Yogyakarta Palace's Traditional Herbal Body Scrub Introduced to Younger Generation
The tradition of natural body scrubs, or ‘lulur’, which has developed within the Yogyakarta Palace over centuries, continues to be introduced to the younger generation as part of the Nusantara cultural heritage. Body care using a blend of spices, flowers, leaves, and roots is not only believed to help care for the skin but is also part of a life philosophy that emphasises balance between the body and nature.
In palace tradition, the lulur is used as a body care ritual to cleanse the skin, maintain moisture, and provide a sense of relaxation. The various natural ingredients used are believed to have different benefits, from soothing the skin to providing a distinctive calming aroma.
As the beauty industry evolves, this tradition is now being packaged in modern product forms to make it easier for the public, particularly the younger generation, to use. One such initiative comes from Purbasari, which recently reintroduced the palace lulur concept through a product range based on tea and plant extracts.
As part of the effort to reintroduce this tradition, Purbasari recently held an event titled ‘A Touch of Royal Beauty’ at the Tirta Raharjo Temple area in Yogyakarta. During the event, dozens of women from Generation Z were invited to mix their own traditional Yogyakarta Palace-style body scrub using natural ingredients.
Purbasari Brand Executive Carensca stated that the activity aimed to reintroduce the richness of Indonesia’s traditional body care heritage to the younger generation. ‘We want to preserve Nusantara culture and provide insight into local treasures that are no less superior to foreign products. We hope the public can once again recognise and experience the royal body care tradition,’ she said.
The modern product range incorporates ingredients such as chamomile extract, known for its skin-soothing effects, green tea extract rich in antioxidants, jasmine oil for its distinctive fragrance, and niacinamide, a modern skincare ingredient widely used to help brighten the skin’s appearance.
The combination of natural ingredients with modern formulations is seen as a way to keep the lulur tradition relevant to today’s societal needs. Beyond providing a relaxing bathing sensation, the concept is also expected to reintroduce local cultural values to the younger generation.
The preservation of Nusantara body care traditions is considered important amidst the growing trend of using beauty products from various countries. Through innovation based on local wisdom, cultural heritage like the palace lulur is expected not only to survive but also to become increasingly recognised as part of Indonesia’s beauty identity.