BASF launches natural-based ingredients for more sustainable personal care

With Verdessence® Maize (INCI: Hydrolyzed Corn Starch), a plant-based styling ingredient and readily biodegradable alternative to PVP and VP/VA polymers, BASF is expanding its portfolio of high-performing biopolymers. Being 100% derived from renewable feedstocks, the new ingredient is perfectly suited for natural and organic cosmetics. It is designed for various applications, especially crystal-clear pump sprays as well as mousses with a cloud-like foam texture. In a performance assessment, 7% Verdessence® Maize in a pump mousse formulation showed the same bending stiffness and better curl retention performance compared to formulations with 2% synthetic polymers. The same performance in terms of bending stiffness and curl retention can be achieved when added at 5% to a pump spray formulation instead of synthetic polymers.

BASF's new wax-based and readily biodegradable opacifier dispersion, Lamesoft® OP Plus (INCI: Coco-Glucoside (and) Glycol Distearate (and) Glyceryl Oleate), has a high natural origin content (NOC = 92.3% – 98.5%) and can be used as an alternative to synthetic, acrylate-based ingredients. It is characterized by its high-opacifying efficacy and offers additional care benefits in rinse-off applications while ensuring easy formulation and cold processing. Moreover, it is suitable for formulations with alternatives to sulfate surfactants. Supporting information for vegan, natural and cruelty-free evaluations are available. Lamesoft® OP Plus provides a creamy white and caring appearance to formulations with various surfactant systems without any undesired pearlizing effects during production and after storage. Performance tests indicate that it significantly reduces wet/dry combing effort while enhancing anti-hair breakage performance.

Dehyton® PK45 GA/RA (INCI: Cocamidopropyl Betaine) is a betaine derived from sustainably sourced coconut oil, certified by Rainforest Alliance. This amphoteric surfactant is readily biodegradable and ideally suited for use in shampoos, shower and bath preparations, as well as skin cleansers where it enables excellent foaming properties. BASF was one of the first chemical companies offering certified sustainable personal care ingredients based on coconut oil. The Rainforest Alliance certification aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers, protect forests, and act against climate change.

'As society and future generations are expected to live longer, consumers feel an urge to actively impact their footprint and preserve the earth as the foundation for long and healthy living,' said Dr Boris Gaspar, head of Market Development Personal Care EMEA. 'We support our customers by providing biodegradable alternatives to traditional ingredients, taking into account the consumer desire for responsible beauty routines.'

The focus on sustainability is transforming the personal care sector. Consumers seek natural, biodegradable products with lower greenhouse gas emissions that do not contain microplastics while offering high performance at affordable prices. At this year's in-cosmetics, BASF's Sustainability manager, Dr Bianca Seelig, will share insights into the company's formulation strategy that balances environmental considerations with consumer satisfaction. In the presentation, she will also discuss how brands can access sustainability data through BASF's digital service platform D'lite to help stay competitive in today's environmentally conscious market.

April 10, 2025 - 10:45-11:15 a.m. - Dr Bianca Seelig - Advancing Sustainability: Holistic Formulation Strategies in Personal Care - Sustainability Theatre, Hall 11, 11B50