Symrise launches microbiome R&D platform SymProBiome for skin, gut and oral NPD

27 Oct 2021 --- Symrise is launching SymProBiome, a microbiome research and product development platform. It will collect data and provide manufacturers with an in-depth understanding of the microbiome for ingredient development in the skin, oral cavity, gut, scalp and underarm areas.

Additionally, SymProBiome will allow Symrise to partner with industry experts to balance the microbiome and product efficacy. SymProBiome will allow industry to understand the microbiome’s symbiotic relationship with the human body and its crucial role in health and personal care.

“The platform takes a ‘new’ view on the human microbiome. So far, the rationale said that a positive impact of a product on the microbiome would positively affect human health and beauty,” Dr. Sabrina Behnke, senior global product manager of cosmetic ingredients at Symrise tells PersonalCareInsights.

“We are taking it a step further and also consider the effect of the human cells on the microbiome. For example, a dry skin microbiome looks differently than a microbiome-related to moisturized skin. SymProBiome aims at supporting the body’s cells and also exerting a positive impact on the microbiome. Taking this holistic approach allows us to create products that work in harmony with the body and the microbiome.”

The human body resembles a large dynamic ecosystem that strives for stability and balance across its smaller ecosystems while facing constant challenges, notes Imke Meyer, vice president of the global innovation cosmetic ingredients division of Symrise.

“We consider it therefore essential to understand the body’s microbiomes both locally and as a holistic system to develop products that can maximize health and well-being while enhancing consumer satisfaction.”

Microbiome NPD focus
SymProBiome acts as an interdisciplinary platform that is paired with the company’s capabilities in flavor, fragrance, cosmetic ingredients and nutrition development.

“SymProBiome uses in vitro and ex vivo microbiome models that closely models the natural ecosystems of the body”, says Dr. Christin Koch, director of microbiology research at Symrise and scientific head at SymProBiome.SymProBiome will accelerate the creation of health and personal care products in skin and hair care, oral hygiene and gut health.

SymProBiome emerged from collaborations between Symrise experts in microbiology, microbiome research, and other authorities in the fields of human cell and molecular biology, analytics, and organic synthesis.

Microbiome screening and safety
Due to the development and use of advanced microbiome screening and modeling tools, SymProBiome has delivered effective ingredient solutions in critical areas, including the underarm with SymDeo B125, a deodorant active.

Additionally, it has made solutions for the skin with SymReboot L19; the scalp with Crinipan PMC Green and the oral cavity with Optafresh D.

Adding onto the development of ingredients that care for the microbiome, SymProBiome also addresses consumer interest in reducing the potentially harmful impact of traditional cosmetic products on their microbiome.

“Keeping products safe from microbial contamination can work in harmony with the skin microbiome. SymProBiome helps us protect both the product and the skin,” says Behnke.

The company’s multifunctional ingredients, such as SymSave H in combination with Hydrolite 5 green, Hydrolite 7 green and Hydrolite CG, have benefits for formulations.The platform addresses consumer interest in reducing the potentially harmful impact of traditional cosmetic products on their microbiome.

These ingredients have moisturizing and antioxidant properties – achieving complete product protection by maintaining the microbiome.

Strengthening microbiome research positioning
Symrise says it is now positioned at the forefront of microbiome research due to this platform.

“We are positioned to deliver innovations in microbiome personal care, continuously building on our existing knowledge by forging partnerships with a wealth of scientific experts who form part of our scientific advisory board,” says Dr. Florian Genrich, senior global product manager at Symrise.

“SymProBiome has already brought scientific breakthroughs with significant relevance to product development.”

The platform also introduces a new approach in the marketplace by presenting products and ingredients and insights into existing ingredients. Applications range across the Symrise product portfolio, from oral care and cosmetics to food and fragrances.

Symrise’s collaborations
Symrise founded a research program that includes an industrial research chair and a Collaborative Research and Development program.

The company also has collaborations with Diana Food, Probi and global authorities – including Canada’s Université Laval Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Symrise has been making strides this year from expanding its sustainable patchouli program into Sumatra with Van Aroma and its acquisition of 25% of Kobo to advance its sunscreen segment.

The company also released its Q3 financial results yesterday which showed growth for its Scents and Care business, while the company says it is eyeing further expansion in renewable ingredients.

By Nicole Kerr