Probiotics in shampoo? Symrise and Probi ingredient efficacious against dry scalp, study finds

15 Apr 2021 --- Symrise’s processed-probiotic SymReboot L19 ingredient is an effective solution for sensitive and dry scalp conditions, according to new research by the company. Symrise is collaborating with Probi to “open up new horizons” for cosmetics manufacturers using probiotic ingredients.

The partners aim to optimize complementary expertise and bring NPD like SymReboot L19 to the market by building on two axes of research: the development of solutions for sensitive skin and the use of probiotics or probiotics-based ingredients for food, nutritional supplements and cosmetics.

“At Symrise, we combine the expertise of Probi with our competence in sensitive skin and its needs. Our processed probiotic SymReboot L19 strengthens the barrier function and soothes sensitive skin and scalp via original probiotic pathways,” says Dr. Margaret Kujawa-Autié, global category director of actives at Symrise.

Healthy scalp microbiome
The ingredient can be used by hair care manufacturers in a wide range of products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and hair lotions.

“SymReboot L19 has wide-ranging implications. Its proven efficacy helps manufacturers create products that give consumers the power to combat sensitive scalp and dry dandruff issues at a molecular level. Moreover, they can target these issues at their source, which is the scalp barrier function and microbiome,” explains Léa Schmidt, global product manager of actives at Symrise.

Symrise and Probi seek to develop solutions with probiotics or probiotics-based ingredients for food, nutritional supplements and cosmetics.When the scalp barrier weakens, dry dandruff can occur as levels of sebum and lipids get impaired and water loss increases. 

Symptoms include a dehydrated scalp with itching and redness and small flakes that fall onto shoulders. 

The resulting dandruff scalp microbiome characteristically shows a higher amount of Staphylococcus and a reduced amount of Cutibacterium compared to the normal scalp.

Zeroing in on the study
After washing every second day for 14 days, users of a shampoo containing SymReboot L19 reported significant and visible decreases in flakes and scalp itching, along with significant improvements in scalp condition and its visual effects.

After 28 days, SymReboot L19 shampoo was found to support a favorable shift in the balance of the scalp microbiome by maintaining the level of Staphylococcus and increasing the level of Cutibacterium. Meanwhile, the opposite was found for the placebo shampoo.

Symrise has tested and substantiated these benefits in extensive testing, with the latest data based on an in vivo study in which volunteers suffering from dry, sensitive, itchy and flaky scalp used a shampoo containing 0.5 percent SymReboot L19 or a placebo.

“The skin cells recognize the cell wall or metabolites of the mildly heat-treated microorganisms, thus activating the scalp’s natural defense mechanisms and thereby soothing the scalp and fortifying its barrier. This makes SymReboot L19 the solution to support dry, flaky scalp recovery,” explains Schmidt.

Symrise researchers have succeeded in maintaining the bacterial structure throughout the manufacturing process and thus preserving important probiotic benefits. It takes full effect also in cosmetic products that contain ingredients to protect the product.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou