Improved testing method of cosmetic products with innovative microbiome community models

Abstract : Testing the microbiome friendliness of cosmetic ingredients & finished products remains a challenging task. While many in vitro methods fail to mimic the microbial communities with their complex interactions, in vivo approaches are not only costly and time-consuming but also dependent on each individual's microbiome. For the first time, we have developed a robust microbial community composed of the most prominent inhabitants of human’s skin, growing under realistic conditions. Our model is not limited to effects on isolated species but also considers the interactions and interdependencies of species living together in the skin ecosystem. Online growth monitoring and determination of community composition by genome-based technologies expand our insights into the microbiome-friendliness of cosmetic ingredients and open the door for robust claim substantiation.