Beauty-from-within innovations for Southeast Asian consumers

In the nutraceutical industry, Monteloeder S.L. is known for developing scientifically proven ingredients for health and wellness. The company has demonstrated its capabilities in addressing global beauty and health concerns with products such as Zeropollution®, a pioneering oral solution for pollution-related skin conditions; RelaxPLX®, a natural inducer of melatonin, and Metabolaid® a weight management solution. These innovations were showcased at Vitafoods Asia from September 18-20 in Bangkok, as the company expands in the region’s beauty-from-within-market.

At the event, Monteloeder co-founder and former CEO, Ignacio Cartagena discussed the market dynamics in Asia, and how the company’s products are designed to meet both current and emerging trends. In his 28 years of experience in the business, Mr. Cartagena dedicated the past 10 years to expanding Monteloeder's presence in the Asia Pacific region, continuing his efforts until 2023.

“The Asian market is by far the biggest market in the world for beauty-from-within products. In fact, it is also our best market for this type of products. People here are more aware of the importance of taking oral supplements, if you want to get more effective results in your skin. It is not enough to focus on external treatment, as many Westerners think. The Asian market, same as the rest of the world, wants products that really work. Our ingredients are science backed, that’s why when the customers start using them, they become loyal users, because they can see the effect,” he said.

Ignacio Cartagena, co-founder and former CEO, Monteloeder

A skin barrier to pollution

When nutraceutical company SuanNutra's Monteloeder subsidiary developed Zeropollution®, the product marked a breakthrough for consumers seeking protection for their skin against environmental stressors, especially pollution.

Southeast Asia’s air quality is worsening, with pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organization's safe air standards, affecting the health of virtually all the inhabitants, according to the World Resources Institute. There is only so much consumers can do to safeguard themselves.

“Zeropollution was conceived with the goal of neutralizing the primary mechanisms through which pollutants impact the skin. The effects of pollution on the skin barrier can be both immediate (increased sensitivity, dryness, irritation) and cumulative over time,” explained Mr. Cartagena.  

“One of our main objectives was to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, enhancing its defense against external pollutants and thereby improving its overall resilience. While the damage is not always irreversible, prolonged exposure can lead to long-lasting effects like premature aging and pigmentation that are more difficult to treat. Prevention, such as using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Zeropollution is key to minimizing long-term damage.”

A clinical study published in the journal Cosmetics in August 2024 further shows the benefits of Zeropollution on both the skin and the scalp. In a news release, Monteloeder explains: The 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study led by Vincenzo Nobile, Ph.D., investigated the real-world effectiveness of Zeropollution® on various physiological parameters of the skin and scalp in 66 women residing in a highly urbanized area. The participants received either a 250mg gel capsule of Zeropollution® or a placebo daily. Positive results among the Zeropollution® group were recorded just four weeks into the study. By the end of the three-month evaluation period, key improvements included a nearly 22% increase in skin antioxidant capacity, enhanced skin moisturization, a 25% boost in skin radiance, along, and measurable reductions in wrinkle depth and skin oiliness. In addition, scalp moisturization improved by more than 14%, with noted reductions in skin moisture loss. Scalp sebum growth diminished by 16%. In addition, 71% of participants with scalp sensitivity experienced reduced redness.

Monteloeder reaches Asia's health and wellness companies at Vitafoods Asia 2024

The components of Zeropollution were carefully selected based on their proven effectiveness in various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and whitening cell bioassays. They include Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), olive leaves (Olea europaea), lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), and Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica).

“This blend of ingredients provides a holistic approach to skin health, offering antioxidant protection, reducing inflammation, enhancing hydration, and fostering overall skin repair. It represents a well-balanced and comprehensive solution that addresses both the underlying causes and the visible effects of pollution-related skin damage,” Mr Cartagena said.

Solutions for Asian consumers

Consumers have to protect themselves not only from pollution, but from the harmful effects of the sun. ZeroPollution combined with other products offer a more effective solution. 

“We think it is a good idea to combine ZeroPollution with Nutroxsun ^®. When you are exposed to the effects of pollution and UV radiation the damaging effect for the skin is even worse. With both ingredients you gain protection against both,” he said.

Nutroxsun is a combination of extracts from Mediterranean rosemary and grapefruit. It is supplied as a powder that can be formulated in tablets, capsules and ready to drink supplements. The product is also available for topical cosmetics and sunscreen.

“As to our customers, we see quite often they combine ZeroPollution with Collagen and with other natural antioxidants,” he added.

A strong line of health-giving products

At Vitafoods Asia, Monteloeder highlighted the advantages of MetabolAid, a weight management product composed of standardized extracts of hibiscus and lemon verbena. The formulation supports weight loss, healthy blood pressure levels, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The company also showcased the beneficial effects of its product, RelaxPLX in inducing sleep and calmness. Such products addressing anxiety and insomnia are gaining relevance, as studies indicate a rise in the number of cases related to these conditions in recent years.

Mr Cartagena also anticipates demand for anti-aging products to remain high. In this area, Monteloeder offers eternalyoung^®, a combination of natural botanical extracts that help to slow down the telomere reduction which causes aging. The active ingredients are pomegranate (Punica granatum), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), desert ginseng (f. Cistanche), and gotu kola (Centella asiatica). The company is seeing positive response to the product since its launch last year, he said.