Silab has introduced Metallomia, a detoxifying active ingredient developed for menopausal skin. The French ingredient manufacturer says the patented extract is designed to address a decline in ferritinophagy, the process that governs controlled iron release to meet cellular needs.
Using a new modeling approach for menopausal skin, Silab identified a shortfall in ferritinophagy. According to the company, this deficiency lowers bioavailable iron and contributes to premature skin aging, a phenomenon it calls metallo-aging. UV exposure can amplify the problem by encouraging the breakdown of iron/ferritin complexes, leading to a large, uncontrolled release of iron and significant oxidative stress. This mechanism links iron handling to oxidative stress in menopausal skin.
Targeting iron release
Metallomia is intended to restart ferritinophagy in menopausal skin. Silab says the ingredient supports iron delivery and reactivates core epidermal functions. It also reduces iron/ferritin complexes, which the company links to lower oxidative stress after UV exposure and a significant reduction in metallo-aging.
In volunteer testing cited by Silab, Caucasian skin was described as revitalized after 14 days, with a reinforced barrier and a more unified, radiant complexion. In Asian volunteers, pigment spots were significantly reduced after 28 days. When Caucasian volunteers applied the ingredient before UV exposure, Silab reports that lipid peroxidation was prevented and the appearance of redness was limited within hours. Silab attributes these outcomes to the ingredient's targeted iron-handling mechanism.
The proposed action is twofold: maintaining a controlled supply of iron for epidermal cells while limiting the surge of free iron that can follow UV-induced breakdown of iron/ferritin stores. Silab presents this dual effect as the basis for its detoxifying positioning and for the ingredient's use in menopausal skin care.
Marshmallow root sourcing
For Metallomia, Silab focused on the molecular composition of marshmallow roots, which are rich in mucilages. The company has established a traced supply chain with French partners and validated the supply against European Pharmacopoeia criteria and DNA barcoding authentication. A specific enzymatic engineering process is used to extract polyuronides from the mucilage-rich roots. Silab presents this supply work as part of the ingredient's traceability story, from root selection to authenticated raw material and targeted extraction.
The patented ingredient is recommended at 0.5–2% in all care products intended for menopausal skin. It is supplied as an aqueous solution for easy formulation, with a defined use range for formulators. Its natural origin content is 100% under ISO 16128; it complies with biodiversity regulations and meets international cosmetics regulations in markets including Europe, the United States, China and Japan.