human hands as the main foundation of the research and innovation process.

“For us, AI is a co-pilot, not an autopilot. AI helps accelerate processes and open new possibilities, but the human touch remains the primary determinant in delivering responsible innovation,” stressed dr. Sari.

dr. Sari revealed that every acceleration brought by AI must ultimately lead to benefits for consumers, from more precise formulations and more representative shades to more efficient innovation processes with minimal waste in development.

Furthermore, ParagonCorp’s participation in ICI 2026 is part of the company’s contribution to driving the development of a more innovative and sustainable national cosmetics industry.

ParagonCorp believes that the responsible utilisation of AI, while prioritising safety, ethics, and consumer needs, is essential in building a future for the Indonesian cosmetics industry that is increasingly personal, inclusive, and globally competitive.