THE REAL SKIN MICROBIOME EXPERTS

Innovative skin care for the microbiome

With an area of around two square meters, our skin is not only the largest organ, but fascinating in other ways: billions of microorganisms form a symbiotic community with the skin, known as the skin microbiome or skin flora. This microbiome interacts closely with our skin cells acting like a smart protective shield against external influences. But balance is key: when there is an overgrowth of certain microorganisms and the composition of the skin flora shifts too much, this imbalance can be reflected in our skin’s condition. Skin issues can occur. That’s why rebalancing the skin microbiome and its bacterial diversity is essential.  This is where we come in: Leveraging our expertise in microbiome research, we develop pioneering skin care solutions that have the potential to redefine how we care for our skin – science-based and effective. 

 

Decades of microbiome research

more than 70 scientists

2005 first pre- and probiotic approaches

More than 25 scientific papers

120+ scientific studies since 2014

Contributed to know­­­­­­l­edge wealth

strategic alliance with S-Biomedic

Pioneering work 130 years ago

Beiersdorf’s pioneering spirit has always been characterized by collaboration with leading experts of their time: among them the world-renowned dermatologist Prof. Dr. Paul Gerson Unna. In 1894, he first described a bacterium in skin blemishes*. Today it is known as Cutibacterium acnes or C. acnes. Today we also know that it is not if, but which strains of C. acnes and in which quantity live on the skin that makes the difference as to whether skin issues occur. Unna’s early discovery forms the basis for today’s skin microbiome research. And Beiersdorf is playing a key role in driving it forward.

* Unna, P.G. The Histopathology of the Diseases of the Skin. The Macmillan Co., New York (1896).

Designers of the skin microbiome

Even today, many secrets of the skin microbiome have not yet been decoded. Over the past decades, our interdisciplinary research and development teams have generated important findings that are now part of our Microbiome Design Platform. Our in-depth dermatological know-how and microbiological expertise are constantly expanding. We see ourselves as designers of the skin microbiome and will usher in a new era in skin care through transformative product innovations.

Novel approach: probiotics

With our unique technology platform, we are doing real pioneering work in cosmetic skin care. With our Ski[N]ative probiotics technology, for instance, we rely on probiotics that are part of the natural skin microbiome to support it in a very targeted way. With our novel approach, we help the skin to regulate itself – through innovative product solutions that are completely tailored to the skin’s natural biology to achieve good tolerability and efficacy.

Alliance with S-Biomedic

Pioneering innovations are created at the interfaces of different disciplines. That is why we work closely with world-leading scientists, invest in start-ups and participate in promising technologies. An important component of our skin microbiome research is the strategic partnership since 2018 with S-Biomedic, an innovative life science company and pioneer in probiotics research. We acquired the Belgian biotech start-up in 2022. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of skin research to unlock the full potential of the microbiome for skin care.

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Microbiome Research at Beiersdorf

Find out more from our experts on Beiersdorf's fascinating microbiome science at our Hamburg Research Center.

  • Microbiome Research at Beiersdorf

    MICROBIOME DESIGN PLATFORM

    Our Microbiome Design Platform is a unique tool. It is a technological ecosystem for the development of precise skin care solutions that help balance the skin’s microbiome in a very targeted way. To help the skin help itself. Our Microbiome Design Platform includes prebiotics, our Ski[N]ative probiotics technology and smart antimicrobial solutions. Through these unique technologies, we aim to have a lasting impact on the skin microbiome for visible, transformative results – from blemished skin to anti-age.

    FAQ: Good to know about the microbiome

    • In the broadest sense, the term microbiome describes the entirety of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies – including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic organisms. The importance of a balanced microbiome for overall health has been a major topic of public interest for years, especially in relation to the gut (gut microbiome). But an intact skin microbiome also plays a vital role: billions of microorganisms live on our skin in a symbiotic relationship. This highly active network interacts closely with skin cells and together they form the skin barrier – an intelligent shield that protects against external influences and potentially harmful organisms. The microbiological composition significantly affects the appearance and condition of our skin – and is as unique as a fingerprint.

    • Various studies have shown that, for example, a diet high in sugar and fat and low in fiber, regular consumption of nicotine and alcohol, as well as high levels of pollutants in the air can have a negative impact on the skin microbiome. If there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria, this is reflected in the condition of the skin. Skin issues can occur.

    • The microbiome describes the entirety of all microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. This also includes bacteria. In the public perception, the word “bacterium” does not have a good reputation or often even negative connotation. However, it is important to note that we could not live without the presence of different bacteria. Very simplified, our diverse bacterial flora can be divided into “good” and “bad” microorganisms. It is crucial that the “good" ones keep the "bad” ones in check – and that the skin microbiome remains in balance this way. At the same time, a higher bacterial diversity can be desirable.

    • Hardly anyone understands the skin as well as we do – in all its complex facets and biological processes. Our intensive, decades-long research into the complex skin microbiome has produced decisive findings and solutions. Today, they are part of our Microbiome Design Platform, which we will use to develop transformative innovations that redefine the way we care for our skin.

    • Beiersdorf’s R&D teams have been pioneering research into the dynamic field of the skin microbiome for several decades. A research lab on the skin microbiome was set up at the end of the 1990s, with the first pre- and probiotic approaches in 2005.

      Our research makes an important contribution to the wealth of knowledge in the field of the microbiome: since 2014 alone, we have conducted more than 120 microbiome studies. We have also published more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers on the topic. Among other things, we were able to show that the composition of the microbiome correlates with certain skin conditions. We were also able to partially explain the interactions between Staphylococcus and C. acnes strains. This is an important contribution to a better understanding of the skin microbiome and its role in the appearance of the skin. 

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