MADIUN – The Pharmacy Study Program of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Science (FIKS), Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), in collaboration with the Pharmacy Student Association (PHARDENTION), held the Pharmacy Goes to School 2026: Natural Cosmetics Workshop at SMAN 4 Madiun on Tuesday (July 21). The program aimed to introduce the field of pharmacy to high school students through educational sessions and hands-on practice in producing cosmetics made from natural ingredients.

The workshop was attended by students of SMAN 4 Madiun, who were divided into small groups. The event began with a mini talk on career opportunities in pharmacy and the development of halal cosmetics based on natural ingredients. Participants then took part in practical sessions to create two cosmetic products—body scrub and lip balm—using natural ingredients such as granulated sugar, coconut oil, honey, beeswax, and essential oils.

During the practical session, each group was guided by PHARDENTION members to help participants understand the production process as well as the function of each ingredient used. At the end of the workshop, all participants received certificates and took home the cosmetic products they had created.

PHARDENTION President Reno William said the event was a collaboration between the UNIPMA Pharmacy Study Program and the student organization as part of the implementation of the university's Tri Dharma, particularly in the area of community service.

"Through this program, we want to introduce the field of pharmacy to students while showing that pharmacy is not only related to medicines but also encompasses cosmetics, the utilization of natural ingredients, and even entrepreneurial opportunities," he said.

In addition to the practical session, students also attended a presentation on Identifying Hazardous Cosmetics, delivered by Apt. Yetti Hariningsih, M.Farm., a lecturer in the UNIPMA Pharmacy Study Program. The material was presented interactively and directly linked to the workshop activities, enabling participants to better understand the safety aspects of selecting and producing cosmetic products.

Reno explained that the workshop was designed using an experiential learning approach, allowing students to gain practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge. Through this method, each group successfully produced cosmetic products that were packaged and labeled as the outcome of their learning experience.

The participants' enthusiasm received positive appreciation from the school. Dewi, a representative of SMAN 4 Madiun, said the workshop had broadened students' understanding of safe cosmetic use.

"We hope students will gain a better understanding of how to choose safe cosmetics and be able to make simple natural-based skincare products independently," Dewi said.

As a token of appreciation for the collaboration, PHARDENTION presented a plaque to SMAN 4 Madiun at the conclusion of the event.

Besides serving as a community engagement initiative, the program also functioned as a promotional activity for the UNIPMA Pharmacy Study Program among senior high school and vocational school students. Through an educational and hands-on approach, participants were introduced to the broad scope of pharmaceutical science, which extends beyond medicines to include the development of cosmetics based on natural ingredients.

Reno added that Pharmacy Goes to School will continue to be held annually at senior high schools and vocational schools across Madiun City and Madiun Regency.

"We hope this program will strengthen partnerships between universities and schools while encouraging more young people to pursue higher education in pharmacy, particularly at the UNIPMA Pharmacy Study Program," he concluded.