BASF launches ‘resurfacing’ anti-ageing ingredient

BASF Beauty Care Solutions has launched Neurobiox, an ingredient marketed as a skin biosurfacer for the ever-growing anti-ageing segment.

BASF claims the ingredient defines a new niche for the treatment of skin anti-ageing and will form a key ingredient in a range of biosurfacing creams, or anti-aging resurfacing lotions.

The ingredient works by targeting the imbalance in skin cells which increases during the ageing process, leading to a less firm and more lined appearance in the skin.

Targeting skin cell imbalance

“During the ageing process, an imbalance is observed between the neuromediators and their receptors in the keratinocytes: the former increase while the latter diminish, causing a lack of synchronization in communication within skin cells,” explained Olivier Teillac, marketing and communications manager for BASF Beauty Care Solutions.

The company’s in vitro tests suggest that Neurobiox can help to reverse this process, thanks to the balancing action the ingredient has on the cells.

Clinical studies were conducted on two panels of 30 volunteers, the first panel compared Neurobiox to glycolic acid, whereas the second compared it to a placebo.

Clinical studies show improvement in skin surface

The results of the study were tested for three different skin surface characteristics, and were evaluated for wrinkles, pores and skin softness after a period of eight weeks.

The study showed that in both panels, the volunteers’ skin showed signs of reduced pores and wrinkles, and was also significantly softer and generally had a more youthful appearance, BASF claims.

“Cutaneous innervention is responsible for 30 to 40 per cent of epidermal thickness, so it is time that the cosmetic industry recognises the role played by the nervous system and the epidermis for anti-ageing skin care,” said Frank Frieler, general manager for the Neurobiox brand.

Focus on anti-ageing solutions

The ingredient has been launched at the same time as the company’s X-pressin product, which also targets anti-ageing, specifically targeted as a ‘glow-enhancing' technology.

“BASF Beauty Care Solutions has a key focus on effective, cutting-edge actives for the skin care market,“ said Teillac.

“We target anti-aging as a key sector, but we also engage in comprehensive research in many aspects of skin care, such as sensitive skin and advanced technology such as gene array.”