BASF launches three new active ingredients derived from the rambutan tree

At in-cosmetics 2019, BASF presents its Rambutan Program, a socially and environmentally responsible supply chain for sustainable bioactives production. Source: BASF Personal Care and Nutrition GmbH/

The ingredients are extracted from the first organically certified rambutan gardens in Vietnam.

Working in close cooperation with partners in Vietnam, BASF sources the ingredients, which are extracted from the rambutan tree (Nephelium lappaceum), from the first organically certified rambutan gardens in Vietnam. With its program, BASF creates a positive impact on Vietnamese rural society by upcycling different parts of the tree, other than the fruit, and at the same time offering incomes above the average, ensuring gender equity while guaranteeing safer working conditions and providing health insurance. It also helps manufacturers of hair and skin care products to respond to the growing trend of responsible beauty.

An interdisciplinary innovation platform at BASF focuses exclusively on the extraction of valuable substances from plant material. “Plants are at the heart of our value proposition, and our commitment to further improve our sourcing network is driving our innovation to develop new products from sustainably sourced plants,” explained Lucilene Veira Nunes, Head of Business Management Beauty Care Solutions Europe. “For the Rambutan Program, we were able to capitalize on the experience we gained in our Argan Program in Southern Morocco, which was started in 2005.”

The Rambutan Sustainable Program for responsible beauty

In 2015, BASF set up the Rambutan Program, which involves a network of local farmers and a dedicated Rambutan team. The team maintains the gardens throughout the year, harvests the fruit, and prepares all raw materials for the extraction of the bioactive ingredients.

In Asia, rambutan – a close relative of lychee tree – is known for its many powers. The tree’s juicy fruits are rich in iron, vitamin C, fibers, and antioxidants, and have long been used to quell dysentery. The rinds contain various compounds with antioxidant properties, and the seeds are known to decrease unwanted fat. The pulp boosts energy and immunity, prevents diseases, and contributes to eliminate free radicals. BASF has found a way to extract the powers of the peel, leaves and seeds for cosmetic products, making sure no part goes to waste.

Nephydrat peel extract hydrates the skin

Nephydrat, an extract from the spiny fruit peel, reinforces the skin’s capacity for water retention and helps to hydrate the skin – a noticeable effect proven in tests with volunteers. The extract fuels keratinocytes with energy and increases phospholipids and long chain ceramide synthesis for an optimal skin barrier function. Nephydrat provides measurable and perceivable benefits of increased skin hydration and a uniform, fresh complexion.

Nephoria leaves extract rejuvenates mature skin

The evergreen-leaves extract Nephoria helps mature skin to rejuvenate through biological pathways similarly to those of retinol. Through its action on several major biological targets involved in collagens synthesis and elastic fiber network, the leaf extract stimulates both collagen and elastic fibers formation in vitro. Nephoria in vivo showed increased skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.

Rambuvital seed extract protects scalp and hair

The seed extract Rambuvital protects both the scalp and hair follicles against pollution-induced stress. It increases hair follicle vitality and reduces sebum oxidation triggered by exposure to pollutants and UV. The seed extract enhances the cornified scalp’s barrier function, contributing to water retention by increasing transglutaminase-1 and loricrin synthesis in keratinocytes. In vivo, the scalp was significantly more hydrated within one month and the hair appeared and felt visibly healthier and shinier.

100% natural-origin and COSMOS-approved extracts

All three bioactives are preservative-free, 100% of natural origin, and COSMOS-approved. They are obtained through a unique extraction and purification process, yielding a product with standardized active matter content. For the seed and leaf extracts, the combination of maltodextrin and spray drying allows to obtain concentrated extracts with a recommended dose of use of only 0.1%. The recommended dosage of the liquid peel extract is 2%.