Banda Aceh, October 20, 2025 – A group of interdisciplinary students from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) has successfully developed an innovative skincare product called KAYE, a multifunctional hand cream made from papaya peel waste and cinnamon oil. This innovation represents a concrete example of combining science and creativity to utilize local natural resources while promoting environmental sustainability.
The KAYE product was developed under the supervision of Apt. Nadia Isnaini, S.Farm., M.Sc., with team members coming from various study programs, including Pharmacy, Communication Science, and Management. This cross-disciplinary collaboration became the main strength in creating an innovation that not only focuses on scientific aspects but also incorporates communication strategies and business potential.
The team leader, Rahmi Azalia, explained that the name KAYE comes from the Acehnese phrase “kaye maneh,” which means cinnamon. The name was chosen to represent Aceh’s strong local identity and to reinforce the product’s natural and traditional essence.
According to Rahmi, papaya peel was chosen as the main ingredient because it contains flavonoids, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and polysaccharides, which serve as antioxidants and natural moisturizers. These compounds make papaya peel highly potential to be processed into active ingredients for natural cosmetic products.
Meanwhile, cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which act as antioxidants and UV protectants. Based on laboratory tests, a hand cream formulation with 0.5% cinnamon oil achieved an SPF value of 18, providing mild protection against daily sun exposure.
The production of KAYE involves a maceration process of locally sourced papaya peels. After being dried, the peels are extracted to produce a high-quality concentrated extract. This process emphasizes both efficiency of raw materials and strict hygiene standards to ensure consistent product quality.
In addition to creating an innovative product, the team also aims to highlight the importance of organic waste management. Utilizing papaya peel, which previously had little to no economic value, represents a small but significant step toward promoting a circular economy and sustainable environmental practices.
Priced at around Rp25,000 (approximately USD 1.50), KAYE emerges as an affordable, effective, and eco-friendly hand cream. The product is designed for consumers seeking safe, natural skincare without spending much money.
Rahmi hopes that KAYE will inspire other students to innovate by making use of local resources around them. “We want to show that sustainable innovation can start from simple ideas. Papaya peel, which is often seen as waste, actually holds great potential,” she said.
The KAYE development team plans to continue research to refine the formula, extend the product’s shelf life, and conduct broader consumer testing. Through these efforts, they hope KAYE will evolve into a flagship student innovation from USK that can compete in national markets and showcase Aceh’s natural resources on a wider scale.
The KAYE development team plans to continue research to refine the formula, extend the product’s shelf life, and conduct broader consumer testing. This innovation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), by encouraging sustainable production practices and reducing organic waste. Through these efforts, the team hopes KAYE will evolve into a flagship student innovation from USK that promotes environmentally conscious entrepreneurship and showcases Aceh’s natural potential on a broader scale.
