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Microplastics, the small plastic debris that result from the breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste, are widely recognised for their harmful environmental effects. However, little research has explored how these particles - which are found in up to 70% of cosmetic products - affect the skin microbiome. What We Know: Microplastics are tiny, solid plastic particles composed of polymers and additives. They are typically less than 5 mm and can be unintentionally formed through the wear and tear of larger plastic items (@European Chemicals Agency, 2024). These particles, including microbeads and fibres, are commonly found in personal care products like shower gels, toothpaste and nail polish and include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Microplastics serve various roles, from exfoliating beads in scrubs to enhancing product texture and stability, and even as glitter in makeup (Mim et al., 2024; Bashir et al., 2021). In Europe, it’s estimated that around 3800 tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment annually through everyday cosmetic and personal care products (@European Chemicals Agency, 2024). Microplastics can adsorb organic and inorganic contaminants on their surfaces, where biofilms may form, potentially acting as carriers of pathogenic vectors, pollutants, antimicrobial resistance, microorganisms and resistance genes. This raises concerns about how these particles may interact with the skin microbiome when present in cosmetic products (Mim et al., 2024).  Additionally, nanoplastics - smaller than microplastics, typically around 100 nm or less - can potentially penetrate biological barriers and may have toxic effects when present in topical products (Yong, Valiyaveettil & Tang, 2020). Industry Impact and Potential: Research on the impact of microplastics on the gut microbiome has shown that these particles can lead to significant shifts, including increased α-diversity and higher levels of potentially harmful pathobionts. As a result, it is widely hypothesised that microplastics may also be detrimental to the skin microbiome. However, further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms behind these effects (Mim et al., 2024).  @Beat the Microbead is an innovative app developed by the @Plastic Soup Foundation that enables users to scan cosmetic product barcodes to check for microplastics. This empowers consumers to take control of their microplastic exposure and make informed choices, even before regulations and legislation fully address the issue. Our Solution: Sequential is a global leader in microbiome product development and testing, with locations in London, New York and Singapore. Our expertise and customisable services allow businesses to innovate confidently, ensuring their products preserve microbiome integrity and meet specific goals, such as efficacy, compatibility and environmental sustainability. References: Bashir, S.M., Kimiko, S., Mak, C.-W., Fang, J.K.-H. & Gonçalves, D. (2021) Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.683482. Mim, M.F., Sikder, M.H., Chowdhury, M.Z.H., Bhuiyan, A.-U.-A., Zinan, N. & Islam, S.M.N. (2024) The dynamic relationship between skin microbiomes and personal care products: A comprehensive review. Heliyon. 10 (14). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34549. Yong, C.Q.Y., Valiyaveettil, S. & Tang, B.L. (2020) Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 (5), 1509. doi:10.3390/ijerph17051509.

Recent research into aroma perception - the process by which the brain detects scent molecules from food - has primarily focused on the physical and chemical properties of these substances and their release during chewing. However, the role of the oral microbiome in this process is still underexplored, offering new insights into how microorganisms shape the flavours we experience. What We Know: While taste is detected by the tongue’s taste buds, aroma involves volatile compounds released from food that are detected by olfactory receptors in the nose. Aroma significantly enhances flavour, allowing us to distinguish foods with similar tastes. During chewing, aroma compounds travel from the mouth to the nasal cavity (retronasal olfaction), blending with taste to create a complete sensory experience (Xi et al., 2024) . The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in aroma perception. These microorganisms interact with food compounds in various ways, such as breaking down odourless molecules and transforming them into volatile compounds that we perceive as aroma. Moreover, the oral microbiota influences how taste and smell signals are processed by the brain, further affecting overall flavour perception (Xi et al., 2024) . Emerging research indicates that oral microbiota help metabolise complex food precursors, such as glycosides, into flavour-active molecules during chewing. A balanced oral microbiome enhances flavour perception, while an imbalance may dull or alter this sensory experience (Xi et al., 2024) . Industry Impact and Potential: Research is still in infancy regarding the role of the oral microbiome in aroma perception. Therefore, harnessing the power of oral bacteria to enhance flavours or create novel sensory experiences is a promising avenue of exploration. Furthermore, understanding how the oral microbiome contributes to the perception of scent and taste could also lead to the development of targeted oral care products that maintain or improve flavour perception by supporting a healthy microbiome. A company that harnesses the intricate relationship between taste, scent, and retronasal olfaction is @air up®, which has developed innovative water bottles featuring built-in scent-releasing pods. This design allows users to enjoy unflavoured water while experiencing specific flavours, as the released scents interact with the olfactory system to create a taste sensation in the mouth. Our Solution: Sequential is a leading authority in microbiome product testing and formulation, offering customisable solutions that empower businesses to innovate oral hygiene products while preserving microbiome integrity. We ensure the efficacy and compatibility of products for a healthier oral microbiome, making us the ideal partner to help your company explore the potential of oral, as well as skin, scalp and vaginal, microbiome studies and product development.  References: Xi, Y., Yu, M., Li, X., Zeng, X. & Li, J. (2024) The coming future: The role of the oral–microbiota–brain axis in aroma release and perception. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety . 23 (2), e13303. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.13303.

