Stating that menopause is taboo has become a taboo in itself. The world of personal care has witnessed a consciousness switch that focuses on holistic well-being, mindfulness, and celebrating true individuality. No matter the race, gender, identity, or age.
Thus, menopause finally gets the makeover it deserves. Just like aging, it’s one of the most natural things in the world. To reflect that, our studies, technology, innovations, and products help women feel seen and celebrated for their unique beauty.
Our goal at dsm-firmenich is to acknowledge the significance of the menopausal period and transform it into another beautiful chapter in a woman’s life.
Understanding menopause
To fully understand the effects menopause has on women, we conducted two extensive studies. Our Skincare Consumer Survey gave power to the voices of 600 women based in the USA, China, and France and transformed the data collected from their input into solutions that address their needs.
The study revealed that 60% of women notice changes in their skin with these 5 main concerns being the most prevalent:
We did not stop at the skin. To investigate the impact of menopause on hair, 115 consumers were surveyed in Australia, the USA, and the UK. Three main concerns came to light:
These symptoms are caused to a large extent by the hormonal fluctuations that take place during menopause. The drop in Estrogen and Progesterone levels during menopause, in addition to high Cortisol levels, leads to visible changes in the body and the mind.
So there is one constant when it comes to menopause - and that is change. With changes coming from every angle, knowing exactly what the skin and hair need can be hard. But we do.
Introducing ‘Wonder You’, a pallet of integrated solutions backed by 40 years of knowledge in personal care science applications, designed to celebrate women’s skin and scalp and make it look beautiful at any age without diminishing its natural journey.
This lineup features a powerful combination of high-performance ingredients adapted to formulations specifically designed for the requirements of skin & scalp under the influence of hormonal changes. Treating one symptom at a time.
Products are for illustration only, not for sale. dsm-firmenich is not responsible for final products claims
Wonder You Day Care Cream SPF 50
During menopause, the skin experiences a significant drop in collagen production (about 30% in the first five years) as well as an increase in cortisol which impacts skin cell functions leading to visible signs of aging and lower skin resilience to daily stress factors.
That is why the Day Care Cream formulation is infused with our patented BEL-EVEN® technology - an innovative anti-stress, anti-pollution, and anti-wrinkle bioactive that selectively inhibits 11β-HSD1 to stop the conversion of cortisone into cortisol released as a result of stress. This well-defined mechanism helps the skin regain elasticity, density, and barrier functionality and visibly reduces the signs of stress-induced skin aging.
BEL-EVEN® is combined with Niacinamide PC, our grade of vitamin B3, exceptionally well tolerated by the skin because of its low levels of nicotinic acid (reduced to a max of 100 ppm). Niacinamide PC has skin-restoring properties that work wonders on menopausal skin: it improves collagen synthesis, and it also evens out the skin tone. Plus, recent research revealed that it proves a powerful ally in the latest challenges facing your customers: environmental pollution and light.
Wonder You Meringue Facial Cream
In the midst of the feel-good beauty trend, it’s more important than ever to create products that make women happy inside and out. This luxuriously rich cream is a mood-enhancing product that leaves your customers with a unique feeling of comfort and well-being.
The pampering cream concept was created by combining SYN-UP® and Niacinamide PC to address the needs of the skin’s vulnerable barrier as it ages.
SYN-UP® is our multi-functional low-molecular-weight peptide that rejuvenates skin and unlocks its longevity by inhibiting Plasmin and Urokinase and balancing the microbiome as it targets key bacteria. Furthermore, it reduces sensitivity and redness, increases barrier functionality, and smooths and firms skin by preventing the degradation of type IV Collagen and stimulating type I Collagen.
Artificial intelligence and molecular modeling helped us design and accurately predict both the effectiveness and mode of action of this powerhouse ingredient.
Wonder You Soothing Polar Cream
With 58% of women in our study experiencing hot flushes during menopause, cold creams are an elegant solution to alleviate this prevalent issue alongside other common symptoms like sensitivity and irritation.
Our proprietary Polar Cream is a dual usage cream. It can be either used at regular temperatures or it can be used at freezing temperatures in order to provides its signature freshness. We have to thank our TILAMAR® PDO with NØØVISTA™ for this versatility. It is a future-proof first-of-its-kind cosmetic grade PDO made in Europe, 100% bio-sourced from non-GMO and palm oil-free feedstocks, from a brand new eco-designed facility contributing to local industrial redevelopment and diversification. TILAMAR® PDO with NØØVISTA™’s effectiveness comes from its ability to reduce formulation complexity by acting as a solvent and active carrier with a visible hydration and sensory boost.
