Zero shades of gray: Mibelle’s new ingredient upcycles mandarin peels to tackle hair graying

26 Oct 2021 --- Mibelle Biochemistry is unveiling MelanoGray, an anti-gray color-restoring essence sourced from upcycled organic Chios mandarin peel paste. The ingredient is positioned to reduce the amount of gray hair in both men and women due to its antioxidant activity and melanin stimulating properties.

“MelanoGray prevents and reverses hair graying by increasing melanin synthesis. This is achieved by several mechanisms,” Dr. Katharina Kappler, study manager at Mibelle Biochemistry tells PersonalCareInsights.

“MelanoGray is a suitable ingredient for any anti-hair graying serum, intensive anti-hair graying lotion for women and men, protective pigment restoring elixir, premature graying, or prevention treatments,” details Christine Meier, marketing at Mibelle Biochemistry.

Tackling the root cause
MelanoGray upregulates dopachrome tautomerase, which is an enzyme important in melanin synthesis.

“In addition, it stimulates melanocyte growth and protects these cells from oxidative stress. A higher number of functional cells also leads to the production of more melanin,” Meier adds.

“In addition, our studies showed that MelanoGray could reverse the negative effect of stress on melanocyte function,” she explains. “Scientific studies have confirmed that emotional stress promotes biological aging and hair graying, supports the company.”

MelanoGray was found to reduce the gray hair ratio by 21.6% and enhance the resistance of melanocytes against stress in a study. Also, it stimulated melanin synthesis and resulted in a long-lasting repigmentation effect of up to one month.

The company details that while genetic factors play the most predominant role in hair graying, hormonal variations and lifestyle issues have increased the likelihood of premature graying.MelanoGray is an anti-hair graying essence that is sustainably obtained by upcycling the peel paste from Chios mandarins.

“The reasons why we get gray hair are diverse and can be separated into internal and external factors,” says Meier.

“The internal factors include normal aging and genetic factors, but also lifestyle factors such as stress, an unbalanced diet, alcohol and smoking. Recently, a scientific study has proven the stress-related effect on gray hair. The external factors are UV radiation, pesticides and pollutants which can contribute to the hair graying process.”

Upcycled mandarin peel
The variety “Chios mandarin” grows exclusively under particular conditions optimally found on the Greek island of Chios.

The island of Chios, also known for the mastic tree, has calcium-rich soil based on limestone. The stable temperatures and the Meltemi winds give a mild microclimate that protects the fruits from frost during the winter months.

“This variety has been registered as a product with Protected Geographical Indication by the EU. We found that this specific mandarin variety has very good melanin-stimulating and antioxidative activity,” she adds.

“Furthermore, MelonaGray is obtained by upcycling the peel paste of the mandarins, which means we support the local community by producing this ingredient.”

Hair NPD soars
Industry players have been interested in hair health and designing products that “revamp” hair – from color changes to fighting oxidative stress. In September, LG Household & Healthcare, CHI and Farouk Systems partnered to release a hair coloring machine coined The LG CHI Color Master Factory.

Meanwhile, Kintsugi Hair unveiled KeraNew – supplements that tackle signs of aging in hair and P&G’s KeepItAnchored was found to reduce hair loss resulting from oxidative stress in a study.

PersonalCareInsights previously reported on hair care trends and how natural ingredients are impacting this space.

By Nicole Kerr, with additional reporting from Kristiana Lalou