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Create Your Next Best-Selling Formulation
A well-designed formulation takes into account the diverse and delicate ecosystem of the microbiome. By incorporating ingredients that promote a harmonious relationship with the microbiota, such as prebiotics and postbiotics, a product can positively impact the microbial diversity and balance on the body.
Having collected over 20,000+ human skin microbiome samples through in vivo clinical research, we can help you take your product from conception to completion.
Consultation
Book a consultation to start creating your microbiome supporting formulation. Whether you need help starting out or are already in the midst of your process, we can support you.
INCI List Examination
Have an INCI list and are unsure if it will be a formula? No need to look further, we will gladly look through your proposed INCI list and revert back with feedback.
Co-Develop
Let us be your Chief Science Officer, or your scientific advisory, and leverage our dataset for the co-development of products that suit your demographic and application.
What Contributes to a Microbiome Supporting Formulation?
When creating a product that "maintains the microbiome", it is crucial to understand that every ingredient used is important. Hero ingredient-led philosophy cannot be applied in the formulation process as it is the blend of each ingredient that will create a product to support and improve the balance of the skin microbiome.
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Fermented ingredients (postbiotics) and those that act as food for microbes (prebiotics) are also known to have a positive impact on formulations when paired with the right preservative systems, surfactants, emollients, etc. It is still rare to find live bacteria (probiotics) in formulations, however, if encapsulated correctly, it could show improvement in the microbiome balance.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria on the skin, and thus improves host health.
Prebiotics act as food for the microbes on the skin, and allow good bacteria to grow and thrive.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms that confer benefit to the host when applied to the body.
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Because probiotics are live bacteria, it is incredibly difficult to preserve and put into skincare products (especially when skincare contains preservatives). In fact, some products on the market that say they use probiotics, are actually using prebiotics or postbiotics.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are the byproduct of fermented live bacteria (probiotics) or inactivated microorganisms.
The process of fermentation releases nutrients inside of the bacteria and holds concentrated and nourishing skin health benefits that help to balance the skin microbiome.
INGREDIENTS
FROM MICROBIAL ORIGIN
No
INTENDED TO BE UTILISED BY THE HUMAN MICROBIOTA?
No
Yes
Yes
ARE THEY VIABLE?
No
Yes
ORIGIN
VIABILITY
FUNCTION
ORDINARY INGREDIENT
ORDINARY INGREDIENT WITH PREBIOTIC FUNCTION
INTENDED TO BE UTILISED BY THE HUMAN MICROBIOTA?
PROBIOTIC INGREDIENT
No
POSTBIOTIC INGREDIENT
Yes
POSTBIOTIC INGREDIENT WITH PREBIOTIC FUNCTION
Our Leading Expert & Skincare Director
Pétronille Houdart
A pharmacist by training, Pétronille specialized in dermo pharmacy and cosmetology. She has garnered extensive experience in the formulation of cosmetic products and is passionate about skincare. She started her career working for a private-label contract manufacturer that focused on custom cosmetic formulations for clients ranging from big brands to private dermatologist products. She has previously created a high-performance customisable formulation brand and is vocal about bespoke and innovative cosmetic formulations.
Ashfi Rahman, Co-founder at HonestStory
"Sequential gave us completely essential consulting work on microbiome skincare formulations. They are the only company out there that combines their knowledge of microbiome testing with formulation expertise, and we're very happy to be working with them to develop the first microbiome skincare in India."
