BASF is showcasing three innovative research projects focused on sustainable and high-performance skin care formulations during the 36th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress in Perth, running from September 28 to October 1. The theme of this year’s congress is “Solving the Sustainable Beauty Equation.”
Read More
One key area of research involves utilizing coconut water as a natural replacement for traditional solvents in the extraction of valuable plant compounds. Nicole Lv, a Technical Key Account Manager at BASF Beauty Care Solutions for the APAC region, will present findings indicating that coconut water can significantly enhance the polyphenol content in botanical extracts. This method also enriched rose and citrus extracts with beneficial compounds such as flavonol glycosides and flavanone glycosides. BASF reports that these coconut water-derived extracts have potential advantages for epidermal cohesion and skin-barrier resilience, indicating promising avenues for bio-inspired extraction technologies in cosmetic products.
Another research initiative examines collagen hybridizing peptides (CHPs), a type of bioactive peptide engineered to identify and adhere to damaged collagen. BASF researchers have identified a lead CHP candidate that targets altered collagen, stimulates procollagen I production, and supports tissue repair. Clinical studies indicate a significant reduction in damaged collagen, representing advances in targeted strategies to mitigate visible signs of skin aging through peptide technology combined with AI-driven molecular modeling.
Additionally, a collaborative study between researchers from Stanford University and BASF explores the behavior of bio-based polysaccharides in forming films on the skin, analyzing their impact on hydration, barrier performance, and formulation behavior. The findings suggest that these bio-based additives can enhance moisture retention, facilitate emollient absorption, and reduce drying stress, all while preserving skin-barrier integrity.
These three projects exemplify BASF’s commitment to merging sustainability with efficiency in cosmetic ingredients, emphasizing natural extraction methods, advanced peptides, and bio-based formulation systems. BASF's Care Chemicals division provides a range of ingredients for personal care, household cleaning, and industrial applications, including surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, cosmetic actives, and UV filters.