Monteloeder juices up beauty-from-within vegan gummy to combat “pill fatigue”

10 Jul 2023 --- Monteloeder has created a fruit-flavored vegan gummy that’s a twist on its Eternalyoung antioxidant botanical blend containing vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 to be incorporated into its plant-based ingredients portfolio. The range boasts a harmonious fusion of powerful polyphenols with synergistic effects on skin rejuvenation.

The beauty-from-within formula contains pomegranate, sweet orange, desert “ginseng” and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) for a holistic approach to promoting better skin moisturization, radiance and elasticity.

A prototype with two different finishes has been developed, a wax coating and a powder coating, to prevent the gummies from sticking. 

“We have observed a significant increase in the demand for solutions related to skin care and overall skin health. This emerging trend, known as ‘beauty-from-within’ or the ‘inside-out approach,’ focuses on using nutraceutical ingredients to promote skin wellness from within the body,” Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez Montero, head of market development, Nutra division of SuanNutra, the nutraceutical division of Suanfarma, parent company of Monteloeder, tells Nutrition Insight.

“There has been a notable shift in consumer behavior toward prioritizing long-term skin health rather than relying solely on topical solutions. This change reflects an understanding that skin health is influenced by internal factors such as nutrition and overall well-being.”

Stunting the aging process
According to Innova Market Insights, the beauty-from-within category is experiencing substantial global growth, with Asia leading the way and accounting for 35% of launches in 2021, surpassing Europe (24%) and North America (14.5%). 

Gummy supplements are the fastest-growing format in the skin-health category, with an average increase of more than 54% in supplement launches tracked with a gummy format (Global, CAGR 2017-2022).Two of the gummies are sufficient to provide the daily recommended dose of Eternalyoung. 

“Right now, half of our portfolio is based on nutricosmetic ingredients and we want to keep expanding our presence in this sector, presenting proof of concept of these Eternalyoung gummies and offering specifically targeted blends combining our branded ingredients with other essentials to boost their efficiency,” says Gutiérrez Montero.

Eternalyoung contains natural polyphenolic compounds that work synergistically to help provide anti-aging benefits for the skin. The compounds delay fibroblast shortening of the telomere and prolong cellular and tissue lifespans.

Polyphenols protect skin cells from oxidation damage and reduce advanced glycation end-product formation in the skin fibroblasts to preserve the skin’s biomechanical properties. It also strengthens the skin’s structure and inhibits melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation.

“Polyphenolic compounds have been extensively studied due to their numerous health benefits. When it comes to specific benefits for the skin, ingesting polyphenolic compounds through nutritional supplements exerts antioxidant properties, anti-aging effects, UV protection, anti-inflammatory properties, hydration and moisture retention,” Gutiérrez Montero continues.

Melancholy over taking a pill
In vitro studies endorse the cosmeceutical’s capacity to enhance skin barrier function, stimulate regeneration and slow down the rate of telomere shortening. Telomeres are crucial DNA sequences that shield chromosomes. Their decline with age is believed to be the fundamental cause of the physical effects of aging.

Two apple pectin-based gummies provide the daily recommended 225 mg dose of Eternalyoung. 

“We faced the challenge of properly adjusting the pH of the gummy. Pectin requires a delicate pH equilibrium to bind and produce a stable gummy. The slightest pH error can result in an entire batch’s disposal. We’ve collaborated with an expert on gummies development to help us overcome this,” notes Gutiérrez Montero.

Monteloeder is attuned to the phenomenon of “pill fatigue” and the expressed desire from consumers for more enticing supplement options.

In 2022, the company expanded its Eternalyoung ingredient to the Chinese market and showcased it at Vitafoods Europe. 

By Inga de Jong