BASF Personal Care, a leading global supplier for the cosmetics industry, has announced the launch of an upgraded version of its popular pore-tightening ingredient, Laricyl®. This enhanced version not only offers improved efficacy but also utilizes sustainable cultivation practices, aligning with BASF’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Laricyl® has been a trusted component of BASF’s cosmetic active ingredient portfolio for more than 20 years, renowned for its ability to refine pores. In a move towards sustainable practices, the company has adopted a more eco-friendly approach to sourcing the raw material. The Fomes officinalis mushroom, from which Laricyl® is derived, is now cultivated through solid-state fermentation instead of wild harvesting. This organic-certified mycelium production occurs in controlled conditions in Europe, replacing traditional methods.
With an impressive 99.7% natural origin, the new version of Laricyl® complies with ISO 16128 standards. Lucilene Veira Nunes, Head of Business Management for Bioactive Ingredients, EMEA, expressed the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation. Nunes stated, “With Laricyl, we have now succeeded in making the cultivation of the raw material more sustainable while simultaneously improving the ingredient’s immediate pore-tightening, skin mattifying, and moisturizing effects.”
BASF’s Responsibly Active program, a cornerstone of the company’s sustainability initiatives, focuses on protecting natural resources. As part of this program, BASF aims to achieve full traceability and sustainable sourcing for 100% of its botanical supply chains by 2030, with a target of 50% organic certification. By revising the cultivation approach for the fungus that serves as the basis for Laricyl®, BASF is actively working towards these ambitious goals. The program also emphasizes supporting communities along the value chains and implementing measures to reduce the company’s climate impact.
The Care Chemicals Division of BASF offers a comprehensive range of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. Sustainability, digitalization, innovation, and collaboration are key drivers of BASF’s Care 360° – Solutions for Sustainable Life initiative. The division’s product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients, and UV filters. With production and development sites across all regions, BASF continues to expand its presence in emerging markets.
With over 111,000 employees worldwide, BASF Group plays a crucial role in various sectors and countries. The company’s diverse portfolio encompasses six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2022, BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion, highlighting its global success and influence.
