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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.
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.
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."
FAQ
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What is Sequential's testing platform?Sequential has developed the gold standard test for microbiome-friendly products, in vivo (in, or on, humans). Finally, we can give some certainty about if a product is truly affecting the microbiome. We offer a complete end-to-end solution to support microbiome-friendly claims. From consultancy and study design to our proprietary microbiome testing kits. We analyse, interpret and report our findings to meet your needs.
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Why is it necessary to test the microbiome in vivo?At present, there are no regulations for microbiome-related formulas that brands and formulators can follow, however, it has been universally acknowledged that the in vivo method of conducting clinical studies is becoming critical and paramount to getting marketing claims through. When regulations are introduced, which may be imminent, the in vitro system will find itself lacking, resulting in limited claims and certifications that do not hold their value. This is why, we at Sequential strive to offer an in vivo approach, knowing full well that we want our client's claims to be significantly backed by scientific and quantifiable data.
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What type of sequencing technology does Sequential use for analysis?We offer four types of sequencing techniques including qPCR with our Smart Probes™, 16S, ITS and Shotgun Metagenomics. Using next-generation sequencing of the collection of microorganisms found on the body, during product usage, Sequential investigates the microbial diversity, and particular microorganisms we know are important and play a role in a healthy microbiome.
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Does Sequential offer claims certification for tested products?We provide our clients with a certification to claim “Maintains the Microbiome” subject to in vivo testing results which can be used in communication efforts. Once your product is tested with our qPCR Smart Probes™ and has shown favourable results in supporting the microbiome, we can certify your product with our Maintains the Microbiome certification seal. We have ensured that our seal and certification are backed by quantifiable data and scientifically significant markers. The aim is to ensure our clients feel confident in making their claims and can communicate the true benefit of their microbiome formulations.