As AI-generated perfection floods screens and beauty filters redefine appearance with a tap, global chemicals giant BASF is pushing back—with a bold call for authenticity.

 

At the upcoming in-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris, the company will debut its “Beyond Beauty: Authentic+” concept, a strategy designed to shift the industry away from digital ideals and toward emotional, real-world self-confidence.

 

“At BASF, we believe personal care should empower people to feel comfortable in their own skin, beyond any digital ideal,” said Boris Gaspar. “With Authentic+, we’re redefining beauty as something deeply personal and emotionally resonant, building on our longstanding expertise in skin sensorics and emotion-based methods.”

 

Instead of competing with filters and AI enhancements, BASF is doubling down on formulations that prioritize sensory experience, emotional well-being, and individuality. The “+” in Authentic+ signals a deliberate shift: products designed not just to work—but to make users feel something. Think lotion-to-powder textures and watery massage oils engineered to transform daily routines into mindful rituals.

 

Front and center at the Paris showcase is Plantigenix Bisabolol, BASF’s new high-purity soothing ingredient produced through biotechnology. Moving away from traditional extraction methods that rely on chamomile or wild-harvested trees, the company has turned to fermentation to deliver a more sustainable, consistent alternative.

 

The result is a cleaner, more potent form of bisabolol—targeted for sensitive skin applications such as after-sun and scalp care—while significantly reducing environmental strain. With renewable feedstocks and a lower carbon footprint, the ingredient reflects rising consumer demand for both performance and sustainability.

 

BASF is also tackling one of the beauty industry’s biggest climate challenges: sunscreen formulation.

 

UV filters are among the most carbon-intensive components in personal care, but the company’s new Uvinul T 150 X EcoBalanced aims to change that. Built using a biomass balance approach, the product replaces fossil-based inputs with renewable resources—without altering performance.

 

Already widely used as a high-performance UVB filter, Uvinul T 150’s EcoBalanced version offers the same efficacy with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Crucially, it can be dropped into existing formulations without requiring reformulation, lowering the barrier for brands to adopt greener chemistry.

 

Beyond its headline launches, BASF will also spotlight a wave of recent innovations—from peptide-powered hair care solutions to biodegradable conditioning agents and lightweight UV filters—signalling a broader shift toward high-performance, environmentally conscious personal care.