Every person’s skin is unique, shaped by genetics, the environment and lifestyle factors. Research demonstrates that personalised skincare, particularly when tailored to the skin microbiome, delivers more effective and lasting results by addressing each individual’s specific needs, promoting healthier and more resilient skin. What We Know: Human skin varies significantly due to genetic differences, which influence how it responds to environmental stressors, its susceptibility to ageing and its reactions to skincare products. These genetic variations are closely linked to factors like skin pigmentation, structure and sensitivity to UV radiation (Markiewicz & Idowu, 2018). Personalised skincare addresses these individual differences by tailoring products and treatments to each person's unique needs. This approach is gaining popularity in the cosmetics industry as it offers more effective and targeted solutions than generic skincare products. The primary benefits of personalised skincare include improved efficacy, as products are customised to match individual skin characteristics, and enhanced protection against environmental damage and ageing. By catering to the specific needs of different skin types, personalised skincare can also more effectively prevent or mitigate skin conditions (Markiewicz & Idowu, 2018). Industry Impact and Potential: A study that investigated the use of microbiome-tailored skincare products found that these products significantly enhanced skin health by supporting a more diverse and balanced skin microbiome. In the study, participants used microbiome-supporting (MS) products on one cheek and benchmark (BM) products on the other for three weeks. The results showed that the MS products led to a notable increase in beneficial bacterial diversity, reduced skin redness and improved skin texture. In contrast, the BM products only provided minor improvements in skin texture and did not significantly impact other skin health parameters (Santamaria et al., 2023). Parallel Health  uses whole genome sequencing to analyze an individual’s skin microbiome, creating customized phage-based skincare solutions. These serums target harmful bacteria causing issues like acne and rosacea while supporting beneficial microbes. The process includes a microbiome test, personalized consultations, ongoing skin assessments, and tailored serums for continuous skin health. Our Solution: Sequential's personalised skincare approach harnesses the power of microbiome-based facial products through its comprehensive Microbiome Product Testing Solution. This end-to-end service supports both independent testing and expert-guided formulation, enabling businesses to develop innovative, tailored skincare solutions that cater to individual microbiomes. References: Markiewicz, E. & Idowu, O.C. (2018) Personalized skincare: from molecular basis to clinical and commercial applications. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 11, 161–171. doi:10.2147/CCID.S163799. Santamaria, E., Åkerström, U., Berger-Picard, N., Lataste, S. & Gillbro, J.M. (2023) Randomized comparative double-blind study assessing the difference between topically applied microbiome supporting skincare versus conventional skincare on the facial microbiome in correlation to biophysical skin parameters. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 45 (1), 83–94. doi:10.1111/ics.12826.

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. 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. 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. 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.

