New Skin Care Actives from BASF

Oily skin? Pigment spots? Fine lines and wrinkles? Problem skin deserves answers and BASF’s Care Creations team will have plenty of them this week in Paris.  During Cosmet’Agora, BASF will present several new active ingredients that were derived from the research activities of the company’s innovation platforms on epigenetics, microbiome and extraction, addressing the dermatological roots of these skin conditions and helping manufacturers meet end-consumers’ needs.

For example, Ciste’M, a rockrose extract adapted to arid climate, protects the DNA of skin cells from the effects of UVB exposure and prevents the deleterious effects of blue light. DN-Age, a candle bush leaf extract, promotes the cell’s youth during sun exposure. It offers a comprehensive cellular DNA protection against UVA, UVB and blue light and helps to promote the skin’s natural DNA repair process. Arganyl, an extract of argan leaves, protects DNA against blue light in two ways (DNA antioxidation and breakage) and has anti-pollution efficacy.

Oily skin is a concern for consumers around the world; hyperactive glands produce excess sebum, which causes shiny skin, enlarged pores or imperfections. BASF’s new active ingredient Bix’Activ, an extract from Bixa Orellana seeds, reduces sebum production by restraining the proliferation of sebocytes in sebaceous glands. In addition, it blocks the signal that induces hyper-keratinization and helps to refine pores as a result. Because it also keeps microbiome virulence at bay, the agent helps in reducing skin blemishes. A placebo-controlled clinical study demonstrated extraordinary results: The number of active sebaceous glands decreased by more than 50%, and the follicular sebum excretion rate fell by more than 70%. Bix’Activ is Cosmos- and Ecocert-approved and suitable for NaTrue-certified formulations.

By acting on an epigenetic level and targeting the expression of tyrosinase, DN-Aura decreases melanin synthesis in melanocytes, reducing the incidence of dark spots. In an in-vivo study among Asian women aged between 18 and 60, the active ingredient significantly reduced both the melanin content in melanocytes and the pigment spots. An extract derived from the leaf of the Vietnamese Langsat tree, the 100% natural-based active conforms to Ecocert and Cosmos standards.

In response to consumers’ quest for more radiant skin and products that blur skin imperfections, BASF experts have developed Neurobiox. Derived from Achillea millefolium, the 100% natural-based active stimulates cell renewal and increases the thickness of the epidermis, which decreases with age. Neurobiox restores cell communication by stimulation of the skin’s neuroreceptors. According to BASF, in a placebo-controlled clinical study, it produced extraordinary effects—clearly improving both skin clarity and radiance and leading to a decreased pore appearance. As Neurobiox also has a positive effect on the skin's luminosity, it can be used in any global anti-aging products.
             
With lifestyle-related skin conditions and allergies becoming more prevalent, a balanced skin microbiome is increasingly vital for protecting the epidermis. Phytosoothe protects the physical and microbiotic skin barrier and restores it after impairment. The biomimetic active is especially suitable for formulations developed for sensitive skin or babies. In hair care applications, it soothes irritated scalps and significantly reduces the intensity of itching and tingling after just one use. As a blend of phytosterols from rapeseed and cetearyl alcohol, Phytosoothe is free from preservatives, has a low melting point and an excellent safety profile.