BASF’s Innovation Platform Yields New Anti-Aging Ingredient

11 Apr 2017 --- BASF’s new research platform on extraction and processes has yielded its first results in the form of Oligolin, a hydrolyzed linseed extract concentrated in oligosaccharides. The new anti-aging active ingredient was developed by experts from BASF’s R&D department for bio-actives in cooperation with experts from the University of Reims and their Technology Transfer Office SATT Nord.

“Oligolin is suitable for different cosmetic applications such as anti-aging skin care, rejuvenating serums and multifunctional skin care,” BASF spokesperson Birte Kattelmann-Jagdt tells NutritionInsight.

Oligolin enhances the build-up of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that are part of the connective tissue and inhibits the expression of hyaluronidase and heparanase. Stimulating epidermal cell differentiation and epidermis thickness, Oligolin contributes to a better hydration of the skin. As a result, The dermal ground substance and fiber synthesis are boosted and the skin revitalized, the company says. 

The efficacy of Oligolin was substantiated through in vitro and in vivo tests on the different skin compartments and on key biological targets linked to epidermis alteration and dermis depletion occurring with age. Applied at 1 percent, the active ingredient improved skin hydration by 11 percent after 28 days. Within the same period, it improved skin firmness by 14 percent.

Oligolin can be cold-processed at room temperature. Manufactured from flaxseeds cultivated in France, this 100% renewable-based active ingredient without preservatives is Cosmos approved. Oligolin is suitable for the use in cosmetic products such as rejuvenating face creams, moisturizing and firming serum treatments and multi-functional rejuvenating cures at every skin level.

“Oligolin was launched into the personal care market earlier this year. Now, cosmetic brands will need some time to incorporate our active ingredient into their final products, meaning that consumers can expect to find personal care applications containing Oligolin on the market in a few months [at the earliest],” Kattelmann-Jagdt says. “The raw material conforms to Cosmos standards for natural and organic cosmetics. It regenerates the epidermis, restructures the dermal epidermal junction, densifies the dermis and firms and hydrates the skin.”

“We aim at selecting the richest sources and precisely extracting the relevant molecules to enhance the efficacy of our active ingredients. In an increasingly regulated environment, we consider this as a fantastic source of innovation,” says David Hérault, head of Global Research and Development for Bio-actives. 

“Investing in these sustainable processes already paid off: We created a collection of unique solutions that answer consumers’ quest for efficacy and growing awareness about how precious nature is. Oligolin is one of them,” Hérault says. 

by Lucy Gunn