BASF launches Kerasylium, a plant-based alternative to animal keratin

At the Global Cosmetics Trade Show held in Barcelona, BASF Personal Care launched an upgraded and reconstituted plant extract with amino acid composition similar to keratin, which can help repair damaged hair and protect it from daily harm.

BASF's new hair care ingredient is a micro complex rich in peptides and nutrients. This plant extract, known as Kerasylium, is the result of the upgraded recycling of Silybum marianum seed cake, which is a by-product of silybum oil production.

Sustainable upgrading and regeneration of plant extracts

Kerasylium peptides have an amino acid composition similar to keratin, a naturally occurring protein in hair that ensures hair resistance and elasticity.

Kerasylium has expanded BASF's growing portfolio of active ingredient products produced through a circular model to save resources. The silymarin used is grown in France for oil production and is based on a traceable and sustainable supply chain.

In addition, comprehensive studies have shown that Kerasylium reduces keratin degeneration by protecting the structural proteins of hair from oxidative stress, while helping to maintain its color for a longer period of time.