BASF is expanding its range of natural-based ingredients and has introduced three new products for more sustainable personal care solutions. By providing biodegradable alternatives, the company wants to support its customers on the way to new ingredients that take into account the consumer desire for responsible beauty routines, explains BASF Care Chemicals Manager Boris Gaspar. The new developments are part of BASF's Longevity Ecosystem, which focuses on balancing environmental awareness and consumer expectations. The three new products - Verdessence Maize, Lamesoft OP Plus and Dehyton PK45 GA/RA - are all aimed at a more sustainable cosmetics industry, says Gaspar.

New solutions for sustainable cosmetics

Verdessence Maize is a plant-based styling polymer and a biodegradable alternative to PVP and VP/VA polymers. The new product is made from renewable raw materials and is suitable for natural and organic cosmetics. It is designed for various applications, in particular for clear pump sprays and mousses with a cloud-like foam texture. Lamesoft OP Plus is a wax-based opacifier dispersion that is biodegradable and has a high natural origin content of more than 90 per cent. It can be used as an alternative to synthetic acrylate-based ingredients and is characterised by high opacification efficiency. Dehyton PK45 GA/RA is a betaine derived from sustainable coconut oil. It is also biodegradable and is suitable for shampoos, shower and bath preparations and skin cleansers. The coconut oil is certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

A future without emissions and microplastics

The focus on sustainability is increasingly changing the personal care industry: consumers want natural, biodegradable products with lower greenhouse gas emissions and no microplastics. "Future generations want to reduce their ecological footprint and preserve the earth for a long, healthy life," emphasises Gaspar. BASF's Care Chemicals division offers a broad portfolio of ingredients for personal care and other applications.