BASF harnesses microbiome for new healthy ageing ingredients

By Austyn King | Published: 27-Jun-2022

The Probiolift and Postbiolift ingredients are said to meet consumer demand for bacteria-based products boosting youthful skin appearance

Chemicals company BASF is harnessing the power of the microbiome with two new bio-based ingredients designed to promote graceful skin ageing.

Described as a “breakthrough” by the company, Probiolift and Postbiolift ingredients are said to be the first on the market to harness the Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) bacteria, which has been found to decrease with age and is thought to be key to more youthful-looking skin.

The probiotic Probiolift is comprised of dormant L. crispatus bacteria that awaken when they come into contact with water on the skin, and said to make the skin appear fuller and reduce the appearance of fine lines and forehead wrinkles.

In in vitro studies, volunteers were said to see a 5% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles after applying a cream containing 0.05% Probiolift versus a placebo.

The panel of 29 female volunteers aged between 45-65 also reported that their skin appeared fuller after applying the cream for two months.

Meanwhile, the postbiotic Postbiolift harnesses the metabolites secreted by L. crispatus to help skin appear more elastic, smooth the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and promote a more even complexion.

Skin was said to show up to a 10% improvement in elasticity after 28 and 56 days of treatment, while the appearance of crow's feet and pigmented age spots was decreased by almost 7%.

“Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits that biotic ingredients offer, whether pre-, pro- or postbiotics,” said Cécile Kalem, BASF Launch Manager for Active Ingredients in Europe.

“What is common practice in [the food industry] has, up to now, been one of the most challenging tasks for the personal care industry: incorporating living skin bacteria into cosmetic formulations and keeping them active.

“With Probiolift, we have found a solution for this challenge – a real breakthrough by our research and development teams.”

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