We are a Team of Award-Winning Scientists Creating a World with Healthier Microbiomes Our platform is the result of our team’s combined expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and microbiome research. We utilise deep molecular analysis and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to understand the impact of product usage on an individual’s microbiome. Through our efforts, we hope to revolutionise the way in which the industry develops and tests its products to deliver optimal results to those utilising them. Our Mission Sequential is the industry leader in clinical microbiome research and testing offering a comprehensive end-to-end platform designed to bring science-backed solutions to the personal care and pharmaceutical industry. Our mission is to understand the impact of the microbiome on the host (humans) and how the host impacts the microbiome in order to characterise human health fully. We offer an extensive platform to conduct research on personal care products through microbiome testing, and biophysical assessments, and offer full recruitment services for studies. We are keen to publish our findings with our partners to increase the literature within this space. At present our database of over 20,000 human microbiome samples is one of the most sophisticated within the industry and is growing rapidly. Innovation Pioneering the forefront of biological science, we consistently introduce groundbreaking advancements to redefine industry standards. Transparency Our commitment to openness ensures a clear understanding of our human microbiome testing processes and analysis. Reliability We guarantee dependable results, fostering trust in the accuracy of our analyses. Scientific Board of Advisors Our advisors are world leaders in the skin microbiome and have extensive experience in bringing forward solutions for skin concerns Prof. Tom Dawson Senior Principal Investigator at Skin Research Institute of Singapore. Over 30 years experience in biotechnology innovations, and expert in the skin and hair microbiome. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Pharmacology at the Univer sity of North Carolina. Dr Kimberly Capone Dr Kimberly Capone is a pioneer and established expert in microbiology and the human microbiome field where she created new business opportunities across multiple brands over 13 years at Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. Areas of concentration included infant and adult skin, vaginal, gut, and oral health. Prof. Phillip Bennett Phillip Bennett is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Director of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology. Professor Bennett has been one of the key pioneers in researching the vaginal microbiome. In particular, to understand and characterise the impact of the vaginal microbiome on preterm labour. Bennett has published over 400 peer-reviewed research articles over his career. Dr Natalya Fox Dr Natalya Fox is a Dermatologist at the NHS - St George's Hospital, London. Previously, Fox did her MBChB at the University of Edinburgh 201 4 and has her Full MRCP UK in Dermatology. Fox is passionate about the skin microbiome and its place in dermatology. Prof. Elena Lurie-Luke A senior R&D, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Executive with extensive technical, strategic business development. Proven leadership experience in both global FMCG and public health sector environments. Prof. Niranjan Nagarajan Associate Director & Senior Group Leader at Genome Institute of Singapore. Expert in computation biology, in particular the study of microbial communities resident on the human skin. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science at Cornell University. Dr Alexander Lezhava Senior Group Leader & Associate Director at Genome Institute of Singapore. Expert in the commercial development of medical diagnostics and clinical-grade molecular assays. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Microbiology at Hiroshima University. Please find listed a selection of relevant peer-reviewed publications from our advisors. Wu G, TL Dawson, et al. (2015) Genus-Wide Comparative Genomics of Malassezia Delineates Its Phylogeny, Physiology, and Niche Adaptation on Human Skin. PLOS Genetics 11(11): e1005614. Chng, K., Nagarajan, N., et al. (2016) Whole metagenome profiling reveals skin microbiome-dependent susceptibility to atopic dermatitis flare. Nat Microbiol 1, 16106. Tay, A.S., Nagarajan, N., et al (2018). 1039 Skin microbiome profiles of atopic dermatitis patients segregate into two community composition types that are stable before and after therapy. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 138. S176. 10.1016/j.jid.2018.03.1051. Ramasamy S., Barnard, E., Dawson, TL, and Huiying Li. (2019). Role of the skin microbiota in acne pathophysiology. British Journal of Dermatology, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18230. Dawson, TL. (2019) Malassezia: The Forbidden Kingdom Opens. Cell Host Microbe https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2019.02.010 Tay, A.S., Nagarajan, N., et al (2020). Atopic dermatitis microbiomes stratify into ecologic dermotypes enabling microbial virulence and disease severity. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.09.031. Dawson, TL. (2021) Malassezia: A Skin Commensal Yeast Impacting Both Health and Disease. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.659219 Bissonnette, Robert & FAAD, & Palijan, Ana & Salem, Youssef & Maari, Catherine & Proulx, Etienne & Edjekouane, Lydia & Joly-Chevrier, Maxine & Devis, Andrew & Dashi, Albert & Worsley, Oliver. (2024). 50694 Gut microbiome differences between patients with moderate to severe Chronic Hand Eczema and healthy subjects. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 91. AB224. 