From Tradition to Innovation: Dr. Syazreen Nadia’s Mission to Redefine Natural Beauty through Science
- UM Research
- Dec 24
- 5 min read
Dr. Syazreen Nadia Binti Sulaiman
Chemistry Division, Centre for Foundation Studies in Science
Area of Expertise:
Life Sciences > Phytochemicals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetics > Education and Extension in Phytochemicals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetics
Medical and Health Sciences > Traditional and Complementary Medicine > Development of Traditional and Herbal Medicine (Including Traditional Medicine and Natural Product)
As awareness grows about the risks of synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, consumers are increasingly turning to natural alternatives. Yet, transforming traditional herbal remedies into scientifically validated formulations is no simple task. It requires deep chemical understanding, innovative formulation science, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. For Dr. Syazreen Nadia Binti Sulaiman, these challenges are at the heart of her research.
A Senior Lecturer in the Chemistry Division at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya, Dr. Syazreen combines expertise in organic chemistry, with a particular focus on natural products, phytochemicals, and cosmetic science. Her work bridges traditional remedies with modern formulation science, tackling the challenging task of translating traditional botanical remedies into scientifically validated, effective, and stable formulations. Recently, she has also been incorporating nanotechnology in her research, and she also focuses on enhancing the bioavailability and performance of natural compounds while promoting sustainable, plant-based options for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.
From Tradition to Scientific Inquiry
Dr. Syazreen’s passion for natural products can be traced back to her childhood. “My interest in this field was deeply inspired by my father, whose love for herbs and traditional remedies shaped our family’s daily life,” she shared. Growing up, she often observed her father using natural ingredients both as remedies and in their diets. “My father would often encourage us to include peria (bitter gourd, Momordica charantia) in our meals,” she recalls. “For small injuries, he would apply a mixture of honey and turmeric, a remedy I found both comforting and intriguing.” These routines sparked her early curiosity about how natural substances could promote healing and wellness.
That early fascination evolved into a lifelong scientific pursuit. After earning her BSc in Chemistry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2009, she completed her MSc and PhD in Organic Chemistry at Universiti Malaya, focusing on the chemistry of natural products. She credits her PhD supervisor, Professor Dr Khalijah Awang, for shaping both her scientific discipline and her approach to mentorship, embodying a sense of “motherhood” in academia – concerned for both the research progress and the well-being of her students. Equally influential was her late Master’s supervisor, Dr. Mat Ropi Mukhtar, who emphasized trust in God. These training has helped Dr. Syazreen to develop strong technical skills, a disciplined approach to research, and a mindset that values both scientific excellence and ethical responsibility.
From Academia to Industry and Back Again
After completing her studies, Dr. Syazreen ventured beyond academia, gaining valuable experience in industry R&D, quality control, and scientific consultancy. She worked as a QC Executive at Natural Wellness Biotech and as a Senior R&D Chemist at Delphin Sdn. Bhd., where she honed her understanding of product formulation, regulatory compliance, and market needs. Returning to academia as a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaya in 2023, she now is a Principal Investigator (PI) for the UMREG-funded project (RM100,000; 2024–2027) titled “Curcuminoids from Curcuma Zedoaria Roscoe and Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Roxb., and Their Anti-Pigmentation Nanoemulsion Formulation.” This project focuses on isolating bioactive turmeric compounds and formulating them into effective anti-pigmentation nanoemulsions
In addition to this flagship project, Dr. Syazreen also leads a privately funded collaboration with Coway Malaysia (RM42,520; 2025–2026) on an insect repellent gel incorporating essential oils, which aims to create natural, safe, and efficient repellents using essential oils. She also co-leads projects such as GREEN-UPPEEL, which upcycles mango and ambarella peels into bioactive agents for crop protection, and other research on Centella Asiatica nanoparticles for psoriasis treatment, cytotoxic compound profiling from Goniothalamus Tapis, and investigation of Malaysian plant compounds.
Research Impact, Collaboration, and Future Directions
Beyond research, Dr. Syazreen is deeply committed to education and mentorship. She co-developed ARChem: Visualising Orbitals in Augmented Reality, an interactive learning tool that helps pre-university students explore chemical orbitals through AR technology. The project earned a Silver Medal at the International Invention, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025) and is now used at PASUM to make chemistry more engaging and accessible. She also co-supervised the Clamea project, a student-led innovation which transformed discarded clam shells into a premium, sustainable anti-aging serum, earning a Gold Medal at the 2nd Multidisciplinary Regional Conference in Science and Technology (MRCST 2025). “Through these projects, I combine mentorship, research advocacy, and public engagement, showing how science and technology can address real-world challenges while fostering innovation, sustainability, and interactive learning,” she says.
Dr. Syazreen’s collaborations extend across sectors and borders. She consults for companies including Coway Malaysia and Delphin Sdn Bhd. Her involvement in STEM outreach with Axis Xperience and waste management awareness campaigns via UMCARES empowers youth and communities to engage with science and sustainability. As a research fellow at Universitas Airlangga and contributor to Royal Society of Chemistry-funded projects, she engages in international collaborations that address global health and environmental challenges. Her invited speaker roles at events like the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast also allows her to advocate for inclusive, impactful science.
“Science is most impactful when it translates from the lab bench to improving lives” – says Dr Syazreen.
Driven by the belief that “science is most impactful when it translates from the lab bench to improving lives,” Dr. Syazreen aims to deepen the integration of nanotechnology, phytochemistry, and digital innovation to address both scientific and societal needs. Her next phase of research will focus on advancing nano-delivery systems, synergistic formulations and valorization of co-products, bridging academia and industry, as well as immersive and intelligent chemistry education.
Looking ahead, she also welcomes partnerships with cosmetic brands, herbal product developers, and investors focused on sustainability and education. “This next chapter of my research is driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and translational impact—where science meets real-world application in meaningful and measurable ways,” she reflects.
#NanoNaturals #GreenChemBeauty #HerbalMedicine #CosmeticScience #NaturalProductResearch #ChemicalSciences #CosmeticScience #STEMEducation #InteractiveLearning #UniversitiMalaya #UMResearchers
Researcher featured:
Dr. Syazreen Nadia Binti Sulaiman
Chemistry Division, Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya
For inquiries, please contact:
T: 03- 7967 5989
Author:
Farah Hannan Abd Nasir
A PhD student from the Physics Department who’s eager to blend science and storytelling - my goal is to make science relatable and exciting for everyone. When I’m not researching organic electronics, I enjoy playing the viola and painting with watercolours.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
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