Silab has introduced Metallomia, a detoxifying active ingredient developed specifically for menopausal skin. According to the French manufacturer, menopausal skin shows a deficiency in ferritinophagy, the process that governs the controlled release of iron to meet cellular needs, and the resulting shortage of bioavailable iron contributes to premature skin aging.
The company describes this phenomenon as metallo-aging and says UV radiation aggravates it. Exposure is reported to favour the degradation of iron/ferritin complexes, which releases iron in a massive and uncontrolled way and generates significant oxidative stress.
Mechanism and claimed benefits
Metallomia is formulated to relaunch ferritinophagy in menopausal skin, facilitating the provision of iron and restarting the main epidermal functions. By reducing iron/ferritin complexes, the ingredient is also intended to limit oxidative stress when skin is exposed to UV.
Silab states that this targeted mechanism significantly reduces metallo-aging. In Caucasian volunteers, skin was described as revitalized from day 14, with a reinforced barrier and a unified, radiant complexion. In Asian volunteers, pigment spots were significantly reduced after 28 days. When applied before UV exposure in Caucasian volunteers, the active ingredient prevented lipid peroxidation, and the appearance of redness was limited within hours of exposure.
Sourcing and extraction
For Metallomia, Silab examined the molecular composition of marshmallow roots, which are particularly rich in mucilages, and set up a traced supply chain with French partners. The supply was validated against the criteria of the European Pharmacopoeia and authenticated through DNA barcoding. To draw on the mucilage content of the roots, the company developed a specific enzyme engineering process for extracting polyuronides.
Formulation profile
- Patented active ingredient recommended for all care products intended for menopausal skin
- Suggested use level of 0.5% to 2%
- Supplied as an aqueous solution and described as easy to formulate
- Natural origin content of 100% under ISO 16128
- Compliant with biodiversity regulations and with international cosmetics rules covering Europe, the USA, China, Japan and other markets
The efficacy figures cited are drawn from Silab's own volunteer studies; the ferritinophagy mechanism and the metallo-aging concept are presented by the manufacturer rather than by independent research.