BASF is pairing floral botanicals, epigenetic science and more sustainable extraction with the launch of Floragenist, a new duo of cosmetic actives designed to address skin radiance and resilience. The range includes Floragenist Rose, based on Moroccan Damask rose, and Floragenist Blossom, derived from Moroccan bitter orange blossom.
The launch reflects a broader shift toward natural ingredients backed by more sophisticated biological science. BASF's AquaGenesis extraction technology uses coconut water as a natural solvent, avoiding aggressive solvents while concentrating bioactive compounds, including flavonoids. The technology is paired with epigenetic research to target specific aspects of epidermal function.
Floragenist Rose is positioned around the growing skin radiance and glass/diamond skin conversation. BASF says the active supports the skin's expression of proteins involved in surface structure and light reflection, while also addressing oxidative stress. In a clinical study using VISIA imaging, 0.4% Floragenist Rose produced a 2.7-fold improvement in the appearance of skin luminosity and a 22% reduction in redness versus placebo.
Floragenist Blossom, meanwhile, targets adaptive skin resilience. The active is designed to support key skin-integrity proteins and barrier function in response to stressors including harsh cleansing, mechanical stress and microbial imbalance. In an in vivo study, skin treated with 0.1% Floragenist Blossom for 28 days showed 52% lower variation in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) following harsh cleansing compared with placebo.
Sustainability is built into the sourcing and extraction story. Both actives use certified organically cultivated, hand-harvested botanicals from Morocco, with traceability to source; BASF says the Damask rose supply chain is verified against a sustainable sourcing standard.
