From AI-selected ingredients to sun care safety: BASF to show new research at IFSCC

The popular global conference IFSCC 2022, a congregation of the foremost experts in cosmetic ingredients and scientists, will be held in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil from 14th to 17th October. This year, the spotlight will be on novel findings and advancements in cosmetic science.

Among the multitude of organizations participating, the German-based chemicals conglomerate, BASF, asserted that the focal point of its participation will be sustainability, hair care, and skin care. As per Fábio Cahen, Director of Personal Care for South America, BASF’s most recent discoveries will be on display alongside the demonstration of the ongoing sustainability practices of their production processes in Brazil.

In recent years, the hair care sector has seen unprecedented growth and is a prime field of research for BASF. This year, the company will present a wide array of studies catering to this category. One notable research is centered around leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the sensitive scalp condition of textured hair individuals. The study aims to explore how AI can formulate solutions for textured hair including natural anti-inflammatory peptides that are armoured to naturally moisturize and soothe the scalp.

Another significant research by BASF is about the efficacy of its ingredient, Lamesoft® PO 65, a naturally derived mixture, which purportedly aids in replenishing hair health. This will be assessed through “Hair performance of lipid layer enhancer through a bio-based mixture in rinse-off cosmetic formulations”.

When it comes to skin care, BASF is set to showcase its latest evaluation technique that deals with the challenges of skin tissues’ natural opacity and microscopic analysis limitations. The primary figure behind this research is Oussama El Baraka, Ph.D. Responsible Organoids and Hair Models. His exploration, named as “Deep dive in skin structures thanks to high-resolution clearing histological method,” is centered around the optical clearing method which raises depth and resolution, enabling the comprehensive evaluation of whole tissue for dermo-cosmetic research.

In addition to this, BASF has formed a collaboration with Kenvue, a beauty product manufacturer for exhaustive research in the sun care segment. BASF has devised the EcoSun Pass, an assessment tool equipped to facilitate the selection of ingredients in sunscreen formulations to ensure that products receive a seal that confirms them as safe to marine life.

Furthermore, sustainability is also a key focus for BASF at IFSCC. In its commitment to promoting sustainability, BASF’s Care Chemicals digital solutions department developed scientific modeling to aid the substitution of synthetic and non-biodegradable ingredients in cosmetic products. BASF also proposes to unveil more specifics about its Surfactant Navigator and Emollient Maestro tools. The initiatives strive to stimulate sustainable and innovative transformations in the cosmetic industry.

For responsible sourcing of raw materials, BASF is formulating continuously sustainable solutions. As part of this commitment, BASF plans to utilize digital tools to achieve traceability goals. For instance, the company is tracking the supply of argan oil from Morocco transparently while delivering fair compensation for producers.

Moreover, BASF has also extended a new supply chain for rambutan, supported rural producers in Vietnam. The company plans to shed light on three new ingredients derived from parts of the rambutan, which were initially discarded.

Lastly, in line with this year’s IFSCC being held in Brazil, the conference will also present a case study titled “Embracing Life Cycle Thinking: A Case Study of Sustainable Practices at BASF Jacarei’s Production”. This will offer an in-depth outlook on the sustainable practices carried out at BASF’s factory located in Jacareí, São Paulo.