Innovative Zoya cosmetics conquer Serbian market – Peeling with vitamin C soon available in EU

In the past few years, the market of natural products has been developing at an increased pace in Serbia and there is an increasing variety of quality products. One such business is based in Odzaci as part of a family workshop.

SZR Herbalia has existed for nine years now. Initially, they produced natural soaps, shampoos, creams and deodorants. Three years ago, they started producing facial and body cosmetics, such as a facial serum, micellar water and oil, body peeling and facial masks under the Zoya Zec brand.

– The idea is based on providing adequate care for sensitive skin, which is very common in this environment. Also, at the time, such products were largely unavailable in our market. Within the dm incubator, the Zoya line of products was developed. It currently covers two products: a vitamin C powder cleanser (facial peeling) and an eye serum – Katarina Zec says for eKapija.

She adds that they've upgraded the formulas technologically, that they've perfected their products and that they've started implementing a new technology, which they use in the manufacture of other products.

Still, the competition in the cosmetics market is very strong. That is why they plan to increase promotional activities in the upcoming period.

– At the moment, the facial peeling is our best selling product. This is an innovative powder product, which solves the problem of vitamin C instability in cosmetics products, as it is activated only when it comes into contact with water. This way, the skin uses vitamin C before it oxidizes, that is, decomposes – our interviewee explains.



The raw materials are procured primarily in Serbia, but also abroad, if they are not available on the domestic market. As Katarina Zec says, quality, 100% natural, organic and vegan ingredients are easily available, but their price is much higher than the price of synthetic ingredients.

She says that the most important factors with natural products are freshness and durability, which is also the biggest challenge in their production process, as the use of preservatives is limited.

– Furthermore the formulas are mostly simple and the effect of the products is based on the natural characteristics of the ingredients. There may be some misconceptions about these characteristics, as some ingredients are sometimes believed to have almost miraculous effects, especially if one seeks information online. However, that is not directly connected with producers and sellers, as they only use the demand for an ingredient that is currently in vogue – Katarina Zec notes.

When it comes to plans for the future, several new powders, which are activated with water, same as the facial peeling product with vitamin C, can be expected, and Herbalia is also currently preparing documentation for exports to the EU.

Aleksandra Kekic

Herbalia Odžaci

dm drogerie markt d.o.o. Beograd

SZR Herbalia

Zoja Zec

Katarina Zec

natural soaps

shampoos

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body peeling

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eye serum

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