Evonik Biotech Hub has been exploring the role and mechanisms of the microbiome for over 10 years taking up some of the most strategic challenges of our times such as finding alternatives to antibiotics in animal nutrition. Combining this expertise to our skin knowledge, we’ve developed advanced skin microbiome models, providing screening capabilities for personal care innovation. Those models deliver high predictive accuracy and reliable results to support microbiome related claims.
Microbiome Intelligence Driving Cosmetic Innovation
Our microbiome models put scientific intelligence at the service of cosmetic innovation. They enable:
- Ingredient screening for microbiome-related efficacy and skin microbiome friendliness
- Support for microbiome-mediated efficacy claims
- Insights into microbiome community dynamics, functionality, and modulation
These capabilities help formulators design products that respect and enhance the skin’s natural ecosystem.
SkinMicrobesTM
Testing the microbiome friendliness of cosmetic ingredients and finished products remains a complex challenge. Many in vitro methods fail to replicate the intricate interactions within microbial communities, while in vivo approaches are costly, time-consuming, and highly dependent on individual microbiome variability.
Recognizing the fundamentally ecosystemic nature of the skin, Evonik developed the SkinMicrobes™ Core model—a co-culture system composed of up to 10 strains representing the most prominent inhabitants of human skin. By simulating realistic conditions and species interdependencies, this model opens the door to robust claim substantiation for microbiome friendliness.
SkinMicrobes™ Acne
SkinMicrobes™ Acne is a pioneering microbial co-culture model that authentically simulates the dynamics of acne-prone skin. Acting like an artificial pilosebaceous unit, it enables differentiated quantification of both pathogenic and beneficial strains of Cutibacterium acnes, as well as potential antagonists such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis.
With this model, substances and formulations can be efficiently screened in high throughput for their ability to rebalance the dysbiotic acne microbiome. This innovative platform provides a scientifically robust foundation for developing and evaluating new active ingredients and skincare products that promote a healthy skin microbiome.
Proprietary biorepository
The Evonik Biotech Hub maintains a unique and extensive collection of over 1,700 strains of Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria. This proprietary biorepository is a powerful resource for creating next-generation probiotics, ferments, and supernatants.
All strains comply fully with legal requirements, including the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring ethical and responsible sourcing. Depending on your needs and regulatory requirements, Evonik strains can be developed as probiotics, ferments, or supernatants. Our advanced bioinformatics platform enables in silico selection of candidate strains based on genome sequences, streamlining the identification of promising candidates for testing in our models. Comprehensive safety analyses and mode-of-action studies complement our expertise, supporting the development of effective and safe skincare solutions.