Before making an NLC-curcumin formulation, data is needed to determine the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants. Given that there are no data on the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants in various primary literatures such as the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia (FHI), USP (United State Pharmacopeae), Japanese Pharmacopeae, and other primary literature, it is necessary to conduct a preformulation study of the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants which are often used. Aims: This study aims to determine the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants which are often used in NLC formulations. Method: The method used to determine the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants is UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Results: Curcumin has the highest solubility in solid lipid stearic acid and liquid lipid oleic acid with solubility levels of 60.45 μg/g and 20.36 μg/g. The concentration of surfactant (Tween 80) which can increase the drug loading of curcumin in lipids is at a concentration of 2%. Conclusion: The good lipids used for the NLC-curcumin formulation are stearic acid and oleic acid. UV-Visible Spectrophotometry method not properly used to determine the solubility of curcumin in lipids and surfactants because not reproducible.