Balikpapan — Kalimantan’s natural resources offer more than ingredients for food production. They can also serve as the foundation for innovative and valuable cosmetic products. Through a Herbal Lip Balm Made from Dragon Fruit and Dayak Onion, students of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) have introduced a lip-care concept that combines local natural ingredients, scientific formulation, and community empowerment.

The PII-GLOW team consists of Nicholas Christian Samuel Manurung, Alif Saputra, Rika Nurmala Rachman, Aida Muslihah, Abigail Fahriyah Calista, Steven Afelipton T. Manalu, Yoel Amba Linggi, Ericho Wahyu Saputra, Aditya Bhismar Kanaya, and Kesya Anggie Christine. 

The innovation was developed as an alternative to synthetic lip balm products commonly available on the market. Red dragon fruit and Dayak onion were selected because both are locally available commodities with considerable potential as active ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Red dragon fruit, scientifically known as Hylocereus polyrhizus, is used as a source of natural color and antioxidants. Meanwhile, Dayak onion, or Eleutherine palmifolia, is a distinctive Kalimantan plant known for its potentially beneficial bioactive compounds.

The two ingredients are combined in a herbal lip balm designed to support lip moisture and overall lip care.

Going Beyond the “Natural” Label

The product’s value does not rely solely on the use of local natural ingredients. The student team also placed product testing at the center of the formulation process. According to the innovation poster, the formula underwent several quality assessments, including organoleptic, pH, homogeneity, melting-point, adhesion, spreadability, stability, and irritation tests. These assessments were conducted to evaluate whether the product’s characteristics were suitable for application to the lips.

The lip balm was also designed without Rhodamine B, parabens, synthetic coloring agents, or petroleum-derived ingredients. This approach reflects the team’s effort to offer a simpler, locally sourced cosmetic alternative.

Five Benefits in One Product

The dragon fruit and Dayak onion lip balm was developed to deliver several key benefits. It is intended to help moisturize dry and chapped lips, provide antioxidant properties, and support lip protection through the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of its ingredients. Dragon fruit also gives the product a natural reddish tint, allowing the lip balm to provide both daily care and a soft touch of color. Its formulation was also designed to help protect the lips from ultraviolet exposure.

Through these functions, the product brings together cosmetic appeal and a lip-care concept inspired by Kalimantan’s natural resources.

Creating an Impact Beyond the Product

A distinctive aspect of this innovation is that it goes beyond product development. The team also proposed a social-impact model involving local communities, particularly housewives in Graha Indah Urban Village.

Community members could participate in the production process, including ingredient preparation, manufacturing, and packaging. Their involvement is expected to create new economic opportunities while strengthening practical skills. The initiative also aims to improve consumer literacy regarding cosmetic ingredients and the potential risks associated with harmful synthetic substances.

At the same time, using dragon fruit and Dayak onion could increase the economic value of Kalimantan’s local commodities. Instead of being sold mainly as raw agricultural products, these ingredients could be transformed into higher-value cosmetic goods. Collaboration between students and local residents is also expected to strengthen social interaction and community cohesion in Graha Indah.

Where Local Wisdom Meets Modern Innovation

This herbal lip balm demonstrates how innovation can begin with resources found close to the community. Dragon fruit and Dayak onion are viewed not merely as agricultural commodities, but as materials that can be developed through research, product design, and community-based entrepreneurship.

Through this innovation, ITK students are working to introduce a cosmetic product that considers lip health while also promoting sustainability, local economic value, and social empowerment. From Kalimantan’s local resources comes a personal-care idea that is natural, economically valuable, and potentially beneficial to the wider community.

A student innovation for healthier lips, natural beauty, and meaningful social impact.