BASF launches new anti-ageing active
Derived from galangal leaf extract, the active is capable of stimulating hyaluronan synthase -2 (HAS-2), which is claimed to be the only hyaluronan synthase able to produce hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight.
Hyaluronic acid has fast developed as one of the most popular anti-ageing ingredients thanks to its effect on the epithelial skin tissue, which in turn helps to enhance effective moisturisation of the skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
BASF says its studies have shown a 2 per cent concentration of Hyalufix GL has doubled the amount of hyaluronic acid produced.
Visible reduction in wrinkles
BASF says that the higher level of hyaluronic acid has said to have led to the development of a more effective ingredient, that not only targets wrinkles, but dark lines associated with the ageing process.
A clinical study for the ingredient conducted on 25 women found that a 3 per cent concentration led to a visible reduction of nasogenian folds, or smile lines, after four weeks of use.
The study reported that 84 per cent of the women said their skin was more radiant, while 63 per cent said they thought the density of their skin had improved noticeably.
The shadow eraser
Frank Freiler, general manager of BASF personal care, refers to the ingredient as ‘the shadow eraser’, and says that the ingredient “offers three dimensional corrective action for improving the appearance of the body and face”.
BASF has been challenged by the economic climate, mainly due to the fact that its industrial chemicals unit has been hard hit by the economic downturn and resulting slow down in manufacturing.
Back in July the company announced that it would be cutting 3,700 jobs and closing over 20 production facilities as part of the integration of Ciba into the business.
The company completed the acquisition of Ciba, for which it paid €3.8bn, back in April after receiving the go ahead from competition authorities.
Ciba will now be integrated into the operating divisions of BASF’s Performance Products segment and the company hopes to generate synergies of €400m a year from 2012 onwards.