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.07.889. Supported By Our Team at Sequential Dr. Oliver Worsley CEO & CO-FOUNDER Oliver is the co-founder and CEO of Sequential. He completed his PhD in molecular genetics as a scholar at the Genome Institute of Singapore from 2014-2018, and has won multiple awards including the P&G Young Entrepreneurship Scheme, presented at the Royal Society in London in 2017; and the top prize at the L’Oréal Innovation Runway 2018. Oliver has previously founded Anya Consulting, a healthcare communications company that has published >150 articles and has produced several technical whitepapers for clients like Fierce Health. Prior, Oliver completed his BSc at Edinburgh University, including six months at Leiden University Medical Centre through the Erasmus Programme. Sibora Peca CLINICAL OPERATIONS LEAD Grace Robinson ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST Shalindri Jayawardene RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Kajal Patel RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Dr. Albert Dashi CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER & CO-FOUNDER Albert is the co-founder and CSO of Sequential. He completed his PhD in molecular genetics, epigenetics and stem cell research at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Genome Institute of Singapore in 2019. In 2014, he received the Singapore International Graduate Award from A*STAR for his PhD research and was also awarded the “Young Investigator” award. He also won the “Young Entrepreneur Scheme” award by P&G for his innovative and business driven ideas. Prior moving to Singapore for his doctor program, Albert obtained his Masters in Biomedical Sciences at University of Bern, Switzerland. Andrew Davis SENIOR BIOINFORMATICIAN Forest Wong SENIOR LAB TECHNICIAN Ashley LaSalle JUNIOR LAB TECHNICIAN Petronille Houdart, PharmD SKINCARE DIRECTOR Petronille is Sequential's lead skincare director, focused on translating the latest in skin science to personalised skincare recommendations. She has over a decade in the industry, working with international brands to lead and consult on R&D, creative projects and brand innovation. Petronille also led her own award-winning dermocosmetic brand, Petronille Dermo Cosmetic, that produced customisable products for men and women. Petronille holds an MSc in Cosmetology Sciences and a professional doctorate in pharmacy (specialising in dermo-pharmacy) from Paris Descartes University. Marya Sheikh-Ahmed SENIOR MARKETING ASSOCIATE Dr. Sija Sajibu RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Melissa Ople ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Annabelle Schaefer RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Our Labs Sequential has microbiome testing labs in New York City, London and Singapore. Being close to our customers has allowed us to reduce turnaround time, whilst retaining the intellectual property in-house. Proud to Have Worked With

Your Clinical Microbiome Testing Partner A trusted leader in microbiome testing and research for the personal care industry, Sequential provides cutting-edge solutions to elevate product development. Our extensive microbiome research delivers effective and actionable insights, empowering brands to create innovative, science-backed personal care products that meet consumer demands and set new standards in the market. View Services Brochure 20,000+ Microbiome Sample Database 4,000+ Ingredient Database 10,000+ Testing Participants Globally 60+ Industry Partners Who We Are Sequential is a leading provider of clinical microbiome analysis and microbiome testing services, offering a comprehensive end-to-end platform with science-backed solutions tailored for the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Our team of award-winning scientists is dedicated to understanding the intricate relationship between the microbiome and its human host, exploring how the microbiome impacts human health and how humans, in turn, influence their microbiome. This holistic approach enables us to fully characterise human health and provide actionable insights for product innovation and efficacy. Learn More What We Offer Microbiome Testing A fully customizable microbiome study to test your product's impact in a real-life context. Formulation Support Allow our formulation experts to guide you through the process of creating a product that maintains the biome. Claims & Certification Test your formulation to understand what marketing claims you can attribute to your product. Strategic Partnerships Join us in full end-to-end partnership (testing to collaborating on white papers). Clinical Assessments Understand your product's impact on transepidermal water loss, pH, and elasticity. Study Recruitment Let us recruit candidates and carry out in-lab testing for your study to ensure controlled collection. Our Testing Capabilities Differentiate your brand by leveraging the power of skin microbiome science to deliver innovative, research-backed personal care products. Stand out from competitors with solutions supported by robust clinical research and gold-standard microbiome certification, appealing to customers seeking credible and cutting-edge personal care innovations. Harness the science of the microbiome to build trust, drive customer loyalty, and position your brand as a leader in the personal care industry. Skin Scalp Vaginal Oral What Our Clients Say “Sequential is one of the world’s most innovative Microbiome companies. The resolution at subspecies level, and to perform quantification of key vaginal microbes, in vivo , was exactly what we wanted at Curive Healthcare to know intricately how our product is working to improve women’s health.” - Matthew Line, Chief Marketing Officer at Curive Healthcare Supporting World-Class Clients & Partners Join Our Partners! Microbiome's Impact on Human Health Aromatic Answers: Can the Oral Microbiome Alter How We Perceive Scent and Taste? That’s Fishy: The Powerful Role of Marine Collagen in Wound Healing Unveiling the Microbial Truth: The Unpleasant Reality of Scalp Malodour Read More Articles FAQ 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. 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. 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. 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.