en.malanginspirasi.com – Brawijaya University (UB) has introduced a research-based product innovation with Hi-To-Go Sun Protector, a corn-silk based sunscreen for kids as a natural active ingredient.
This product is part of the BOUMI line, a personal care brand specifically for children aged 4–14.
BOUMI is a collaboration between UB and PT Cedefindo, a subsidiary of the Martha Tilaar Group.
This innovation represents a breakthrough in utilizing agricultural waste into high-value, environmentally friendly products.
Dr. Rosalina Ariesta Laeliocattleya, S.Si., M.Si., initiated this sunscreen development.
As a lecturer at UB’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), she explained that this innovation stems from the underutilized potential of waste.
“We want to examine the value of active ingredients in a product previously considered waste, such as corn silk, so that it can provide added value and be more environmentally friendly,” she said.
In terms of formulation, Hi-To-Go Sun Protector combines corn silk extract (zea mays silk extract) with other natural ingredients such as essential oils and lavandula hybrida oil.
This product contains SPF 50 PA++, which effectively protects children’s skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Also read:
Head of Atsiri UB Explains The High Value of BOUMI
Furthermore, this sunscreen maintains skin moisture, provides a comfortable sensation through its natural lavender scent, and is safe for children’s sensitive and active skin.
“We designed this product to be practical, so it comes in spray form and is easy for children to use,” he explained.
Furthermore, Oca, as he is familiarly known, said that research into local active ingredients doesn’t stop at sunscreen products. Various local food components have the potential to be developed as UV protection agents.
“Basically, many of the local food active ingredients we studied have UV protection potential, so in the future, we can develop them more broadly, including combining them with other ingredients to increase their effectiveness,” he said.
Mass Production in Collaboration with PT Cedefindo
This product has now entered mass production in collaboration with PT Cedefindo.
The production process involves corn silk from farmers, particularly in Java.
“We are working with farmers to utilize corn silk waste, but we are also open to collaborating with other industries that also produce corn silk waste,” he added.
Another advantage of this product lies in its cost-effective production and environmental sustainability. By utilizing waste as the main ingredient, this product is able to reduce costs while simultaneously presenting innovation based on local resources.
“Our advantage is transforming previously worthless materials into products with high economic value, as well as opening up opportunities for collaboration with local Indonesian material-based industries,” explained Dr. Rosalina.
Furthermore, the development of corn silk-based products will also be towards other innovations, such as herbal drinks and potential anti-cancer properties, although this is still in the research stage.
“We are also exploring the possibility of using corn silk directly, for example in herbal tea, but this is still in the advanced research stage,” she concluded.
