French ingredient manufacturer Silab has introduced Metallomia, a detoxifying active ingredient developed for menopausal skin. The launch centers on a specific biological deficit: reduced ferritinophagy, the process that governs the controlled release of iron to meet cellular needs.
Silab says its modeling study on menopausal skin identified this deficiency. When ferritinophagy is impaired, skin lacks bioavailable iron, a condition the company links to premature aging. Silab calls the phenomenon metallo-aging. UV exposure can intensify the problem, the company adds, because UV promotes the breakdown of iron/ferritin complexes, leading to a massive, uncontrolled release of iron and significant oxidative stress.
The distinction matters because iron is essential but must be delivered in a controlled way. Silab positions Metallomia as restoring that control rather than simply adding iron. According to the company, the ingredient relaunches ferritinophagy, facilitates the provision of iron and reactivates the main epidermal functions. It also reduces iron/ferritin complexes, which is intended to limit oxidative stress when skin is exposed to UV.
Reported skin benefits
Silab reports that this targeted mechanism significantly reduces metallo-aging. In Caucasian volunteers, skin was described as revitalized after 14 days: the skin barrier was reinforced, and the complexion was more unified and radiant. In Asian volunteers, pigment spots were significantly reduced after 28 days. Separately, when Caucasian volunteers applied the active ingredient before UV exposure, it prevented lipid peroxidation, and redness was limited within hours after exposure.
Marshmallow root sourcing and processing
For the development of Metallomia, Silab examined the molecular composition of marshmallow roots, which are particularly rich in mucilages. It established a traced supply chain with French partners. According to Silab, this supply has been validated against criteria described in the European Pharmacopoeia and authenticated through DNA barcoding.
To take advantage of the roots’ mucilage content, the company developed a specific enzyme engineering process to extract polyuronides. The resulting ingredient is patented and recommended for all care products intended for menopausal skin at a dose of 0.5% to 2%. Available in aqueous solution, it is designed to be easy to formulate.
Silab says Metallomia complies with biodiversity regulations and has a natural origin content of 100% according to ISO 16128. It also complies with international cosmetics regulations in markets including Europe, the United States, China and Japan.
The ingredient is therefore positioned at the intersection of iron biology, UV-related oxidative stress and menopausal skin care. Its development combines a botanical raw material with an enzyme-based extraction route and a supply chain designed for traceability. Silab’s reported outcomes cover barrier function, complexion, pigmentation and UV-induced oxidative stress.