HYA-ACT™ In&On Wrinkle Filler Serum
Just like collagen and elastin, as women go through menopause, hyaluronic acid levels in the skin decline. Skin becomes parched and dehydrated with a weakened skin barrier, loss in volume and plumpness, and visible lines and wrinkles.
Harnessing the restorative powers of hyaluronic acid is crucial for dermal health during menopause since it regulates cell growth and hydration. But it’s important to note here that its molecular weight matters. As a result, we at dsm-firmenich enhanced the ‘Wonder’ You In&On Wrinkle Filler Serum with 3 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
HYA-ACT™ M stays on the surface of the skin for a dewy look and provides immediate hydration and strengthens the skin barrier.
HYA-ACT™ S penetrates the superficial layer of the epidermis to lock in moisture for an even greater hydration boost and plumps out fine lines.
HYA-ACT™ XS retains moisture from the inside and calms down reddened skin.
These 3 water-loving polysaccharides are combined with Vitamin B12 Cryst. Which combats dryness, itchiness, and redness - all symptoms of menopausal skin - by significantly reducing and regulating inflammasome and inflammatory cytokines. While it relieves sensitive and stressed skin, it also protects the skin barrier damage induced by inflammation and plays an integral part in speeding up cell recovery and regeneration. It also brings a beautiful pink color to your formulation
Wonder You Time Freeze Eye Serum
Menopause is a constantly changing process that can affect skin across all its stages. The fine lines that appear in perimenopause can become deeper and more pronounced with the passing of years.
The Time Freeze Eye Serum can press the pause button on wrinkle development by leveraging the time-freezing effects of SYN®-AKE. SYN®-AKE is our potent and patented tripeptide inspired by nature. It took 60 years to perfect the formula. Our scientists studied the venom of the Temple Viper to create an ingredient that mimics its effects to lift the face and plump fine lines and wrinkles. In vitro studies show that SYN®-AKE reduces the signs of time, by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles up to 20% in 4 weeks. And it makes time stand still, by preventing wrinkles with an age-freezing effect of up to 5 years.
In addition to SYN®-AKE, this formulation is infused with PEPHA®-AGE CB. This nature-inspired ingredient is an extract of the freshwater microalgae scenedesmus rubescens produced as a result of a sustainable biotech process in state-of-the-art photobioreactors.
The structure of algae is largely composed of amino acids, proteins, and vitamins, making it an ideal source of essential hydration. Algae-based ingredients cater to damaged and vulnerable skin by stimulating its own defense against UV and blue light, reducing oxidative stress, minimizing the appearance of aging, stimulating Collagen III (also known as the youth collagen), and reducing age spots and hyperpigmentation.
We at dsm-firmenich are treating bad hair days with pure science.
Hair loss can affect your customers in different ways during menopause, but the fact of the matter is it can be immeasurably improved.
Combining our cutting-edge technology and the laser focus we have directed into recognizing the specific needs of menopausal hair, we have introduced a haircare range of products into our ‘Wonder You’ line-up that can help to improve hair density in its tracks. Better hair starts here.
During menopause, many women can experience hair loss, thinning, and scalp dryness. The hair follicles shrink and hair grows slower.
Our Wonder You Hair & Scalp Care Shampoo is the perfect product concept to live your best hair. It contains ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB, a fully biodegradable alpine flower extract. In our latest ex-vivo study, it was proven to prolong the anagen growing phase of the hair up to 1.8 times and increase hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation by up to 50%. 90% of the participants in a recently conducted clinical study noticed an increase in hair density.
Additionally, the skinification of scalp care has been generating a lot of traction in the current thinking about hair care, and it promotes the teaching that we need to take care of our scalp with as much attention as our face. As women reach menopause, they can experience as well dry and itchy scalp.
PENTAVITIN® has been added to this concept formulation to give the scalp the hydration it deserves. PENTAVITIN® binds to the scalp and provides moisturization by reinforcing the scalp barrier 24 hour after one single application and even after 28 days of frequent showering.
Furthermore, in vivo studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing flaking.
Our team of scientists is now able to showcase this data through images that speak a thousand words: our 3D Scalp Mapping technology allows us to visually showcase the hydration power of PENTAVITIN® on the scalp.
As far as hair care rituals go, shampoo goes hand in hand with conditioner. 47% of women in our study prefer to use it as a way to tackle the effects of menopause on their hair. Therefore another multi-functional ingredient was added to our ‘Wonder You’ Hair series through the Hair and Scalp Care Conditioner to complement the line-up.
