A clinical study has uncovered the potential of a synergistic botanical combination in promoting scalp health.
Monteloeder’s Zeropollution formulation, which contains rosemary, olive leaf, lemon verbena and Japanese pagoda extracts, is designed to reduce the impact of environmental pollution on the scalp.
To put the botanical blend to the test, the company conducted a 12 week, placebo-controlled study into the efficacy and safety of Zeropollution on improving scalp and general skin health.
The study focused on those who lived in urbanised areas, where environmental stressors such as pollution are generally more prevalent than their rural counterparts.
The results have been published in Cosmetics.
Skin boosting and scalp soothing
From this human clinical trial, the nutraceutical blend was found to provide a soothing effect on the scalp of participants, who all complained of scalp sensitivity at baseline.
By the end of the 12 week period, there was a 22% increase in the skin’s antioxidant capacity, as well as a 14% elevation in skin moisture levels.
Supplementation with the nutraceutical blend also offered a 25% boost in skin radiance, with measurable reductions in wrinkle depth and complexion observed.
As well as the positive impacts on the skin, participants experienced significant improvements in scalp moisture (14%), while Zeropollution also reduced sebum buildup by 16%.
Additionally, a majority (71%) of the study volunteers had reduced scalp redness compared to baseline.
A comprehensive skin solution for the modern urbanite
According to Monteloeder, the road to healthy hair always begins with the scalp.
Research indicates that those living in highly polluted urban areas experience altered sebum composition, which impacts the scalp’s ability to retain moisture and protect against damaging environmental factors.
This buildup of sebum often leads of clogged hair follicles, which can lead to scalp irritation, redness and dandruff.
“Zeropollution was crafted based on evidence that consuming a diverse range of antioxidants is more effective than a high dose of a single antioxidant,” notes Nuria Caturla, Monteloeder’s Chief R&D Officer.
“This is ascribed to their complementary activity. The selection of these botanicals followed an extensive review of anecdotal and scientific literature, further validated through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical testing to ensure the formula’s effectiveness.”
