Research into the human microbiome is currently a hot topic in scientific circles and is providing new opportunities for product developers. The microbiome refers to the millions of microorganisms that reside on and in the human body and are necessary for health and wellness.
With so much interest in how microorganisms benefit our bodies, topical applications for good bacteria are making headlines. AOBiome, a Massachusetts-based skincare company, has created a line of products that use living bacteria to clean skin and hair rather than soap. And a new strain of probiotic developed as a food thickener is showing promise in topical applications to treat inflammation in the skin.
News Drill Down:
- According tot he NIH Microbiome Project website, “bacteria in a human body number ten times more than human cells.” And the microbes are highly beneficial to our health. “They produce some vitamins that we do not have the genes to make, break down our food to extract nutrients we need to survive, teach our immune systems how to recognize dangerous invaders and even produce helpful anti-inflammatory compounds that fight off other disease-causing microbes.”
- AOBiome is a cosmetic company that makes body mist, shampoo and shower gel containing live bacteria. BetaBoston published comments from the company’s founder, chemical engineer David Whitlock, who says, “the human skin once played host to bacteria that served as personal groomers, eating through sweat and oils. When we adopted soaps and shampoos, we were clean but the chemicals eviscerated all the good bacteria.
- Cosmetics Design reports that a new product developed as a food thickener “is processed using a natural bacterium” and has “probiotic properties” that may add functionality to skin care products, as well. Probiotics in skin care have “been proven to be effective in treating inflammation, a condition that is often associated with skin aging,” says the media outlet.
- An article from Natural Product Insider further explains, “scientists have found topical probiotics may offer a protective shield to the skin, demonstrate antimicrobial properties and issue a calming effect when put in contact with skin cells.”
Reading List:
NIH Human Microbiome Project: About
BetaBoston: Bacteria in a bottle? AOBiome offers ways to stay clean without traditional soap
Cosmetics Design: Newly developed probiotic has cosmetic potential
Natural Products Insider: Probiotics Expand Into Cosmeceutical Sector
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