Combining a selected blend of vitamins (B3, B5, B6, C, and E), BeauPlex® VH helps improving hair density and thickness. Ex vivo studies show that it has these positive effects by improving the proliferation of follicle keratinocytes by 76% and by doubling the anagen phase of hair follicles. Additionally, it improves scalp hydration and barrier function and has strong anti-oxidant effects.
Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals, our view on sustainability closely informed every product of our menopausal care line. In this case we’d like to mention particularly SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 5, Gender Equality. We care about the social and psychological impact of the health of women in general, and -with this product line- specifically about their skin and hair during menopause. Sustainability considerations inform additionally every step in the product life cycle – sourcing ingredients, labor, transportation, implementation in formulations, and how these are broken down. That is a lot of due diligence we do when creating a product that is kind to Earth.
ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB, for example, is a flower extract cultivated between 1000m and 1500m altitude in the Swiss Alps as a result of our Farming for Beauty™ program. Edelweiss is a crop that enhances the area's biodiversity and harvesting the flowers offers jobs to the local community of farmers.
By choosing TILAMAR® PDO with NØØVISTA™ instead of European-produced synthetic propylene glycol, we help personal care brands efficiently reduce their Scope 3 emissions because it has an almost 30% lower carbon footprint.
Niacinamide PC and BeauPlex® VH now come with the Quality for Life™ seal that guarantees the highest Quality, Reliability, Traceability, and Sustainability standards. Our 2 biggest Vitamin production sites are RSPO-certified, Mass-Balance & Segregated, and the Life Cycle Assessment of our Vitamin E has confirmed that our manufacturing process generates up to 89% less GHG emissions from raw materials compared to conventional building blocks.
Moreover, PEPHA®-TIGHT CB is our Blue Technology hero that harnesses the many benefits of lab-grown algae for flawless skin. Its production not only ensures that the ingredient is high purity, but it does not disturb the algae’s natural environment.
For more details on our path to a greener future, read more on our Sustainability page.
ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB is an organic bioactive that protects skin barrier, enhances skin resistance to external stress factors and provides an ultimate skin sensation. It is COSMOS and NATRUE organic certified and Fair for Life fair trade certified.
The natural skin care ingredient BEAUACTIVE® gives skin an improved appearance after the age of 30 due to a visible reduction of conspicuous facial pores and age spots.
SYN®-AKE is a small synthetic peptide active ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and laughter lines. It’s fast acting, long lasting and fully reversible.
Our unique peptide cosmetic ingredient SYN-UP® has excellent capacity to fight against dry skin conditions and, skin redness, due to its interaction on two common skin bacteria.
This biotech naturally derived vitamin ingredient B12 helps relieve sensitive and stressed skin and protects the skin barrier damage induced by inflammation.
In cosmetic applications, Niacinamide PC, a form of vitamin B3, helps to rebalance skin pigmentation, refines pores and improves skin elasticity. It helps to protect from UV and blue light damage.
The multifunctional microbiome-friendly ingredient TILAMAR® PDO with NØØVISTA is the first made-in-Europe cosmetic 1,3-propanediol, 100% bio-sourced and originated from non-GMO and palm oil-free feedstocks.
This skin microbiome friendly new ingredient line, HYA-ACT™ includes highly efficient hyaluronic acid grades featuring different molecular weights that deliver the efficacy and beauty benefits customers want.
This formulation is infused with our patented BEL-EVEN® technology - an innovative anti-stress, anti-pollution, and anti-wrinkle bioactive that selectively inhibits 11β-HSD1 to stop the conversion of cortisone into cortisol released as a result of stress.
This pampering cream concept was created by combining SYN-UP® and Niacinamide PC to address the needs of the skin’s vulnerable barrier as it ages.
Our proprietary Polar Cream is a dual usage cream. It can be either used at regular temperatures or it can be used at freezing temperatures in order to provides its signature freshness.
The Time Freeze Eye Serum can press the pause button on wrinkle development by leveraging the time-freezing effects of SYN®-AKE.
This lightweight milky texture is designed for dual application: roll it over targeted zones for precision tightening and spray it in a fine facial mist for instant hydration that smooths and re-energizes your skin.
This formulation contains BeauPlex® VH, a selected blend of vitamins which helps improve your hair density and thickness as well as PENTAVITIN®, a 100% natural and biodegradable edible maize kernels derived, to visibly increase your scalp moisturization and reduce flaking.
It's time to live your best Hair with the Wonder You Scalp Serum combining a powerful dual technology based on BeauPlex® VH, a selected blend of vitamins and ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB, a sustainable and organic alpine flower, to help to improve your hair density and thickness.
Our Wonder You Hair & Scalp Care Shampoo is the perfect product concept to live your best hair. It contains ALPAFLOR® EDELWEISS CB, a fully biodegradable alpine flower extract.
