BioGaia and Skinome roll out probiotics for healthy skin microbiome amid “exploding interest”

23 Sep 2022 --- BioGaia and Skinome have partnered to research and develop Skinome Probiotic Concentrate, a product containing live bacteria for a natural solution to support the skin microbiome. The product combines a strain of live Limosilactobacillus reuteri with a limited number of skin-identical ingredients, such as squalene which improves elasticity.

“Interest is exploding in the skin microbiome, as is the scientific knowledge. A growing number of cosmetics and skin products look to address this, but typically contain postbiotics or prebiotics rather than live probiotic bacteria”, says Lydia Engholm, CEO at Skinome.

Targeting dry skin
The Probiotic Concentrate is Skinome’s first probiotic formulation, designed for people with normal to dry skin. Live probiotic bacteria enable the restoration of the skin microbiome balance, hence improving skin health.

“The study shows a range of positive effects on typical symptoms of aging skin after three weeks of use. These include an improved skin structure and volume, a smoothing of uneven skin texture, such as fine lines, and a reduction in pore size,” says Engholm.

The product is launching in Sweden this month.

Investment in new tech
BioGaia invested in Sweden-based Skinome in 2021 following years of joint research and development. Engholm says that not many skin products contain live probiotic bacteria. 

“Beyond being a productive research and development collaboration, this is an investment with a strong connection to our core business,” says Nigel Titford, head of business development at BioGaia.

The investment occurred via its subsidiary BioGaia Invest aiming to invest in companies focusing on innovative technologies, services and products related to BioGaia’s business. 

Bacteria take over
The personal care and nutritional space is witnessing a greater emphasis on protecting and supporting the microbiome for immunity and health.

Industry player BASF has been developing bacteria-based skincare. This week, the company shares the discovery of a “youth bacterium” – abundant in younger skin and non-existent in hollow wrinkles in older skin. The findings led to the development of a probiotic cosmetic application for healthful aging, ensuring the survival of the bacteria. 

“This makes the ingredient the first based on skin-native and live bacteria. Its anti-aging efficacy has been demonstrated in-vitro and in-vivo versus placebo,” adds BASF.

In other skin microbiome launches, Dermala introduced a body spray dubbed Baby Got Bacne to banish body breakouts in hard-to-reach areas like the chest, shoulders and back.

Earlier this year, Cosmax discovered a new microorganism, KERA-3, “considered a family-level discovery.” The second-generation skin microbiome is to be branded and commercialized as Rappoilot.  

Edited by Venya Patel