Testing to Support Skin Microbiome Safe/Friendly Claims for Cosmetic Products

Human skin is a complex organ which performs several important functions, many of which are essential for human health and homeostasis. The skin is also colonised by diverse populations of microorganisms known as the skin microbiome or more properly as the skin microbiota. The role of the microbiota in skin health is still an emerging area of scientific investigation, however it is known to play an important role in many vital physiological functions. An imbalance in the skin microbiota know as dysbiosis is associated with several human diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

 Many topically applied cosmetic products contain ingredients such as preservatives and surfactants with the potential to alter the composition and function of the skin microbiota potentially leading to dysbiosis. Here at Melbec Microbiology we offer a sensible step wise testing approach to evaluate the impact of cosmetic ingredients and products on the skin microbiota. We are also looking to the future of skin microbiome testing, specifically in the areas of metatranscriptomics and metabolomics to not only evaluate the composition of the skin microbiota but also its function.