[Unpad Media Channel] Rapid technological development in the cosmetic industry is accelerating the emergence of innovative new cosmetic ingredients. These innovations are not only expected to produce high-quality, safe products, but also to meet regulatory standards, according to Deputy for Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics Supervision at the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Mohamad Kashuri, S.Si., M.Farm.
Kashuri delivers these remarks as a keynote speaker at a seminar and webinar series titled “Behind the Glamour of Cosmetics: Synergy in Innovation and Collaboration to Address Trends, Challenges, and Ethics in the Industry.” The event was organized by the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) in collaboration with the Cosmetic Laboratory (Labcos), and is held at Bale Sawala, Unpad Rectorate Building, on Thursday, April 24th, 2025.
In his presentation, Kashuri emphasizes the need to enhance consumer literacy regarding cosmetic products to reduce susceptibility to misleading advertising. He highlights that informed consumers could be cultivated through active educational efforts, such as public seminars.
“Consumers often fall for discounts or marketing claims without proper knowledge. Education through seminars like this is essential to foster smart consumers,” he stated.
He also noted the importance of shared responsibility in product monitoring, which involves business actors, government authorities, and the public. He encouraged academia to actively contribute through the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (education, research, and community service).
Collaborative Research for Public Benefit
Director of Research, Downstream Innovation, and Student Creativity Programs at Unpad, Prof. Dr. Nur Atik, M.Kes., Ph.D., stresses the importance of universities conducting research that directly addresses public needs.
“Relevant research will yield products that are useful and aligned with real-world demands,” she said, adding that Unpad continuously encourages collaboration among researchers, faculty, and students to ensure impactful outcomes.
Similarly, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. apt. Mutakin, M.Si., Ph.D., shares updates on new developments at the faculty, including the launch of a Bachelor’s Program in Cosmetic Engineering starting next academic year and the expansion of the Laboratory for Safety, Quality, and Claims Testing. These efforts aim to support both pre-market and post-market testing of cosmetic products and serve as a collaborative research hub between academia and industry.
“We believe that collaboration among academia, industry, and regulators is key to advancing a safe, innovative, and competitive cosmetic industry,” he affirmed.
Launch of Journal and Local Innovation
The event also marks the launch of the Universitas Padjadjaran Journal of Pharmaceutical Cosmetics, an academic platform for researchers, faculty members, and practitioners to publish scientific findings in the field of cosmetics. Additionally, a new locally-developed cosmetic ingredient, Sacca EG, is introduced. This ingredient is rich in omega-3, 6, and 9, and contains vitamins A, D, and E—making it a promising component for modern cosmetic formulations.
Academic Contributions to Cosmetic Safety
Prof. Dr. rer. Nat. apt. Anis Yohana Chaerunisaa, M.Si., a Pharmaceutical Technology expert, Vice Chair of the Indonesian Association of Cosmetic Scientists, and professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, delivers a presentation titled “Academic Contributions to Cosmetic Innovation and Safety as Pillars of Indonesia’s Cosmetic Industry.” She emphasizes that academics play a strategic role in maintaining the integrity of scientific knowledge, particularly in ensuring the quality and safety of cosmetic products.
“Our goal is not to build the business, but to ensure that the cosmetics produced are safe and sustainable,” she explained.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The event features keynote speaker Dra. Nuning S. Barwa, Apt., MBA., from the Indonesian Cosmetic Association (Perkosmi), and expert presentations by Prof. Dr. Apt. Sriwidodo, M.Si. (Biopharmaceutical Formulation Expert), and Apt. Cahya Khairani Kusumawulan, S.Si., M.Farm. (Biotic Skincare Expert) from Labcos.
A panel discussion followed, with participants from multiple sectors:
- Apt. Irwan, S.Si., M.K.M. (BPOM Director of Cosmetic Supervision)
- Dr. Novy Ojtaviana, Sp.DVE. (Dermalink Founder and Dermatologist)
- Maily, S.Si., M.Biomed. (Research & Development at Martha Tilaar Group)
- Ridwan Sanjaya, S.Si., MBA. (Deputy Head of R&D at Paragon Corp)
- Apt. Ledi Herlina, S.Farm., FACP. (Founder and COO of PT Mulia Kairos Industri)
- Apt. Sandry Eka Sautri Nst., S.Farm. (Pharmacist and Influencer)
This seminar and webinar series provide a platform for knowledge-sharing across the cosmetic industry and reinforced Unpad’s commitment to becoming a pioneer in impactful cosmetic research. The collaboration between academia, regulators, and industry is expected to drive the creation of safe, high-quality, and globally competitive cosmetic innovations that meet today’s consumer needs.
