IPB University’s Pandan Extract Shampoo Selected as a Prospective Innovation in 117 Indonesian Innovations 2025
The innovation “Pandan Wangi Penyehat Rambut” (Fragrant Pandan Hair Tonic) by IPB University researchers was selected as one of the 117 Indonesian Innovations 2025 by the Business Innovation Center (BIC). This innovation presents a natural shampoo made from pandan leaf extract that is safe, halal, and environmentally friendly to help reduce hair loss and psoriasis on the scalp.
The main innovator, Prof Khaswar Syamsu, expressed his gratitude for this achievement. “Alhamdulillah, we are grateful for the selection of the Pandan Wangi Penyehat Rambut innovation as one of the most promising Indonesian Innovations of 2025,” he said.
He explained that the main advantage of pandan leaf extract shampoo lies in the use of safe and sustainable natural ingredients. This product does not use the chemical surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which has the potential to cause adverse effects on the scalp and the environment.
“Pandan leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols that act as antioxidants and help remove dead skin cells without causing irritation,” he said.
Prof Khaswar explained that the antioxidant compounds in pandan leaves can protect the body from free radicals, prevent hair loss, and promote hair growth.
“This shampoo is also enriched with other natural organic ingredients that are beneficial for reducing dandruff and psoriasis, strengthening hair roots, repairing damaged hair cells, and providing a soothing natural aroma with aromatherapy effects,” he added.
From a product development perspective, Prof Khaswar noted that the downstreaming process is ongoing. “Alhamdulillah, the instant pandan shampoo has obtained halal certification on February 19, 2026, from BPJPH (Halal Product Guarantee Agency).”
“The 7th evaluation of the implementation of CPKB (Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practices) by the Balai POM (Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) on September 25, 2025, has also been declared complete. Next, we are just waiting for the CPKB certificate and distribution permit from the Central POM Agency,” he added.
Innovations based on local raw materials such as pandan leaves have great economic and social potential. Until now, pandan has generally been sold in the form of fresh leaves at relatively low prices. Prof Khaswar believes that its use as a cosmetic ingredient can increase demand and income for pandan farmers.
On the other hand, the availability of domestic raw materials also benefits the national cosmetics industry through more competitive production costs and sustainable supply.
As a tropical plant native to Indonesia, pandan is considered to offer a comparative advantage over imported products. This shampoo prototype also meets Indonesian National Standards (SNI), while hedonic testing shows that consumer preference is higher than several comparable products on the market.
Prof Khaswar hopes that innovations based on local wisdom will continue to be developed by the younger generation. “There is a wealth of local wisdom in the form of traditional knowledge that can be turned into innovation. Products based on local wisdom are generally natural, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. With a touch of industrial technology, Indonesia’s natural ingredients can be processed into products with added economic value,” he said. (Fj) (IAAS/DON)
