FAQ
How does a certification mark like Microbiome-friendly differ from a trademark?
- The registration of a certification mark is subject to strict rules, the certification body must show, how the certified goods are characterized for the specific quality they are certified for.
It indicates that the goods and services bearing the mark comply with a given standard set out in the regulations of use and controlled under the responsibility of the certification mark owner, irrespective of the identity of the undertaking that actually produces or provides the goods and services at issue and actually uses the certification mark.
https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/certification-and-collective-marks
- A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. The trademark indicates that the goods or services protected by that mark originate from members of an association, and may only be used by them. A trademark shows the commercial source or brand of particular goods or services.
- A trademark that is used for the description of certain properties of a product is legally not valid for the description of the products quality.
We would also like to know more about the claims we may use after certification.
Possible claims are:
- The product leaves the skin microbiome untouched / intact.
- Products respect the microbiome balance and do not hinder the skin to defend its balance (specifically against Staphylococcus aureus, a bug which is the cause for eczema and psoriasis).
- Products do respect the natural healthy microbiome of the skin, both on the surface and in the deeper skin layers.
- Products do respect / do not harm the microbial diversity of the skin.
- The product preserves the balance and diversity of the skin microbiome.
It is key to say that the microbiome is not altered, but left in its balance. In case you are not sure which claims you may use just contact us.
What about regulatory?
At the moment there are no specific global regulations in place for skincare products or ingredients targeting the skin microbiome. The cosmetics industry has to follow the regulatory for standard cosmetics regarding safety and claims.
In 2021, the The International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) working group published the document, “Microbiome and Cosmetics,” a survey of product and ingredient terminologies and regulatory approaches.
In November 2022, we performed a regulatory audit by Bloom Regulatory for our Cosmetic Standard 18.10-24.10.
"MyMicrobiome ‘microbiome friendly’ certification provides companies with robust and scientific data to build their substantiation claim files."
Bloom Regulatory, November, 2022
We will follow discussions attentively – for a better, Microbiome-friendly world!
Why do you test with human microbes?
We test your products in the laboratory with human microbes to measure the influence of substances on the human microbiome. ↗ In vitro tests provide valid, meaningful results under strict control conditions with reproducible and standardized test methods.
Standardizability is a general requirement for certifications.
Are your tests animal-free?
That's right, our cruelty-free tests do not involve any animal testing.
Is there a control sample in each test?
We always run a control with the experiments, which is PBS buffer.
Will the test results be published?
As we are a registered certification brand, we are required to publish the test reports of successfully certified products on our website www.mymicrobiome.info.
Can we perform an INCI check before lab testing?
Yes, we offer MINCI – a standardized assessment of your ingredients for microbiome-friendliness.
Please note that MyMicrobiome AG does not provide any consulting services.
Do you have references of cosmetic ingredients that cause modifications of the microbiome?
Is it also possible for cosmetics with preservatives to be Microbiome-friendly?
What amount of each product do you need to perform the tests?
For the certification we need 3 x 30 ml of each product.
For textiles 3 m2 of your fabrics will do.