The main idea behind Natura was to cleanse filth when one is exposed to it on their body or piece of clothing. The production of the soap is initially targeted for moslem market since since moslems cannot go to pray when exposed to certain filth that cannot be cleansed by water only. The soap contains kaolinite, a local-based clay, which impels its purifying ability.

What distinct Natura from similar competitors besides its ablution property is the skin nourishing and moisturizing Vitamin E nanoemulsion, the gentle anti-irritation formula accommodating all skin types, as well as the environmentally friendly and non-residual ingredients. The soap has also acquired halal certification from the Indonesian Ulema Council and marketing authorization from the National Agency for Drug and Food Control (NADFC).

The Head of RCNN ITB, Heni Rachmawati, illustrates the demand for a halal-certified cleaning product able to purify the filth within Indonesia’s moslem-dominant population.

“As a lecturer and scientist, we have a responsibility to develop said project. Thus, the fruit of our research took more or less 6 months, focusing on formula optimization and stability assessment,” Prof. Heni reckoned.

The research was based on optimization, parameter appraisal, and product standardization. An exorbitant cost and effort was also spent on the efficacy testing, such as using microbe tests. The product was synthesized post-research.

Prof. Heni explained that the main challenge of the production lies on the nano emulsion content and other particulates, which must remain suspended. In comparison to regular soaps, Natura contains nano emulsion components, Vitamin E, and other materials. “There must be significant consideration for ingredient compatibility and component consistency. The very basic product must have its pH calibrated for the skin’s safety; at around 5 – 6.5,” she described.

Moreover, the soap also consists of 20% kaolinite elements, which easily saturate and have a relatively huge size in the micrometer scale. “Homogenizing kaolinite particles to prevent its saturation is the most challenging issue. It requires an optimization of the suspending agent while at the same time must remain compatible, safe, and economical. There’s also the search for a perfect variety, concentration, and suspending time endurance – which adds to the challenge.”

Rachmawati asserts that cost wise, a price tag of Rp25,000.00 per 100 ml is an affordable price to pay for the uniqueness of the soap and the other accompanying benefits, as opposed to other unaccredited products.

Annis Catur Adi from Natura Innovation House expressed gratitude for the production partnership opportunity with RCNN ITB. He is positive that Natura will become a practical solution of preserving purity, while also complying with the sharia (Islamic codes). “This marks our first product; we highly anticipate future collaborations to create more beneficial products.”

Natura is a product of RCNN ITB’s Matching Fund. The Research Centre of Nanoscience and Technology is one of ITB’s many brand-new research centers intended for advancing the nation’s progress in nanoscience research and development.

Such is the role of RCNN: to face complex and modern challenges in parallel to the advancement of technology, as well as reassert a firm commitment to incorporate research, development, and application of sciences and technology for the anabasis of Indonesia.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Firzana Aisya (School of Life Sciences and Technology, 2021)