Cosmetic Microbiome analysis, microbiome friendly cosmetics, cosmetic microbiome studies, cosmetic microbiome claims, cosmetics microbiome test, skin friendly preservation

Cosmetic Microbiome Studies

Frequent cosmetic use may disrupt skin microbiota balance by causing derma effects. At QACS, we assist manufacturers avoid cosmetic derived skin dysbiosis with Cosmetic Microbiome studies. We support the maintenance of the beneficial skin microflora by using microbiological/molecular methods and clinical trials for Microbiome Friendly and Microbiome Balance claim substantiation. Cosmetic Microbiome studies are supported by years of clinical efficacy testing experience and molecular biology know-how. Studies, adopted to your product’s needs and budget, are provided in the form of customized protocols.

Skin Microbiome Friendly study

Cosmetic future is Microbiome Friendly

Skin Microbiome Friendly studies reveal information about the product’s effect on the skin microbiome and it is an in vitro/ex vivo study.

The study is designed to prove that the skin microbiome is not altered significantly by the product during use. It is a very cost-effective analysis giving data about the effect of a product on normal microflora, pathogenic microflora, and biodiversity. If the product pass, the study could be used to substantiate the claim “Skin Microbiome friendly” worldwide.

The method is an adaptation of the Challenge test (ISO 11930). The product is challenged with a panel of microbes, specific for the skin area of application (there are 21 different panels for sebaceous areas, dry areas moist areas, eczema, intimate area etc) including the normal microflora (6-8 species) and the usual pathogens of the area (3-6 species). Each species is tested separately. All strains used are from ATCC and the method is validated internally.

Also, a solution comprising the total microflora of the specific skin region, swabbed from selected volunteers, is challenged against the formulated product. This gives information regarding product effect on microbial biodiversity of the area.

Finally, a specially designed algorithm is used to determine if the product could be characterized as microbiome friendly.

Skin Microbiome Balance

Start the Biome era for your cosmetics

If the goal of your product is to re-balance or improve the skin microbiome, induce a significant change, usually, an in vivo testing is required to substantiate this kind of claim.

A dedicated team that includes Dermatologists, Molecular Biologists, Microbiology experts, Efficacy experts and Bioinformaticians can undertake

  • Trial design
  • Selection of suitable volunteers from QACS extensive database (more than 1500 volunteers)
  • Chemical and physiological skin measurements during trial
  • Sampling and Microbiome samples study
  • Results interpretation & Claim substantiation report

Premium: Volunteer Panel, Micro & Clinical Efficacy, NGS Analysis
Standard: Volunteer Panel, Micro & Clinical Efficacy

Skin Friendly Preservation

Testing support for Mild Formulations

Skin Friendly Preservation Testing provides a comprehensive solution to cosmetic manufacturers looking to form mild formulations or products targeted to consumers with sensitive skin needs. At QACS Lab we assist you create a product friendly towards the skin microbiome with adequate antimicrobial activity for the product to demonstrate preservation efficacy.

Skin Friendly Preservation Testing benefits manufacturers with an in depth image of their products properties as well as  with reduced formulation costs as smaller amounts of preservatives are being used.

Products to be tested undergo Challenge Testing along with In vitro Microbiome studies. This leads to the optimization of Preservation Efficacy, reduced preservative content and Microbiome Friendly claim substantiation.

Quorum Quenching Analysis

Modulate behavior of skin microbes

Quorum Sensing is the process of communication between bacterial cells via signaling molecules. This happens based on population density and enables behavior coordination. Bacterial behavior is expressed in biofilm creation, virulence, genetic competence, antibiotic production, swarming mobility. Quorum Quenching is the process of disrupting or inhibiting quorum sensing in microorganisms. This can be achieved by using natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the production, detection, or response to quorum sensing molecules.

Quorum Quenching Analysis can become a valuable tool in laboratory cosmetic testing services to shift the microbial balance in favor of skin beneficial properties!

Our skin, home to a diverse array of microorganisms, plays important roles in skin health maintenance and protection against pathogens. These microorganisms, collectively known as skin microbiome, are essential to skin health. Quorum sensing has been shown to play a catalytic role in the behavior of the skin microbes as it is used to coordinate the production of biofilms on the skin surface.

In the context of the skin microbiome, quorum quenching has been proposed as a potential strategy for modulating the behavior of skin microbes and promoting skin health. For example, several studies have suggested that quorum quenching could be used to disrupt the biofilms formed by pathogenic skin microbes, making them more susceptible to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.

We have developed QQA Service so our customers could roll out breakthrough quorum quenching technology products (eg. anti-acne), that can inhibit the communication of “bad” skin bacteria and rebalance skin microbiome.

This is done by a protocol developed for screening constituents or formulations, for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing of targeted microbes such as P.acnes and S.aureus. In summary, constituent or formulation is applied at ranging concentrations and at different stages of bacterial cultures (ATCC) known for biofilm formation.

Quantification of biofilm formation is performed using a modified and optimized methodology of biofilm staining and measurement in microtiter plates, which has been widely applied in literature, in various formats and for a variety of microorganisms. A suitable candidate substance should be able to inhibit biofilm formation by inhibiting quorum sensing under these in-vitro conditions.

In the context of laboratory cosmetic testing, researchers can employ quorum quenching analysis to identify and assess cosmetic ingredients or formulations that possess quorum quenching properties. This analysis involves studying the effects of these substances on microbial communication, determining their ability to interfere with quorum sensing and potentially shift the microbial balance in favor of skin beneficial properties.

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