In-cosmetics Global 2026: BASF spotlights sensoriality, emotion and individuality

BASF is inviting a “return to authenticity” with its Beyond Beauty: Authentic+ concept set to launch at In-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris, France (April 14–16). The sustainable chemicals company emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and sensoriality in a global climate dominated by digital beauty filters and AI-manipulated images.

The company states that instead of competing with doctored images of oneself, it spotlights personal care that prioritizes the skin and hair health of the consumers, nurturing the whole person and encouraging self-esteem and individuality. The “+” represents the emotional dimension of the concept, focusing on formulations that support senses of self-worth as well as high performance and efficacy.

Sensoriality plays a large part in achieving the emotional and connectivity-driven ambitions of the concept. “Extraordinary textures and sensory profiles, like lotion-to-powder emulsions and watery massage oils, turn daily routines into mindful rituals of care, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves,” says the company.

“At BASF, we believe personal care should empower people to feel comfortable in their own skin, beyond any digital ideal,” says Dr. Boris Gaspar, head of market development, Personal Care EMEA. “With Authentic+, we’re redefining beauty as something deeply personal and emotionally resonant, building on our longstanding expertise in skin sensorics and emotion-based methods.”

Sustainable scientific solutions

Alongside its Authentic+ concept, BASF will be launching two new ingredients at the tradeshow — a scientifically-backed high-purity soothing active and a lower carbon UV protection filter.

Firstly, it will introduce the biotechnologically developed soothing active, Plantigenix Bisabolol. The ingredient is said to be designed to meet the intersecting consumer demands for well-being-minded, naturally sourced, and reliable cosmetics.

The fermentation-based bisabolol’s production provides an alternative to traditional procurement from chamomile or wild trees, alleviating stress on natural resources while sustaining consistent purity.

“The process yields only the most biologically active and naturally occurring isomer, (-)-α bisabolol, offering superior purity and lower farnesol content than the mixed racemic synthetic grades,” says BASF.

Aligned with sensitive skin applications and designed for skin comfort, Plantigenix Bisabolol can be utilized in after-sun, after-shave, and scalp care formulations. The ingredient’s fully renewable carbon content and renewable feedstock sourcing indicate a reduction of the CO2 footprint when compared with fossil-based synthetic alternatives.

Low-carbon UV filter

BASF’s Authentic+ concept emphasizes emotional connection in personal care.

The second ingredient set to launch at the show is Uvinul T 150 X EcoBalanced, a UV protection solution with biomass balance (BMB).

BASF states that UV filters are a key driver for increased carbon footprint in SPF formulations because of their manufacturing requirements, chemical complexities, as well as the cumulative footprints of required raw materials used to produce the ingredients.

Uvinul T 150 X EcoBalanced is BASF’s first UV filter in BMB. According to the company, Uvinul T 150 is a “highly effective, photostable UVB filter and the filter of choice to replace octocrylene and ethylhexyl salicylate.”

The EcoBalanced iteration of Uvinul T 150, which will launch at In-cosmetics, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the final product while maintaining its high-performance efficacy, claims BASF.

Following the company’s BMB approach — which swaps fossil feedstocks with regenerative sources at the beginning of the production cycle — the filter is said to offer a drop-in solution which does not necessitate reformulation.

BASF business moves 

Earlier this year, BASF’s Personal Care business launched a formulation concept at Cosmet’Agora 2026, highlighting hybrid, cross-category solutions and unique sensory experiences. The concept featured formulations for hair care, body wash, longevity skin care, eco-conscious UV protection (assessed with BASF’s EcoSun Pass technology), and healthy glow makeup. 

At the show, BASF also introduced two ingredients: Aloversil, which supports the appearance of denser hair in men, and Dehyquart S18, designed to condition hair. 

With the company’s focus on personal care ingredients, at the end of last year, it announced that it was divesting its optical brightening agent business, part of its Care Chemicals division, to Catexel. The move was part of BASF’s strategic business transformation, wherein the company is slimming down its portfolio to focus on higher growth categories. 

Additionally, last month, BASF raised product costs by up to 30% on all products across its Home Care, Industrial and Institutional Cleaning, and Industrial Formulators portfolio in Europe. The decision was prompted by the Iran war, which has caused adverse knock-on effects on supply chain integrity, volatility in pricing, and precarious raw material availability.