• BASF’s new active ingredient, Hydrasensyl® Glucan, moisturizes, smoothes and soothes the skin
• In clinical studies, Hydrasensyl Glucan has proven its powerful immediate and long-term efficacy
• The beta-glucan combines structural elements of both hyaluronic acid and collagen

Duesseldorf-Holthausen, Germany – November 20, 2019 – BASF launches a new active ingredient that moisturizes, smoothes and soothes the skin: Hydrasensyl® Glucan. These beneficial effects result from the active ingredient’s construction: its polysaccharide structure resembles hyaluronic acid, while the triple helix arrangement of the fibers is known from collagen.

Just like hyaluronic acid, which is often used in personal care products to hydrate and soothe the skin, Hydrasensyl Glucan consists of a long chain of sugar molecules. This primary structure enables the active ingredient to act as a natural water storage, by binding large amounts of water. At the same time, the polysaccharide chains are intertwined to form a rope-like, highly resilient triple helix – just like collagen, a structural protein that gives the skin its elasticity. This 3D structure can help to enhance the resistance of formulations to variations in pH or temperature and electrolyte load. In addition, Hydrasensyl Glucan provides a pleasantly light feel on the skin.

Instantly and durably smooth, hydrated skin

In clinical studies, Hydrasensyl Glucan has proven its rapid and exceptional efficacy: After two weeks of application at a dose of 2.5 percent, skin hydration went up by 43 percent and skin smoothness by 24 percent compared to the baseline. These effects even persist after discontinuing use: one week after stopping applications, the hydration rate and smoothness were still up 21 percent and 18 percent respectively. All the results were significantly better than the placebo.

Fast soothing effect

Hydrasensyl Glucan was also demonstrated to soothe skin irritated by UV exposure. The skin of volunteers was irradiated with 1.5 times the minimal erythema dose. The application of a gel with 2.5 percent Hydrasensyl Glucan visibly reduced erythema intensity compared to control and placebo group.

Hydrasensyl Glucan is derived from fermentation. A special proprietary BASF isolation and purification process enriches the β-glucan and maintains its specific functionality. The colorless, clear to opalescent viscous liquid is characterized by an exceptional purity of the high molecular weight beta-glucan.

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 detergents and cleaners 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 BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.