Revitalizing Skin Health with Breakthroughs in Microbiome-based Cosmetics

Amidst the extensive research and development spanning diverse industries worldwide, ranging from sports to pharmaceuticals to the food and beverage industry, the cosmetic industry stands as no exception. Notable recent advancements within this sector led to the emergence of microbiome-based cosmetics.

Key takeaways

1. How essential is the microbiome for your skin’s well-being?

2. What are the advantages of microbiome-based cosmetics?

3. What are the roadblocks in developing efficient microbiome-based cosmetics?

4. What is the current scenario of microbiome-based cosmetics?

Overview

Our skin, being the first line of defense, harbors millions of different kinds of microbes, from bacteria to fungi, which coexist together to form the skin microbiome and perform crucial functions like protecting the skin against pathogens, maintaining barrier integrity, and orchestrating various immunological functions. Any imbalance or dysbiosis in the microorganisms present in the skin may lead to variation and further skin diseases like acne, inflammation, psoriasis, and in extreme cases, atopic dermatitis. Therefore, an equilibrium should be maintained for healthy and balanced skin. Microbiome-based cosmetics typically aim to promote a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin by fostering the growth of beneficial or "good" bacteria while simultaneously controlling or inhibiting the growth of harmful or "bad" bacteria.

What are the advantages of microbiome-based cosmetics?

Microbiome-based cosmetics taps into the major needs of the present-day customer in various ways. One of the key advantages of microbiome-based cosmetics is their potential for customization according to individual skin needs. By leveraging insights from the skin microbiome, these cosmetics can offer personalized solutions tailored to specific skin types, concerns, and conditions. With customization techniques potentially integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, utilizing various external and internal factors such as skin microbiome, diet, environment factors, and skin type can help pinpoint the root cause of the dysbiosis, further helping treat it efficiently. Microbiome-based cosmetics offer the advantage of utilizing ingredients that are mild and gentle on the skin, unlike conventional cosmetic products known for their harshness. The ingredients majorly include subclasses of prebiotics (nutritional substrates derived from plants or algae utilized by skin microbes), probiotics (live microorganisms), parabiotics (ingredients derived from inactivated microorganisms), and postbiotics (fermentation by-product of probiotics). Not only are these ingredients mild, but they are also highly specific and efficient in their work of action, as proven by-products of some companies like Aurelia London, utilizing their PROTIDA technology which integrates probiotics, peptides, and bifida to treat inflammation and Vytrus Biotech, a Spain based active ingredients manufacturer, utilizes their photobiome technology, a prebiotic active derived from plant stem cells stimulating the skin bacteria to release its natural photo defense.

Challenges associated with microbiome-based cosmetics

While the microbiome-based cosmetic industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation, it also faces several challenges.

- Lack of regulation and guidelines: The regulatory landscape for microbiome-based cosmetics is still evolving, posing challenges for companies regarding compliance with safety and efficacy standards. Clear guidelines and regulations are needed to ensure these products' responsible development and marketing while safeguarding consumer health and confidence.

- Additional ingredients: To protect the probiotic formulation from degradation and contamination with external bacterial species, preservatives are added, which may diminish the safety and efficacy of the original formulation.

- Quality control and standardization: Ensuring consistency and quality of microbiome-based cosmetics can be difficult due to the variability of natural ingredients and microbial cultures.

- Extensive research and development: Formulating microbiome-based cosmetics requires extensive research in every aspect, from ingredient selection to optimal ratios and combinations, which can be time-consuming and costly. Companies must invest in research, clinical testing, and manufacturing infrastructure to bring these products to market successfully.

Current scenario of microbiome-based cosmetics

In recent years, there has been significant technological progress within the microbiome-based cosmetics sector. Some of the companies doing extensive research in this domain are-

Micreos, a Netherlands-based company working on a propriety endolysin technology (associated with minimal risk of resistance development) to selectively target gram-positive bacteria while keeping the healthy microbiome intact.

Oat Cosmetics, a UK-based personal care product manufacturing company, developed its aurafilm range, which contains highly specialized and stable lactobacillus stains, to target skin exposed to environmental pollution.

Lancôme, owned by L'Oréal, after twenty years of research in microbiome science, developed Advanced Génifique patented serum containing 6 billion pre- & probiotic fractions.

Symbiome’s propriety cold emulsion process, utilizing lactobacillus ferment (their unique postbiotic), to develop a blend of nutrients, polysaccharides, exosomes, enzymes, and peptides has been biologically optimized to create an emulsion that naturally stabilizes and preserves itself. By eliminating heat from the above procedure, the potency and rich biological integrity are increased, and the carbon footprint is decreased greatly.

Conclusion

There is no denying the fact that microbiome-based cosmetics is the future of the cosmetics industry, with a projected CAGR of 10.9% from 2023- 2030 (Source: IeB analysis). With its numerous benefits, higher efficiency, and steadfast commitment to biological and natural adherence, it holds the capability of having a unique selling point that attracts customers.

If you're exploring or already involved in the realm of microbiome-based cosmetics but feel uncertain about your next move, we're here to offer guidance and assistance. Ingenious e-Brain, a global leading consultancy firm pioneering in technological, commercial landscape, competitive, and business intelligence, can help your company in identifying the potential microorganisms that can be used for microbiome-based cosmetics, the latest trends and technology, potential partnership and collaboration, and future market growth and analysis of various microbiome specific products. Apart from this, we can help you get a competitive advantage by identifying key players already established in this domain, benchmarking them on various parameters, and mapping their activity. Reach out to our technology professionals and business experts by filling out the form below or emailing us at  contact@iebrain.com.