Microbiome-friendly Certification

"MyMicrobiome is an independent control body that rigorously tests products and single ingredients for the impact on the skin’s microbiome. We have developed a standardized test which creates clear, significant results in vitro, referring to the latest scientific findings. The tests are performed in qualified laboratories in Germany and give information about the influence on the key species of the skin microbiome. The product shall leave the skin microbiome untouched thus respecting the microbial diversity and balance of the skin."

Dr. Kristin Neumann,
Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

The microbiome is increasingly in the focus of consumers

In the USA, 50% of all consumers over the age of 18 are already interested in trying personal care products that protect the skin microbiome.

The microbiome will play a key role in defending against skin diseases in the future. The minimum requirement for a cosmetic product should be to be Microbiome-friendly, which means it does no harm to the microbiome.

Source: Mintel
Base:1,963 internet users aged 18+ who use soap, bath, and shower products, US, December 2019

The world's first and leading microbiome certification provides clarity

Numerous so-called "Microbiome-friendly/gentle" products are already flooding the cosmetics market without any control authority behind them. With our standards we bring clarity to this unregulated market. For the health-conscious consumer our certification is imparting confidence in your product. Quality seals are a very important factor for consumers in aiding the decision process which items to purchase.

We have developed the world's first standards for Microbiome-friendly products, which examine cosmetic and skin care products and test their influence on the microbiome. Once the product has passed the test, it may carry the "Microbiome-friendly" seal of approval.

"Investment in certification is imperative."
Microbiome Beauty Boom, WGSN, May 2, 2021

Our tests comply with the scientific gold standard

Our tests are performed in vitro in the laboratory under strict control conditions using replicable and standardized methods. In vitro tests provide robust, meaningful results.

We take into account the 80-90% of microbes that are most common in each skin area and test the influence of the product on the typical key microbes of this special skin area. Depending on where the product is used, we decide together with the manufacturer which skin area should be tested.

Why do we test in vitro?

There is no global standard healthy microbiome, so it is almost impossible to evaluate if a product may change the human skin microbiome of everyone in a positive way.

The microbiome underlies manifold influences, such as genetics, diet, environment, lifestyle and even pet ownership and thus the influence of a single product is only one of many influences.

Since in-vivo tests are neither standardizable nor controllable due to the high interpersonal diversity and the manifold influences on the microbiome, we decided to test in vitro to be scientifically backed. In-vitro assays allow standardization of the experiments within a controlled environment. The direct product-microbe interaction can be measured and the results are very sensitive, replicable and significant. Thus, these tests can be applied to get insights into a product´s influence on microbes relevant for the skin microbiome.

The test criteria

The product goes through four test runs as part of the "Microbiome-friendly" certification.

1. Quality test

Quality control for contaminations in the product according to DIN EN ISO 17516:2015.

2. Balance test

The product is added to a co-culture of S. epidermidis and S. aureus. The balance should either stay stable or shift towards S. epidermidis.

3. Diversity test

The product is added to a co-culture of the key microbes of the specific body site. The number of the individual microbial strains should neither decrease nor increase.

4. Vitality test

The product is brought into contact with the key microbes of the respective body area and growth is observed. The product should not impair growth of the tested microbes.

The benefits of our "Microbiome-friendly" certification

A key issue for the future

The topic microbiome is increasingly gaining awareness.

Awareness

100%

Validation of claims

Passing the test comes with the assurance that your product respects the body's microbial diversity and balance. You can be proud of your achievement!

Validation

100%