Turning back the clock with a new active ingredient

Pigmentation irregularities are universally considered undesirable among both men and women – regardless of their age, skin type, or the region they live in. This perception is fuelled by consumers’ desire to stand out and maintain youthful looking skin and an even complexion. Generally speaking, there is a growing demand for anti-ageing solutions worldwide. But reviving the skin’s luminosity should begin with lightening its imperfections as well as smoothing out its complexion. Formulating products that meet these demands can be challenging for manufacturers – as it requires careful selection of the right active ingredients. Leveraging its scientific excellence and extensive expertise in skin pigmentation mechanisms, BASF’s Personal Care business has now developed an innovative pure molecule that can inhibit the release of melanin by the melanocytes, an alternative to the inhibition of tyrosinase, a pathway already broadly investigated. This new active ingredient’s efficacy has been proven for both Caucasian and Asian skin types using in vitro and in vivo studies. Its safety has also been widely demonstrated under recommended use conditions, making it a highly effective alternative to benchmark depigmenting agents.

As the world ages, so do its populations – whether in the US, Germany or India. In fact, according to a report by Moody’s Investor Service, 34 countries will be superaged by 2030 – meaning more than 20% of their population will be aged 65 or over.¹ Anti-ageing is therefore seen as a promising business segment, with products and treatments becoming much more sought after worldwide. According to Transparency Market Research, the global market will grow to US$191.7 billion by 2019, up from US$122.3 billion in 2013. This is equivalent to a compounded annual growth rate of 7.8% between 2013 and 2019.² 

One factor fuelling the anti-ageing market is the desire among consumers to look good and maintain a radiant complexion. In particular, the generation of baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, is considered to be important drivers of the current anti-ageing market.² With the youngest baby boomers turning 50 this year, and the oldest reaching 68 in 2014, they are beginning to show signs of ageing. As a result, they are especially aware of solutions and, in particular, personal care products aimed at mitigating or reversing wrinkles, age spots, etc.