BASF is showcasing three research projects aimed at pushing sustainable and high-performance skin care formulations, with its scientists presenting new work on plant-based extraction, targeted collagen repair and bio-based polymers at the 36th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress in Perth.

 

The research will be presented through one podium presentation and two poster sessions during the congress, being held from September 28 to October 1 under the theme “Solving the Sustainable Beauty Equation”.

 

One of the headline projects explores coconut water as a natural alternative to conventional solvents for extracting valuable compounds from plants.

 

BASF researcher Nicole Lv, Technical Key Account Manager at BASF Beauty Care Solutions, APAC, will present the work, which found that coconut water could significantly increase polyphenol content in botanical extracts. The approach also enriched rose and citrus extracts with compounds including flavonol glycosides and flavanone glycosides.

 

According to BASF, extracts produced using coconut water also showed potential benefits for epidermal cohesion and skin-barrier resilience, pointing to new possibilities for bio-inspired extraction technologies in cosmetic ingredients.

 

A separate research project focuses on collagen hybridizing peptides (CHPs), a class of bioactive peptides designed to recognize and bind to damaged collagen.

 

BASF researchers said their lead CHP candidate selectively targets altered collagen, stimulates procollagen I production and supports tissue-repair processes. A clinical study also found a significant reduction in damaged collagen.

 

The research combines peptide technology with AI-driven molecular modelling, with BASF positioning the approach as a potential route to more targeted strategies for addressing visible signs of skin ageing.

 

In another study, researchers from Stanford University and BASF examined how bio-based polysaccharides form films on the skin and affect hydration, barrier performance and formulation behaviour.

 

The research focused on how molecular entanglement and crystallisation influence film formation and water transport through the stratum corneum.

 

BASF said the findings indicate that the bio-based additives can improve hydration retention, support emollient penetration and reduce drying-related stress while maintaining skin-barrier function.

 

The company said the research could help accelerate the development of sustainable moisturising formulations designed to support long-term skin health.

 

The three projects reflect BASF’s broader focus on combining sustainability with performance in cosmetic ingredients, spanning natural extraction technologies, advanced peptides and bio-based formulation systems.

 

The company’s Care Chemicals division supplies ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial and institutional cleaning, and technical applications, including surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, cosmetic active ingredients and UV filters.