if only there was a device that was able to bypass first-pass metabolism 

P&G invents supplement to support healthy hair, skin and nails

By Barrett J. Brunsman  – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier

Feb 22, 2019, 9:40am EST

Procter & Gamble Co. has been granted a patent for a food supplement to support healthy hair, skin and nails.

The supplement would be vegetarian, non-genetically modified, gluten-free and organic, according to a P&G filing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

The Cincinnati-based maker of consumer goods such as New Chapter brand vitamins (NYSE: PG) suggested the new supplement could be in the form of a capsule containing the vitamin biotin, immune-system-boosting Reishi mushrooms and a type of algae called Haematococcus pluvialis.

Biotin, which is part of the vitamin B family, can help support the health of skin, nerves, the digestive track, the metabolism and cells, P&G noted. The algae contains astaxanthin, which can help support skin benefits and increase circulation as well as provide antioxidant activity to protect cells from damage and neutralize free radicals. The product also could support keratin production resulting in strong and healthy hair and nails.

The supplement could include a botanical blend for stress or energy support comprising schizandra berry, maca root and chamomile flower as well as a botanical blend for digestive support including aloe leaf, peppermint leaf, coriander seed, cardamom seed and artichoke leaf. 

Other ingredients could include ginger, rosemary and turmeric.

There could be consumer demand for such a supplement because practicing good nutrition is challenging, P&G noted in the filing.

“Some people seek supplements to provide additional nutrients to improve their health and wellness, including the growth of healthy, strong nails, healthy shiny hair and healthy clear skin,” P&G stated. “Consumers want to look and feel beautiful on the inside and out.”

However, some consumers complain about dry or brittle hair, skin and nails. That could include uneven skin tone and texture or shiny, oily, blotchy or itchy skin as well as dull, fine or thinning hair and weak nails.

“Consumers may be looking for a supplement that can reduce fine lines and/or wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, maintain a youthful appearance, and/or support healthy immune function,” P&G stated. “This can be achieved by selecting ingredients, in particular herbal ingredients, that can target multiple biological pathways.”

The inventors were Jennifer Marie Toomey and Paul Schulick, each of whom has been affiliated with the P&G subsidiary New Chapter Inc. Schulick was founder and chairman of the business based in Brattleboro, Vt. Toomey is vice president of design.parted ways with the founders of New Chapter

Procter & Gamble  last year, when Paul and Barbi Schulick decided to not renew their employment agreement.

P&G bought New Chapter, an organic herbal supplements maker, for an undisclosed amount in 2012. The acquisition of what was then a $100 million business was P&G’s first venture into the vitamins and minerals supplement category.