Kristi Serena is the U.S. commercial director at Mibelle Biochemistry, a role she has held since 2019. With more than 15 years of experience in the nutritional industry, she uses her scientific background to help drive innovation in nutraceutical solutions that meet evolving market needs. She is passionate about collaborating with customers and fostering meaningful partnerships within the health and wellness space.

Health E-Insights (HEI): Mibelle has European roots. What has been its secret to success over the past 30-plus years?

Serena: Mibelle Biochemistry’s success is rooted in its Swiss commitment to quality, Innovation, and science. Over the past decades, the Swiss company has distinguished itself by developing and producing high-quality, natural active ingredients for the cosmetic and supplement industries. The company is known for its innovative approach and use of cutting-edge technology. Mibelle Biochemistry continually introduces novel bioactive ingredients to address evolving consumer needs. For example, Mibelle Biochemistry was the first player to introduce the plant stem cell concept for cosmetic and supplement applications.

HEI: What trends are you seeing in the beauty and anti-aging categories?

Serena: The beauty and anti-aging sectors are experiencing rapid growth, driven by consumers’ increasing interest in holistic and preventative approaches to skin health. There has been a rise in beauty from within, with ingestible products such as food supplements, functional foods, and functional beauty drinks designed to promote skin health, boost collagen, and slow aging from the inside out. These products are often used to extend an existing anti-aging topical skin care routine. Consumers are looking for effective, science-backed solutions that deliver visible results. Consequently, demand for clinically validated natural ingredients continues to play a significant role in the beauty and anti-aging market.

HEI: Plants and fruits take center stage within your product development. Has this been the company’s philosophy since its inception?

Serena: Mibelle Biochemistry has been guided by the philosophy “Inspired by nature – realized by science.” The company’s research and development centers around harnessing the power of natural ingredients, and our team of scientists transform these naturally derived plant compounds into high-quality, functional bioactives for the cosmetic and nutraceutical industry. This nature-inspired, science-driven approach ensured that every product is both effective and safe. Mibelle Biochemistry delivers innovative solutions that meet the growing consumer demand for natural and science-backed ingredients for the beauty and wellness industry.

HEI: The company is quite scientifically and technology-oriented and has produced a range of distinct novel cosmetic and nutraceutical actives. What stands out the most?

Serena: Mibelle Biochemistry stands out for its innovative product portfolio of scientifically validated cosmetic and nutraceutical actives. Focusing on our nutraceutical ingredients, Mibelle Biochemistry’s core expertise lies in beauty from within, offering ingredients that support hair care, skin beauty, and skin brightening. Beyond this, Mibelle Biochemistry’s portfolio also includes ingredients that target healthy aging and longevity, cognitive support, energy boosting, weight management, and sports nutrition. Each ingredient is backed by extensive research and validated through published clinical studies, ensuring efficacy and safety. Recent innovations such as MonaJuventa Nu for healthy aging and longevity, and DracoBelle Nu sd for beauty from within exemplify Mibelle Biochemistry’s commitment to pioneering science.

HEI: What’s behind your new branded ingredient MonaJuventa Nu?

Serena: MonaJuventa Nu is an innovative active ingredient derived from scarlet beebalm, rich in anti-aging flavonoids. Aimed at the rapidly growing healthy aging and longevity market, it has been specially developed to tackle the hallmarks of aging. A published clinical study has demonstrated daily intake of 100 mg MonaJuventa Nu slows down key aging processes by preventing epigenetic aging, reducing the rate of telomere shortening, and enhancing overall quality of life. Additionally, study participants supplementing MonaJuventa Nu have reported increased physical activity and improved sleep quality. This science-backed approach positions MonaJuventa Nu as a leading solution for those seeking to promote longevity and maintain vitality through natural, clinically validated ingredients.

HEI: What’s new and different about DracoBelle Nu sd?

Serena: DracoBelle Nu sd is the latest evolution of Mibelle Biochemistry’s popular collagen-boosting ingredient derived from Moldavian dragonhead, DracoBelle Nu. This new version is more concentrated, allowing for effective results with just 100 mg daily. A published clinical study observed that only 100 mg daily can significantly improve skin hydration and increase dermis thickness, demonstrating its collagen-boosting effects. As a vegan alternative to traditional animal- and marine-derived collagens, DracoBelle Nu sd caters to the increasing demand for plant-based, vegan collagen-boosting ingredients. Its innovative formulation enables manufacturers to offer effective, science-backed solutions for skin health, anti-aging, and beauty from within.

HEI: What is the background around PhytoCellTec Md Nu?

Serena: PhytoCellTec Md Nu is Mibelle Biochemistry’s pioneering apple cell culture extract, developed using the advanced and sustainable PhytoCellTec technology. This innovative technology enables the efficient production of plant stem cell cultures on an industrial scale, reducing the need for raw plant material. PhytoCellTec Md Nu is a novel-food-approved active that revitalizes skin stem cells, a unique and highly innovative approach to rejuvenate the skin. A published clinical study found that daily supplementation of 10 mg PhytoCellTec Md Nu leads to firmer, denser, and more elastic skin.

HEI: How can manufacturers formulate with this ingredient?

Serena: Mibelle Biochemistry recognizes that today’s consumers value convenience and versatility in their supplement routines. Both MonaJuventa Nu and DracoBelle Nu are offered as water-soluble powders, making them exceptionally easy to formulate. These ingredients can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of supplement formats, including capsules, tablets, powders, and gummies. This flexibility allows manufacturers to create appealing products that fit effortlessly into consumers’ daily lives, while delivering scientifically validated health and beauty benefits.

HEI: What’s the company’s commitment to sustainability?

Serena: Sustainability is deeply integrated into our core business and continuously evolving. The company is committed to helping our customers and partners reduce their environmental impact through responsible sourcing, innovative technologies, and eco-friendly products. The company follows ambitious climate goals and promotes social responsibility, fairness, and diversity throughout its operations and supply chains. Mibelle Biochemistry’s approach ensures long-term value for our customers, employees, and the environment.