MyMicrobiome Derm Standard 27.10/11 – Eczema

Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD), is among the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. It affects both infants and adults and represents a significant health burden due to its impact on quality of life and high relapse rate. A fundamental characteristic of AD is the impairment of the epidermal barrier, which facilitates increased transepidermal water loss and the penetration of allergens and microbes.

Patients with AD often exhibit an altered skin microbiota, with increased colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) during flare-ups. Studies show that up to 70% of skin lesions in AD patients are colonized by S. aureus. The interaction between cosmetic or dermatological products and the skin microbiome is a critical but still insufficiently evaluated factor in product development. As these products can influence the composition of the microbiome, there is an urgent need for tools to assess their effects on the microbiome.

The MyMicrobiome Standard 27.10 (adult)/11 (infant skin) – Eczema evaluates products based on their impact on this sensitive ecosystem, ensuring that they support microbial harmony rather than disturb it. While S. aureus strains must be specifically targeted, the healthy skin strains must be preserved.

The following strains are typical of healthy skin in the areas where eczema most frequently occurs in adults and infants:

Sebaceous skin areas

C. acnes
S. epidermidis
S. capitis
S. hominis
S. mitis
C. simulans
M. globosa

Moist skin areas

C. tuberculostearicum
C. simulans
S. epidermidis
S. capitis
S. hominis
C. acnes
M. globosa

Strains Typical of Healthy Infant Skin

L. crispatus
S. epidermidis
S. mitis
C. tuberculostearicum
C. acnes

Test Criteria for the MyMicrobiome 27.10/11-Derm-Eczema Certification

To receive the Microbiome-friendly Derm certification, a product must pass five rigorous test stages assessing its impact on the skin microbiome:

1. Quality test

This test ensures the microbiological purity of the product. It is screened for contamination by mesophilic and aerobic microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds (TAMC and TYMC). The product must meet the limit of ≤ 1 x 10³ CFU per gram or milliliter to pass.

2. Balance test

This test evaluates the product’s ability to influence the balance between the pathogenic S. aureus strain in AD and its antagonist S. hominis. To meet the standard, the product must shift the balance in favor of S. hominis while reducing the growth of S. aureus by at least 70%.

3. Diversity test

Microorganisms typical of sebaceous and moist or infant skin areas are cultured and exposed to the test product. Microbial diversity is then analyzed by comparing the treated samples to a control. To pass, the product must preserve the key microbes of the skin microbiome.

4. Vitality test

A microbiome-friendly product should not only preserve microbial diversity but also support the natural growth of beneficial microbes. A test model simulating skin contact is used. In one method, key microbes are directly exposed to the product; in another, microbes are covered with an agar layer, onto which the product is applied—simulating deeper skin penetration. Microbial growth in both test settings is compared to an untreated control. To meet the standard, the product must not significantly inhibit bacterial growth.

5. Inhibition of S. aureus Strains

The MyMicrobiome 27.10/11-Derm-Eczema Standard requires targeted inhibition of S. aureus strains. Nine well-characterized S. aureus strains are incubated with the product. To obtain certification, the product must reduce the growth of the test strains by at least 70%.

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