• BASF scientists will participate in the international scientific cooperation event among industries, students, and brands
• Highlights from BASF include a new method for visualizing skin models, innovations in AI-selected ingredients, and digital tools that support sustainability

Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, September 30, 2024 BASF scientists will bring their research and innovations in personal care at the 34th Congress of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC), dedicated to international cooperation in cosmetic science and technology. This year's event, organized by the Brazilian Association of Cosmetology (ABC), will be held in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil, from October 14th to 17th.

According to Fábio Cahen, Director of Personal Care at BASF for South America, the congress is a valuable opportunity for the scientific community to share knowledge and results of cutting-edge research that will shape cosmetology in the coming years. "It will be a special moment to welcome scientists from all over the world to Brazil and to show that, in addition to BASF's innovations that are aligned with global market trends and demands, the sustainability journey of our production processes in Brazil is also being followed", he says. The company emphasizes the importance of aligning science, innovation, and the use of digital tools and AI with consumer demands for sustainable and effective solutions in beauty and well-being.

On the podium, "Deep dive in skin structures thanks to high-resolution clearing histological method", presented by Oussama El Baraka, Ph.D., and Global Responsible for Organoids & Hair models, BASF showcases a new imaging methodology that addresses challenges such as the natural opacity of skin tissue and limitations of microscopic analysis. The optical clearing method increases depth and resolution, allowing for the evaluation of the entire tissue for dermo cosmetic research.

Innovation driven by sustainability

The poster "Artificial Intelligence to help improve sensitive scalp of people with textured hair" discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) generates solutions for textured hair, such as new natural anti-inflammatory peptides that help naturally soothe and hydrate the scalp. Also focusing on hair, the poster "Hair performance of lipid layer enhancer through bio-based mixture in rinse-off cosmetic formulations" evaluates the efficacy of Lamesoft® PO 65, a derived natural mixture that restores hair health.

To support the replacement of synthetic and non-biodegradable ingredients in formulations, the Care Chemicals digital solutions area has developed the poster "Uncovering sustainable personal care ingredient combinations using scientific modeling." They will provide details on the Surfactant Navigator and Emollient Maestro tools, which drive sustainable and innovative transformation in the sector.

The poster "A sustainable and high-performance emollient alternative to petrolatum in cosmetic formulations" assesses the ingredient Cetiol® SoftFeel, a molecule derived from 100% renewable ingredients that proves effective in replacing controversial emollients.

Sustainability across the value chain

The growing environmental awareness among consumers leads the cosmetics industry to develop increasingly sustainable solutions for responsible sourcing of raw materials. The poster "How Digital tools can support in reaching traceability goal? Example of argan supply" presents the results of using a digital tool designed by BASF to monitor and transparently track the supply of argan oil from Morocco, including ensuring fair compensation for producers. Building on the positive experience of this project, BASF has established a new supply chain for another plant, rambutan, supporting rural producers in Vietnam with the aim of creating a positive social impact. The results are detailed in the poster "Sustainable access to rambutan and benefit-sharing in Vietnam." This work will present three new ingredients obtained from parts of the rambutan that would have otherwise been discarded. The case study "Embracing Life Cycle Thinking: A Case Study of Sustainable Practices at BASF Jacarei's Production" details sustainable practices at the BASF factory in Jacareí, São Paulo, from raw material selection to initiatives for reducing carbon footprint.

Skin and coral protection

Lastly, a partnership project between Kenvue and BASF, presented by Andressa Peyrot, Senior Product Development Scientist at Kenvue and entitled "Sunscreen formulation to optimize efficacy, efficiency, and environmental health using EcoSun Pass® technology," will be showcased. EcoSun Pass is a scientific tool from BASF that supports the choice of ingredients in sunscreen formulation. Through a transparent and holistic methodology, the tool evaluates various parameters such as aquatic toxicity, bioaccumulation, biodegradability, among others, ensuring the product receives a seal that guarantees its safety for corals.

The works presented at the IFSCC Congress exemplify how BASF addresses the pillars of Care 360° - Solutions for Sustainable Life: sustainability, digitization, innovation, and new approaches to collaboration with customers and consumers. Additional information about the congress can be found on the IFSCC2024 website.