Basf uses its patented solid lipid encapsulation technology to stabilize retinol in formulations. The advantages of retinol encapsulation counteract known drawbacks such as irritation and stability, and offer anti-aging benefits.
Retinol is an anti-aging molecule widely used in cosmetic applications. VitaGuard A, developed by Basf, is based on patented solid lipid particles, protecting retinol from degradation, limiting skin irritation and enabling better cutaneous bioavailability for enhanced cosmetic efficacy.
Basf points out that several studies in vitro and ex vivo conducted by the company have shown that VitaGuard A improves the stability of retinol in cosmetic formulations compared to unencapsulated retinol, benefits skin bioavailability and prevents retinol-induced irritation. In addition, the ingredient clinically improves the appearance of forehead wrinkles, skin elasticity and skin tone uniformity.
In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial on Chinese volunteers, VitaGuard A cream was evaluated at 2 % (equivalent to 0.1 % retinol) for its efficacy as an anti-aging molecule, compared with unencapsulated retinol at 0.1%. "The results concluded that VitaGuard A significantly showed an anti-wrinkle effect on the appearance of forehead wrinkles compared to baseline (D0). After eight weeks, the volume of forehead wrinkles was reduced by 37 % (p<0.01). When assessing the improvement in skin elasticity, VitaGuard A showed a significant increase in skin elasticity compared to D0 (+16%, p<0.001). In addition, skin tone uniformity was significantly improved, showing a variation of 15 % from the baseline measurements obtained (p<0.001). All these parameters were better than with the same formulation containing unencapsulated retinol at the same dose of 0.1 %".the company says.
The development of VitaGuard A underlines Basf's commitment to meeting customer needs for ease of use of retinol, which can cause skin irritation and is subject to degradation by light and air, generally making it difficult for formulators to use. All this while delivering significant anti-aging effects.
"What's more, it's an example of how the company's Personal Care business is meeting future challenges. Sustainability, digitization, innovation and new collaborative approaches are the cornerstones of Care 360° - Solutions for Sustainable Life."Basf explains.
