• In-house product evaluation supports customers and academic institutions focusing on ethnic hair and skin care in sub-Saharan Africa
• In vivo sensory and performance testing of formulations to underpin market relevance and optimize consumer experience
• New facility completes BASF’s Application Technology Laboratory for personal care

BASF’s Care Creations® has opened a state-of-the-art evaluation salon for personal care at its site in Lagos, Nigeria. The new facilities will enable in vivo sensory and performance testing of ethnic skin and hair care formulations on volunteers, helping customers to develop finished products with high relevance and consumer acceptance in the sub-Saharan African market. “To develop successful formulations and ingredients for ethnic personal care products, a deep understanding of African consumers’ preferences and pain points, their skin and hair characteristics, as well as how ingredients affect them is indispensable,” said Tosin Dania, Technical Manager Personal Care sub-Saharan Africa. “The BASF ‘Care Evaluation Salon’ combines market empathy, science excellence and formulation expertise, allowing us to share this understanding and benefit with our customers across the region.”

Facilitating sustainable growth of the sub-Saharan African market

This new in-house salon is the first of its kind launched by a personal care ingredient supplier in Nigeria. It complements BASF’s Application Technology Laboratory inaugurated in February 2019. “This expansion is another example of our commitment to this growing and important market. With our strong local competency, we aim to drive the evolution of the personal care industry in sub-Saharan Africa towards more global competitiveness,” said Jason McAlpine, Vice President Personal Care – EMEA.

The salon and laboratory facility will be open for collaboration with academic institutions on research topics in cosmetic science. By partnering with academic researchers, BASF aims to advance technical expertise in the region and support the training of the next generation of cosmetic scientists.

About the Care Chemicals division at BASF

The BASF division Care Chemicals offers a broad range of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. We are a leading global supplier for the cosmetics industry as well as the detergents and cleaners industry, and support our customers with innovative and sustainable products, solutions and concepts. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients and UV filters. We have production and development sites in all regions and are expanding our presence in emerging markets. Further information is available online at www.care-chemicals.basf.com.