BASF Personal Care Introduces Encapsulation Technology for Retinol

BASF’s Personal Care business has launched a new ingredient, VitaGuard A, to meet the continued demand for retinol and strengthen its position as a cosmetic staple. This latest innovation is based on the encapsulation of free retinol.

Retinol is a potent anti-aging molecule that is widely used in cosmetics. However, it can also cause skin irritation and is easily degraded by light and air, making it difficult for formulators to use it widely. VitaGuard A has been developed using patented solid lipid particles that prevent retinol degradation, limit skin irritation, and increase skin bioavailability, thereby improving cosmetic results.

Multiple in vitro and ex vivo studies conducted by BASF have shown that VitaGuard A improves the stability of retinol in cosmetic formulations, improves skin bioavailability, and prevents retinol-induced irritation compared to non-encapsulated retinol. In addition, it has been shown to clinically improve the appearance of forehead wrinkles, skin elasticity and skin tone evenness, complementing retinol’s attractive properties as an anti-aging molecule.