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Skincare products formulated with prebiotic ingredients feed and support the skin microbiome. Through varying mechanisms, research shows that honing in on this element of microbiome-conscious skincare may yield optimal skin health.
What We Know:
Prebiotic skincare has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing skin hydration, increasing commensal microbiota (e.g., Staphylococcus equorum, Streptococcus mitis and Halomonas desiderata) as well as decreasing levels of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas anadarae) (Li et al., 2023).
Researchers examined the skin microbiome and metabolome and concluded that by altering the skin microbiome composition and favouring bacteria capable of producing hydrating metabolites, prebiotic-containing skincare enhanced skin health (Li et al., 2023).
In this study, the prebiotic ingredients were administered in conjunction with pro- and postbiotics in what researchers term ‘a triple-biotic complex,’ specifically containing inulin (prebiotic), a butyloctanol (a "smart biotic") and lactic acid and pyruvic acid (postbiotics) in the form of Sanex BiomeProtect shower gel and body lotion (Li et al., 2023).
Additional research showed that the prebiotic-containing skincare products were able to manage atopic dermatitis and xerosis symptoms by normalising skin microbiota and preserving skin barrier integrity (Dumbuya et al., 2024).
The hypothesised mechanism of action was that these prebiotic-enriched products support an acidic pH balance, which favours commensal species and disrupts pathogenic species (Dumbuya et al., 2024).
Participants incorporated a prebiotic cleanser (the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil), which included niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin and a prebiotic moisturiser (the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Moisturizing Cream), which contains ceramide, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, Microresyl (trademark from La Roche-Posay) and Aqua posae filiformis (Dumbuya et al., 2024).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Investigation into prebiotic-containing products is an exciting avenue in the microbiome-conscious skincare realm. Researching and testing the effects of various pre-, pro- and postbiotics, and the combinations thereof, provide potential targets for innovative topical treatments aimed at improving skin hydration and overall skin health (Li et al., 2023).
Our Solution:
Sequential provides a comprehensive end-to-end Microbiome Product Testing Solution coupled with expert guidance in product development and formulation. Drawing on our extensive expertise, we collaborate with businesses to pioneer innovative strategies for creating topical treatments that, for example, may harness the power of prebiotics. Our tailored approach aims to address a spectrum of skin diseases and inflammatory conditions, offering cutting-edge solutions, research and technology.
References:
Dumbuya H, Podimatis K, Kerob D, Draelos ZD. INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Efficacy of a Prebiotic Skincare Regimen on Improving Mild Atopic Dermatitis and Severe Xerosis in Diverse Ethnically Patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024 Mar 1;23(3):SF395747s12-SF395747s22. doi: 10.36849/jdd.SF395747. PMID: 38443135.
Li M, Mao J, Diaz I, Kopylova E, Melnik AV, Aksenov AA, Tipton CD, Soliman N, Morgan AM, Boyd T. Multi-omic approach to decipher the impact of skincare products with pre/postbiotics on skin microbiome and metabolome. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Jul 18;10:1165980. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1165980. PMID: 37534320; PMCID: PMC10392128.
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