While 35% of people worldwide grapple with oily skin, the topical solutions available are often not suitable for African skin. This skin type not only tends to produce more sebum, it also has a different composition of sebum and skin lipids, and shininess can be more pronounced. Therefore, personal care products need to be customized to its unique requirements. A clinical study in Mauritius has confirmed that BASF’s Bix’Activ is especially effective on oily African skin.

Overproduction of sebum and resulting shininess are a common concern when it comes to African skin. In an in-vivo study in 2018, Bix’Activ proved to decrease sebaceous gland activity, pore size and skin imperfection in an Asian population. A new placebo-controlled clinical study has now confirmed the efficacy of Bix’Activ for the unique characteristics of the African skin type, too. The study showed a decrease in sebum excretion to the skin surface by 44% and an 11% reduction in shininess compared to the first day of the study (D0). Furthermore, in a self-assessment, a significant majority of volunteers reported an improvement in their skin’s appearance. For instance, 93% perceived their skin to be less oily, while 90% felt their skin looked healthier.

Oily skin is a result of hyperactive glands that produce excess sebum. Its causes are manifold, ranging from hormonal changes, to environmental factors (e.g. weather or air pollution) and lifestyle (e.g. consumption of alcohol, a diet rich in dairy products and sugar). An extract of Bixa Orellana seeds, Bix’Activ addresses the dermatological roots of this skin condition by restricting overproduction of lipids in sebaceous glands.

The active ingredient conforms to the Cosmos standard for natural and organic cosmetics and is suitable for use in Natrue-certified formulations. 

Developing customized personal care products for African type of skin is part of BASF’s overall strategy to develop consumer-oriented solutions for the sub-Saharan African beauty market.

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