UPR Students Develop Natural-Based Cosmetic Innovation
Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - Students from the University of Palangka Raya (UPR), Central Kalimantan, are developing a cold powder cosmetic made from activated tumih wood charcoal and putat leaf extract as an innovation based on natural ingredients.
“This research stems from efforts to develop traditional cold powder into a functional cosmetic product backed by scientific testing,” said the Head of the Student Research Team, Anisa Nugrolla Heni, in Palangka Raya on Monday.
She explained that the research was conducted through the Student Creativity Programme for Exact Sciences (PKM-RE), funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Activated charcoal from tumih wood, a plant native to the peatlands of Central Kalimantan, is utilised due to its microporous structure and surface area, which supports its ability to absorb oil and impurities.
“We use tumih wood activated charcoal as an absorbent material, while the putat leaf extract serves as a source of bioactive compounds that support cosmetic functions,” she said.
Anisa explained that the putat leaf extract contains flavonoids, tannins, and other antioxidant compounds, which in this study are examined to support antibacterial activity and help maintain skin condition.
According to her, this development uses a hybrid approach by combining two active ingredients, differing from previous cold powder research which tended to rely on a single active ingredient.
The research is also directed towards objectively measuring the effectiveness of sebum reduction using a skin analyser.
“The use of a skin analyser is a vital part of this research so that the product’s effectiveness can be assessed through sebum level measurements, rather than relying solely on subjective observation,” she stated.
Anisa noted that the combination of tumih wood activated charcoal and putat leaf extract has not been previously studied using this same quantitative approach; therefore, this research is expected to expand the use of local natural resources for cosmetic development.
“Because Central Kalimantan possesses very abundant natural resources, which are highly beneficial for the community,” she added.
The research was initiated by Anisa (Physics) alongside Ade Theresia Hutauruk (Physics), Muhammad Ramadhani (Pharmacy), and Rumita (Chemistry), under the supervision of lecturer Made Dirgantara.
The team has also presented their research progress through several scientific forums, including SEMIRATA, the Student Seminar, and BASISTORA, as part of research dissemination and academic networking activities.