RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - From fragrant citronella fields to centuries-old frankincense trees, Indonesia’s native plants are inspiring a new generation of beauty products. Researchers at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are transforming these natural resources into high-value cosmetic ingredients, essential oils, opening new opportunities for the country’s beauty industry.

Indonesia is one of the world's largest producers of essential oils, yet most are still exported as low-value raw materials. According to BRIN, they are seeking to change that by developing technologies that transform these oils into higher-value ingredients for the beauty industry.

Citronella

According to BRIN’s Molecular Chemistry Research Center in an official video published in July 2026, a vacuum fractional distillation process can refine citronella oil into high-purity citronellal. The ingredient can then be used in products such as solid perfumes, lotions, and hand sanitizers while increasing the oil’s economic value by five to twenty times.

BRIN said the refining process can increase the economic value of Indonesian essential oils by five to twenty times compared with raw exports. The agency believes the technology could strengthen the competitiveness of locally sourced cosmetic ingredients in both domestic and global markets.

Frankincense

Another innovation features frankincense, or kemenyan, a native resin traditionally associated with cultural rituals that is now being developed into a skincare ingredient. Researchers at BRIN’s Applied Botany Research Center in an official video published in July 2026, said frankincense offers antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating properties for serum and sunscreen formulations.

The skincare formulations also incorporate other Indonesian botanicals, including tuberose for relaxation, champaca for skin cell regeneration, and sandalwood as a natural antioxidant. The Agency also said the technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 7, with patents secured and commercialization efforts underway with industry partners.

Researchers emphasize that essential oils, despite being natural ingredients, must still meet strict safety standards in cosmetic formulations. It is recommended to use essential oils at concentrations below two percent to reduce the risk of skin irritation while maximizing their skincare benefits.