TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A research team from the Department of Agricultural Industrial Technology, IPB University, in Indonesia, has developed a natural shampoo made from pandan leaves. This hair care product was inspired by local wisdom that pandan leaves, known not only as a natural food fragrance and coloring agent, but also have various benefits in addressing scalp issues, such as eliminating dandruff, strengthening hair roots, and darkening hair.

The team leader, Khaswar Syamsu, believes that the environmentally friendly shampoo product they have created also has high economic potential. He pointed out the active ingredients in pandan leaves such as polyphenols (flavonoids), saponins, and alkaloids, which act not only as antioxidants but also as antimicrobials. "Pandan extract also prevents dandruff, protects the scalp from free radicals, and helps the growth of new hair," said Khaswar in a written statement on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

The shampoo product is different from typical shampoos that contain synthetic chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). "This pandan shampoo innovation is formulated from natural ingredients that are safer for the scalp and the environment," he added, noting that the return to nature trend is an important reason for developing this product.

Khaswar explained that their research began in the laboratory, by extracting pandan leaves using water and processing them into instant pandan powder. This powder can be stored for a long time and easily used when needed.

Next, the pandan powder is formulated with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil. These ingredients are blended to create a shampoo that not only cleanses but also nourishes the scalp and reduces hair loss.

According to Khaswar, the economic potential of using pandan leaves as the main ingredient stems from their abundant availability in Indonesia. "The increasing demand for pandan could also create new economic opportunities for rural farmers," he stated.

Currently, the pandan leaf shampoo product is in the process of obtaining CPKB (Good Cosmetics Manufacturing Practices) certification, distribution permits from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), and halal certification from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). "If the requirements comply with regulations, this product will be legally commercialized, both domestically and internationally," said Khaswar.

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