Fraunhofer IVV conducts research into natural cosmetics and supports and advises companies in both the development of natural cosmetic products and the development and optimization of conventional cosmetic and home care products.

Selecting natural ingredients and testing their efficacy

Right from conception through to the creation of customized products, Fraunhofer IVV pays particular attention to the selection of natural ingredients. An experienced scientific and research team has therefore specialized in the development and optimization of plant-based active ingredients. Using innovative extraction methods and state-of-the-art molecular modification technologies, Fraunhofer IVV is able to maximize the efficacy of natural ingredients in cosmetic products.

Given that the choice of ingredients and the use of correct claims are crucial to the success of any natural cosmetics product, Fraunhofer IVV assists in providing scientifically verifiable proof of the claims made, taking into account statutory provisions and guidelines. The institute conducts extensive efficacy studies on test subjects to ensure that the natural cosmetic products being developed are effective. These studies are carried out in accordance with internationally recognized standards and produce conclusive findings that substantiate product efficacy claims.

Presentation on maximizing the impact of natural cosmetics

On June 6, 2024, Prof. Jessica Freiherr will be giving a presentation from 4:10 p.m.-4:40 p.m. entitled “From Concept to Claim: Maximizing the Impact of Natural Cosmetics through Science and Optimization.”

Prof. Freiherr is a group leader in the Sensory Analytics and Technologies department at Fraunhofer IVV and is a professor of neuroscience of sensory perception at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). In her presentation, she will explain the development of sustainable natural cosmetic products from the initial concept through to production optimization. Her focus will be on the importance of advertising claims in relation to product efficacy and product attributes, with an emphasis on sensory impact. She will also discuss the development of innovative plant-based ingredients and the shift towards more sustainable and efficient production.

Optimized and resource-efficient production and cleaning

To ensure that the highest standards of hygiene and quality are observed and that no residue from conventionally formulated products can be detected in certified natural cosmetics, Fraunhofer IVV assists in optimizing the cleaning processes. The use of the contamination sensor technology developed at Fraunhofer IVV enables end-to-end, automated inline monitoring and complete documentation of cleaning and the contamination status. This identifies optimization potentials that not only increase the efficiency of the cleaning process, but also make it possible to clean according to demand, using exactly the right amount of water and energy for the degree of contamination. Thanks to the hygienic design and a universal, hygiene-compliant connection, the sensor system can be easily integrated into the cleaning process.

The institute uses operator assistance systems to counter the shortage of skilled workers, offering digital solutions for production. This can help production staff to rectify faults much faster during the ongoing process. VR training is used to train production machine operators anytime, anywhere, and to interactively communicate complex process relationships. This reduces operating errors and enhances the efficiency of production.