BASF to present the latest advancements in cosmetic science at IFSCC Congress

• Poster and podium sessions cover new technologies and insights into anti-aging and microbiome-friendly skin care
• 35th IFSCC Congress to be hosted by the Société Française de Cosmétologie in Cannes

Cannes, France – September 9, 2025 – Scientists from BASF will present their latest research findings at the 35th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress from September 15-18. The company’s poster and podium presentations will cover a range of innovative topics, including, among others, the role of Corynebacteria in skin aging, a holistic approach to microbiome-friendly skin care, and a new retinol delivery system for enhanced stability. Themed “The Future in Science,” the congress will be hosted by the Société Française de Cosmétologie in Cannes. It spotlights advancements in the field of cosmetic science, while fostering collaboration among industry professionals.

Exploring the role of Corynebacteria in skin aging

During a podium presentation, BASF researchers will present novel insights on the role of Corynebacteria in skin health and aging. Their study found notable changes in Corynebacteria distribution according to age and in sensitive skin, highlighting the increased prevalence of C. kroppenstedtii in older skin. Using an innovative droplet-based microfluidic technology, researchers evaluated the antioxidant potential and collagen-boosting properties of Corynebacteria strains, revealing that C. accolens in particular enhances collagen synthesis. Moreover, C. accolens and C. amycolatum promoted fibrillin-1, claudin-1 and filaggrin. These results prove Corynebacteria to be a promising target for anti-aging skin care.

Decoding the impact of galenic ingredients for microbiome-friendly formulation development

The microorganisms inhabiting our bodies play a beneficial role in human health, including that of the skin. A multi-disciplinary team at BASF explored how typical non-active ingredients (galenics), that are essential in personal care formulations, can impact the microbial communities found on healthy skin. The study emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting appropriate galenic ingredients that do not disrupt the skin’s healthy microbiota when developing microbiome-friendly personal care products. Both rinse-off and leave-on formulations were tested on human volunteers and proven to be gentle to the skin’s healthy microbiome while fulfilling consumer expectations for moisturization, mildness, cleansing, and/or sensorial properties. These findings allow for a holistic approach to microbiome-friendly skin care that goes beyond active ingredients.

Findings on the benefits of taurine in promoting longevity of human skin cells

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of taurine in slowing the aging process and extending the health span. However, research on humans has been lacking so far. BASF experts have now explored the role of taurine and its transporter, TauT, in combating human skin cell senescence by studying markers of cell cycle arrest and senescence-associated skin phenotypes (SASPs). Based on these findings, the team identified a plant extract that can boost taurine and TauT levels while decreasing SASPs. The poster presentation highlights how the modulation of taurine pathways opens up new possibilities for anti-aging skin care strategies.

Advancements in bio-based polysaccharides for cosmetic formulations

In a joint research project, scientists from Stanford University and BASF investigated the significant role bio-based polysaccharides can play in cosmetic formulations. Their study demonstrates how these ingredients enhance skin moisturization, stabilize formulations, and improve emollient penetration into the stratum corneum (SC). The research highlights the importance of these bio-based polymers in the creation of more sustainable and highly effective cosmetics.

New delivery system for retinol

To address stability, bioavailability, and skin irritation issues associated with retinol in skin care products, BASF scientists have developed an innovative solid lipid particles (SLP) delivery technology. In a real-life study, the SLP formulation demonstrated an 83% retention rate after four months, significantly outperforming a market benchmark. Additionally, the encapsulated retinol increased collagen I levels by 43%. With high stability in cosmetic formulations and no specific packaging requirements, this encapsulation solution is setting a new standard for consumer-friendly retinol formulations that provide visible anti-aging benefits.

BASF experts on the scientific program

About the Care Chemicals division at BASF

The BASF division Care Chemicals offers a broad range of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. We are a leading global supplier for the cosmetics industry as well as the detergents and cleaners industry, and support our customers with innovative and sustainable products, solutions and concepts. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients and UV filters. We have production and development sites in all regions and are expanding our presence in emerging markets. Further information is available online at www.care-chemicals.basf.com.
 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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