In a world of skincare powered by globally trending ingredients, like centella asiatica from Korea or shea butter from West Africa, it might seem easier to follow the crowd. But at From This Island, we’ve chosen a different path: one that leads back home because what works for dry winters or temperate climates doesn’t always meet the needs of tropical, high-humidity skin.
Indonesia is one of the most naturally abundant countries on earth. Across its thousands of islands grow plants, fruits, and herbs that have been used in traditional beauty rituals for generations. Yet in the global beauty conversation, these ingredients are often overlooked in favour of more commercialised ones.
We believe it’s time that changed.
Local Ingredients, Local Conditions
Indonesia’s volcanic soil, tropical humidity, and equatorial sun create the perfect environment for plants that are naturally resilient and that resilience translates beautifully to the skin.
- Buah Merah, rich in beta-carotene and essential fatty acids, thrives in Papua’s rugged terrain. Used for generations to nourish and protect against the elements, it now helps soothe and restore tired, dehydrated skin.
- Java Black Tea and White Tea are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil, producing calming polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and support skin under environmental stress.
- Illipe Butter, traditionally harvested by Dayak communities in Borneo, deeply hydrates without clogging pores, making it perfectly suited to Southeast Asia’s humidity.
These ingredients are deeply adapted to the conditions your skin faces in Indonesia: heat, humidity, pollution, and intense sun exposure.
A Shorter Supply Chain. A Smaller Footprint.
Choosing local isn’t just a formulation decision. It’s also a values-driven one.
When ingredients are sourced from across the world, that often means:
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Long-distance shipping (higher emissions)
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Middlemen between growers and brands
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Less visibility into how ingredients are farmed or harvested
At From This Island, we work directly with farming co-ops, wild-harvesters, and small-scale producers across Indonesia. This shortens our supply chain, lowers our environmental footprint, and gives us clearer visibility into how each ingredient is grown, harvested, and processed with care, intention, and integrity.
Behind every botanical has always been a community of stewards — farmers, extractors, harvesters — whose knowledge shapes not only what grows, but how it’s used. Supporting them means preserving traditional practices and investing in livelihoods that are often left out of global beauty supply chains.
From Our Islands, With Care.
In the global beauty market, visibility often outweighs efficacy. But effectiveness isn’t always defined by what’s trending. Many of Indonesia’s botanicals rival or even surpass more widely marketed ingredients in potency and performance.
Care for the land.
Care for the people who grow and harvest what we use.
Care for your skin, through ingredients that have stood the test of time.
Because when you use From This Island, you’re not just applying a cream or serum.
You’re taking part in a story that begins in rich soil, resilient communities, and deep-rooted traditions. Because what the world was searching for, we’ve had in our soil all along.
