Microbiome start-up Sequential Bio debuts first in-vivo testing for personal care industry

04 Mar 2022 --- Microbiome specialist Sequential Skin debuts Sequential Bio, a microbiome testing provider for beauty and personal care companies seeking product certification. The testing is available for products targeting skincare, scalp, oral, intimate care, and general surfaces.

Dr. Oliver Worsley, co-founder and CEO of Sequential Bio, speaks with PersonalCareInsights describing the importance of the microbiome, especially for skincare. 

“For a long time, personal care companies have ignored the effect of their products on the microbiome. They contain alcohols and preservatives that do well at preserving shelf life, but not protecting the microbiome which we know is integral for human health.”

“Consumers are beginning to demand it, and companies are responding to these demands,” he continues. 

On the dilemma of choosing microbiome-friendly products versus sustainable ones, Worsley assures that they both go “hand-in-hand.”“Our skin microbiome is made up of a whole ecosystem of different bacteria, fungi, and viruses that help maintain our well-being,” shares Sequential Skin. 

“In terms of packaging sustainability – products that target the microbiome will be more effective and alleviate health conditions, using smaller amounts of product and packaging. In terms of ecological sustainability, there will be less harsh chemical run-off from cosmetic formulations, more beneficial bacteria and potentially less antibiotic resistance,” he concludes. 

Promising microbiome markets
The skin microbiome modulators market is rapidly growing to approximately reach US$3 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 15% between 2020 to 2030, notes the company.

“In today’s world where the rising demand for transparency is becoming more and more important, and the effects ingredients have on the body are increasingly scrutinized, being able to test consumer products is critical,” says Worsley. 

Sequential Bio comes when companies seek to understand better the effects of product ingredients on the body’s microbiome. This will provide them with data to assess and certify their products to build consumer trust via transparency. 

“Utilizing the Sequential Bio solution allowed us to conduct tests in ‘real world’ conditions on consumers. This novel in-vivo testing was pivotal for us as it validated our products as not just friendly, but also showed how beneficial it was for the skin microbiome,” validates Rob Calcraft, founder of Cultured Biomecare.

Relevance of microbiome verification
Not taking the microbiome into account may damage the microbiota and may negatively affect health. Products that harm the microbiota often contain preservatives and chemicals that add to the cosmetic performance, says the company.

It explains that long-term use of such products can alter body chemistry and physiology, including microbial balance. 

Sequential Bio offers in-vivo testing to prevent this scenario, using the human body to provide data closer to reality than in-vitro (lab) testing.  

The company spent the last year working with more than 25 personal care companies to help test and certify their microbiome claims. Examples of companies include Metaplanet, Scrum Ventures, SOSV, Genedant and Ben Holmes.

“Sequential Bio has helped us further our understanding of the intriguing world of the skin microbiome. By using their quality analysis, we were able to confirm we are on the right track with developing skincare products for a healthy skin microbiome,” verifies Dr. Lavienja Schreurs-Braam, founder of Vavin Skincare.“The human genome has millions of genetic variations (‘variants’) that differentiate us from one another,” shares Sequential Skin.

“Testing leads to confidence that their product is microbiome friendly, giving the consumer more confidence in the product and allowing for transparency. [The companies] receive a physical/digital seal that they can use to market their microbiome claims,” adds Worsley. 

How does the testing work?
Worsley explains that: “microbiology companies exist to test the effect of consumer care products in-vitro – however, very few test in vivo and on the human body.” 

“There’s a significant complexity that needs to be taken into account, and our approach does exactly that, with controls to make sure we capture the microbiome diversity and key biomarkers accurately,” he says.

“In addition, we offer a comprehensive solution with the full spectrum of support: from Sequential Bio testing kits to analysis, consultation, reporting and follow-up consultation on their formulations.”

The tests are carried out on human volunteers to confirm the benefits of a personal care product or ingredient on the microbiome. This testing is also done to see if the product maintains the microbiome balance. 

The testing service is available on Sequential Bio’s website. 

By Venya Patel