Botanical blend supports skin and scalp health in people exposed to environmental stressors

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A recent study¹ found that a blend of standardized botanical extracts, called Zeropollution, may support scalp health under environmental stress. The blend, manufactured by Monteloeder, S.L. (Madrid, Spain), is made up of extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis, Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea leaf, and Sophora japonica. Previous research has shown that the blend may reduce oxidative stress-induced skin damage caused by air pollution, and enhance skin’s resilience to environmental stressors.

In this most recent study, 66 women working outdoors in urban areas with high particulate matter levels were given either 250 mg of the botanical blend or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers evaluated skin antioxidant status (FRAP), skin and scalp moisturization (corneometer), transepidermal water loss (tewameter), oiliness (sebumeter), skin radiance and colour (spectrophotometer), elasticity and firmness (cutometer), wrinkle depth (image analysis), and scalp clinical evaluation. At the end of the study, women taking the botanical blend experienced a 21% increase in skin antioxidant status, a 9.5% increase in skin moisturization, a 24.9% increase in skin radiance, a 16.5% reduction in wrinkle depth, a 25.2% reduction in dark skin pigmentation, and a 19.3% reduction in skin oiliness. When it came to their scalps, women taking the botanical blend experienced a 14.1% increase in moisturization, a 13.8% decrease in transepidermal water loss, and a 16.2% reduction in sebum content. Researchers also observed that 71% of women with sensitive scalps experienced reduced redness.

“Zeropollution is a polyphenol-rich blend of natural botanicals with dual-action benefits,” explained Nuria Caturla, PhD, Monteloeder’s Chief R&D Officer, in a press release. “It nourishes and rejuvenates both your skin and scalp, helping to protect against environmental stressors while enhancing overall skin and scalp health. The result is a refreshed and revitalized appearance. This beauty-from-within formula also emerges as a highly relevant solution to the current trend of skinification.”

Skinification, the press release explains is the concept of treating the scalp the same as facial skin. “Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the link between hair quality and scalp health,” said Marcos López, US sales director for Monteloeder, in a press release. “Today’s informed consumers seek products that naturally soothe, hydrate, and enhance the scalp to alleviate common issues such as dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, and dryness, as well as to enhance hair vibrancy. This study confirms that the Zeropollution nutricosmetic goes beyond bare skin health to address scalp concerns as well.”

Reference

1. Nobile, V.; Cestone, E.; Ghirlanda, S.; Poggi, A.; Navarro, P.; Garcia, A.; Jones, J.; Caturla, N. Skin and Scalp Health Benefits of a Specific Botanical Extract Blend: Results from a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study in Urban Outdoor Workers. Cosmetics. 2024, 11 (4), 139. DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics11040139