SCS Formulate 2019: BASF presents eco-friendly solutions for the personal care market

• 100 percent natural extract from the chaga mushroom: BASF’s latest bioactive ingredient Inolixir™ produces quick and long-lasting results for tired and sensitive skin
• 100 percent nature-based: bioactive extracts from the rambutan tree
• Eco-friendly sun protection with the EcoSun Pass and reduced time to market with BASF’s Sunscreen Simulator

Coventry, United Kingdom – November 12, 2019 – At SCS Formulate on November 12th and 13th in Coventry, BASF will share stand 500 with its European distribution organization BTC Europe and BASF Colors and Effects. Together they will present the latest solutions to meet the demands of the personal care market –  with a focus on natural actives. “With our new bioactive ingredients and biodegradable solutions, we support our customers in developing innovative products that meet the needs and expectations of today’s environmentally conscious consumers – as the demand for sustainably sourced products helping to protect and beautify skin and hair increases steadily,” said Dirk Mampe, Vice President Business Management Personal Care Solutions Europe.

A superfood ingredient for healthy skin

The chaga mushroom is a superfood renowned for various health benefits and has both traditional and modern uses. With Inolixir™ (INCI: Glycerin (and) Water (and) Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract), BASF scientists have now harnessed the chaga mushroom’s power for use in skin care products.

Inolixir works in two ways: firstly, it offers a wellness approach proven to be effective on tired and stressed skin. Study participants reported that Inolixir was as effective as a five-day spa in mitigating fatigue lines, dark circles and dullness. Secondly, the bioactive ingredient presents dermocosmetic solutions for sensitive skin: it offers anti-redness and anti-dullness benefits, leading 85 percent of study participants to perceive a health benefit for their skin and 91 percent to report increased skin comfort within 7 to 28 days of application.

Inolixir is a hyper-concentrated bioactive ingredient, benefitting from all the nutrients and properties of the chaga mushroom thanks to an innovative and eco-friendly technology: subcritical water extraction (SWE). Instead of organic solvents, this method uses pressurized water heated to between 100 °C and 374 °C for extraction. In vitro tests have proven that SWE extracts phytochemicals more efficiently than other common methods, such as conventional hydroethanolic extraction and water extraction.

All about sun care: EcoSun Pass and Sunscreen Simulator

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the potential impact sunscreens may have on the environment. Eco-friendly sunscreens are in high demand. BASF’s EcoSun Pass is a methodology that enables the environmental impact evaluation of UV filter systems. The environmental impact assessment system developed by BASF is clear, transparent and comprehensive. It is based on internationally recognized criteria and comprises eight different parameters, from biodegradation and aquatic toxicity to endocrine disruption potential.

As the worldwide market leader in sun care ingredients, BASF offers a broad portfolio of innovative ingredients and trendsetting solutions to support its customers developing reliable sun care products. The Sunscreen Simulator, BASF’s digital lab for sun care formulations, enables formulators to explore the performance of sunscreens under development before starting costly in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, BASF launched a new generation of the internet-based solution. It now features immediate dynamic calculations and side-by-side comparison of multiple UV filter compositions, among other enhancements. BASF’s Sunscreen Simulator supports sunscreen manufacturers all over the world in reducing their products’ time to market.

Rambutan Program: Bioactives from responsible beauty program

Consumers are increasingly interested in the composition and development of their cosmetic products. They are looking for personal care ingredients that are ecologically sourced, conserve resources or help to avoid negative environmental or social impact. With three new, 100 percent nature-based bioactive extracts from the rambutan tree (Nephelium lappaceum), BASF can help manufacturers respond to this growing trend, whilst having a positive impact on Vietnamese rural society in the area where rambutan is sourced. They are derived from BASF’s Rambutan Program, a reliable supply chain for sustainable bioactives production, upcycling different parts of the tree, other than the fruit. Nephydrat™ is an extract of rambutan peel which helps to moisturize the skin and provides it with energy. Nephoria™ is an extract of rambutan leaves that helps mature skin to rejuvenate by increasing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. For hair care, BASF developed Rambuvital™ from the seeds of rambutan which increases hair follicle vitality and reduces sebum oxidation triggered by exposure to pollutants and UV. In vivo, within one month, the scalp was more hydrated, and the hair appeared and felt visibly healthier, shinier and cleaner.

As part of the “Inspire” presentation program, Monia Benvegnu, Business Development Manager Beauty Care Solutions, Personal Care Europe at BASF, will be presenting on the product Inolixir.  

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 detergent and cleaner 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 BTC Europe

BTC Europe belongs to the world's leading chemical group, BASF – We create chemistry. BTC Europe GmbH is BASF’s European sales organization for specialty chemicals. Our strengths lie in our knowledge of the industry, based on many years of experience, and our proximity to our customers. With its 11 regional offices and more than 450 employees in Europe, BTC supplies small and medium-sized customers from a wide variety of industries with about 6,000 products. BTC is headquartered in Monheim am Rhein. Further information on BTC is available on the internet at www.btc-europe.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into four segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of more than €60 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

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