Since the early days of her career at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Julia has held a distinctive view of research: science must have a social purpose. Every research outcome, no matter how small, must return to society, improve lives, and create tangible economic benefits. This perspective has become the foundation of every innovation she has led, including the natural beauty product line Annrich by Annasya Ali, a research-based cosmetic brand that is now increasingly recognized as a symbol of successful collaboration between science, technology, and campus entrepreneurship.

One of their latest innovations is Annrich Coffee Facial Wash—a facial cleanser made from natural coffee ingredients developed through years of research. This product did not emerge from a luxurious laboratory, but from a simple idea: how to transform Indonesia’s abundant coffee waste into something of high value. “Coffee is part of our lives,” Julia said. “It’s in every home, in every conversation, yet few people realize that its residue can become a highly potential active cosmetic ingredient.”

In Julia’s hands and those of her team, coffee grounds are processed using natural micro-scrub technology based on charcoal and vitamin E, with added virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a natural moisturizer. The production process involves fine particle separation, controlled drying, and stabilization of active ingredients to achieve a smooth texture and a refreshing signature aroma. “We wanted to create a facial cleanser that is truly natural—free from harsh synthetic ingredients, free from SLS, and environmentally friendly,” she explained. “Science gives us the ability to protect nature without abandoning innovation.”

This product is also part of a series of innovations developed under the Product Innovation Commercialization Grant scheme and the USU Research and Innovation Development Agency (BPRI). Julia does not work alone; behind her is a team of young academics, pharmacy students, and local industry partners involved in every stage of development, from laboratory research to market testing. “We don’t only teach students theory,” she said. “We involve them directly in research and production. From this, they learn that science can become a livelihood, not just knowledge.”

Like other Annrich products, Coffee Facial Wash is not merely a cosmetic, but a tangible embodiment of research rooted in societal needs. Amid the back-to-nature trend and growing consumer awareness of natural ingredients, demand for safe and environmentally friendly skincare products continues to rise. Julia and her team captured this opportunity by combining two strengths: Indonesia’s biodiversity and modern technological capability. “If we can utilize local resources,” she said, “the added value will be far greater. Coffee farmers in Sumatra can gain new economic value from waste that was previously discarded.”

This vision then led Julia into a new phase: transforming Annrich by Annasya Ali not merely into a product brand, but into a campus-based research and entrepreneurship ecosystem. In every activity, Julia emphasizes the importance of building an inclusive production chain—from researchers and students to business actors and surrounding communities. “We want universities to become the heart of a knowledge-based creative economy,” she said. “Not only generating ideas, but also driving the economy.”

Annrich Coffee Facial Wash drew public attention when it was introduced at the USU Job Fair & Innovation Product Festival. The Vice Rector III of USU, Prof. Dr. Apt. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., even took time to visit the exhibition booth to see the new formula firsthand. Previously, the product had also been showcased at the National Technology Awakening Day (HARTEKNAS) in Bali and was presented as a special gift to the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, during his visit to the USU campus. “That moment affirmed that campus research can become a source of national pride,” Julia said calmly, yet proudly.

Today, Annrich Coffee Facial Wash is available on various digital platforms such as Tokopedia and TikTok Shop. But for Julia, more than sales, what she celebrates is a shift in mindset: that research conducted by lecturers and students can compete in the global market without losing ethical values and scientific responsibility. “We are not selling cosmetics,” she said. “We are building trust.”

Behind all these achievements, Julia does not deny that the journey has been far from easy. Turning research into a commercial product requires courage and resilience. There are many challenges to face: BPOM regulations, funding, halal certification, and formula adjustments for mass production. “Sometimes we have to wait months just for a single permit,” she said with a small laugh. “But that’s the process you must go through if you want your work to last.”

What sets Julia apart is her ability to see science as part of social life. For her, every research project is not only about publication, but also about social responsibility. “I want students to understand that every test tube they hold has an impact on other people’s lives,” she said. “When they create a good product, they are helping many people live healthier, more confident, and happier lives.”

In her workspace filled with sample bottles, Julia recalls the early days of establishing Annrich. At that time, many doubted her idea of turning pharmaceutical research into a cosmetic business. But she believed that science must evolve with the times. “I don’t want research to stop at journals,” she said. “I want research to become a dignified economic movement.”

Today, that dream is gradually becoming a reality. Under the Annrich by Annasya Ali umbrella, Julia and her team continue to innovate. They are currently developing other environmentally friendly product lines: herbal hand cream, natural lip balm, and moisturizing toner based on local extracts. All are processed using green chemistry principles—waste-free technology that preserves environmental sustainability. “We want to introduce the idea that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand,” she said.

The social impact is also beginning to be felt. Through collaboration with MSMEs and local farmers, coffee waste from areas around Medan is now processed into valuable raw materials. Students involved in the research team receive entrepreneurship training, while faculty laboratories function as innovation training centers. “Everyone involved gains added value,” Julia said. “This is a tangible form of meaningful education.”

On one occasion, she reflected, “I believe every natural ingredient carries a story. Coffee, for example, is not only about aroma and taste, but about farmers’ hard work, cultural warmth, and the life cycle we must protect.” For Julia, saving a single coffee ground is equivalent to honoring the entire chain of life behind it.

Today, Annrich Coffee Facial Wash is no longer just a facial cleanser. It is a symbol of the transformation of research into real action—from the laboratory to society, from science to economic sustainability. Every bottle leaving the production room carries the message that progress does not have to come from abroad; it can grow from the hands of domestic scientists who work with heart and ethics.

As dusk approaches and sunlight softly reflects off the laboratory glass, Julia closes her laptop and smiles. “I have always believed that knowledge has two faces,” she said. “One that teaches, and one that moves. When we can unite both, we don’t just create products—we create change.”

From a cup of coffee, Julia Reveny and her team demonstrate that true innovation does not always begin with something grand. Sometimes, it grows from a small remnant that was once overlooked—and from diligent hands that turn it into something meaningful for many.