MyMicrobiome Standard 39.20 – Scalp microbiome

Current studies show that an intact scalp microbiome and a balanced microbial upkeep are essential for scalp health. Textiles worn on the head should therefore be carefully selected.

We test fabrics/textiles that have an influence on our scalp microbiome, such as caps or head scarves.

There are five key microbes found in a healthy and balanced scalp microbiome:

Malassezia furfur

Malassezia globosa

Cutibacterium acnes

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Staphylococcus capitis

The certification procedure for Standard 39.20 –
Scalp Microbiome

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

1. Quality test

The quality test ensures that the textile products are sterile, and our microbiological tests can be carried out with the skin microorganisms. Therefore, textiles are first washed according to the manufacturers' instructions beforehand. A screening examines the occurrence of mesophilic and aerobic microorganisms. For decontamination, the products are UV-irradiated or autoclaved.

2. Balance test

The balance between the most common skin microbe S. epidermidis and the harmful bacterium S. aureus should not be disturbed by the textile product. A co-culture with both bacterial strains is mixed with the textile for a certain time and then the ratio of the two microbes is compared with the untreated control group. This must not change in favor of S. aureus under the influence of the textile product.

3. Diversity test

The textile product to be tested is added to a co-culture of specific microbes typical for the scalp. After a certain incubation period, the change in diversity among the different microorganisms is compared with the untreated control group. The diversity of the microbiome in terms of the most important key microbes must be maintained.

4. Vitality test

A microbiome-friendly textile product for the scalp should also not undesirably influence the vitality of the individual microbes. This test simulates direct skin contact of the microbes - considered individually. The growth of the microorganisms is compared with an untreated control group. The growth of the microbes must neither be reduced nor stimulated.

"Each of us wears clothes on his body almost 24 hours a day. At work, during sports and even at night. But is that always healthy? Products certified with our textile seal protect the skin microbiome and alleviate the risk of imbalances and resulting skin diseases."

Dr. habil. Lisa Bäumer, Laboratory management