BASF explores sustainable natural extraction and skin regeneration

BASF researchers are presenting findings and innovations on sustainable extraction and skin regeneration at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress 2026, currently taking place (September 28–October 1) in Perth, Australia. 

The studies highlighted by the global specialty chemicals company underscore three innovations for sustainable skin care: natural extraction technologies, collagen restoration, and balancing skin barrier support with sustainability. 

Personal Care Insights speaks to BASF about the role of ecologically oriented extraction technologies in improving the performance of upcoming cosmetic ingredients, and the promise of collagen-targeting peptides in skin renewal solutions. We also discuss skin care efficacy and sustainability performance in bio-based polymers.

Together, the studies offer innovation in the skin barrier and collagen support categories while maintaining focus on improving formulations’ ecological footprint.

The congress, under the theme “Solving the Sustainable Beauty Equation,” underscores the industry emphasis on maintaining a responsible ecological footprint within product innovation, amid heightened consumer demand for sustainable beauty.

Natural extraction efficacy

BASF is introducing a plant compound extraction method that uses naturally derived solvents. According to the company, the findings indicate how plant waters, especially coconut water, can serve as a renewable extraction medium for botanical compounds, offering an alternative approach to conventional extraction methods.

The study stipulates that coconut water extraction increased the recovery of certain phytochemical classes, including flavonol glycosides in rose extracts and flavanone glycosides in citrus extracts.Researchers investigate collagen-targeting peptides for next-generation skin regeneration solutions. 

“Sustainable extraction technologies can use renewable, bio-based solvents to improve the release of valuable phytochemicals from botanical materials,” Aurélie Courtois, scientific communication specialist at BASF, tells us.

“By optimizing solvent properties, they can produce extracts with higher concentrations of active compounds while preserving their integrity.” 

According to Courtois, this phytochemical enrichment may enhance biological performance. The company states that extracts procured via coconut water extraction indicate applications in epidermal cohesion and skin barrier resilience. 

“The findings open new opportunities to unlock more potent cosmetic ingredients through bio-inspired extraction technologies,” says BASF. 

Repairing collagen damage 

The company is presenting a second research project that investigates the burgeoning collagen-hybridizing peptides (CHPs) space. BASF describes CHPs as a new class of bioactive peptides inspired by biomedical research. 

“These peptides recognize and bind to damaged collagen structures while enhancing fibroblast-matrix interactions that are critical for skin regeneration,” explains the company.

The BASF research team conducted a clinical study demonstrating that the lead CHP candidate targets altered collagen. This targeting encourages procollagen I production, bolsters the tissue repair processes, and reduces markers associated with collagen degradation.

“Collagen-targeting peptides represent a shift from broadly stimulating collagen production to selectively addressing damaged collagen structures,” says Courtois.

“This more targeted approach could help support skin repair processes and healthier tissue regeneration, making peptide technologies an increasingly promising area in future anti-aging solutions.”

According to BASF, the findings point to the potential of intelligent peptide technologies to target visible skin aging through targeted collagen repair and enhanced cellular communication. 

BASF says AI-driven molecular modeling supported the development of the CHP research. 

Earlier this year, the company launched SkinNexus Collag3n and NeoHelix Regenerate, two active ingredients positioned for collagen-focused skin care applications. BASF highlights the role of AI-driven approaches in advancing collagen repair. 

Biopolymers for skin barrier

BASF is also presenting research conducted in collaboration with scientists from Stanford University, revealing how bio-based polysaccharides can construct functional films on the skin and impact hydration, barrier characteristics, and formulation efficacy.

The project examined how molecular interactions and crystallization processes in biopolymers influence film formation and control water movement across the stratum corneum, the skin’s outer protective barrier.

The findings show that these bio-based additives can enhance moisture retention, improve the delivery of emollients into the skin, and minimize stress caused by dehydration, while preserving barrier integrity. 

“The new generation of bio-based polymers demonstrates that sustainability and performance do not have to be trade-offs,” Dr. Thomas Albers, director of global development, skin care and application technology EMEA at BASF, tells us.

“By delivering benefits such as long-lasting hydration and skin barrier support while being derived from renewable resources, these materials enable formulators to meet growing consumer expectations for both efficacy and environmental responsibility.”

The research is said to offer insights into designing sustainable moisturizing formulations that maintain efficacy and are aimed at supporting long-term skin health.