Introducing Microbiome-friendly preservatives and Multifunctionals: Effective preservation, safe for your natural flora

At TRI-K, we're excited to introduce the Microbiome-friendly Certification for our ingredients, a groundbreaking mark of excellence in the realm of Microbiome-friendly beauty & personal care (B&PC). This certification will take your B&PC formulations to the next level. So, why should you be eager about this seal, and what does it mean for you? 

What is skin microbiome?

• The skin microbiome contributes to the barrier function of the skin and ensures skin homeostasis.

• Microbial community differs in diversity and composition from the influence of dry, moist and sebaceous dominated skin zones.

• The composition of the skin microbiome is dynamic, changes based on many factors:

  • Intrinsic factors Hygiene, beauty routine, exposure to chemicals, availability of nutrients for microorganisms, sunlight, climate, physical activity, air/water pollution

  • Extrinsic factors Age, genetics, gender, immunity, hormones, sleep, stress, metabolism 

In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of the human microbiome's impact on health and beauty, concerns about harsh ingredients harming their natural flora have arisen. While antimicrobials, biocides, and preservatives are intended to reduce and eradicate microorganisms in formulations, the question arises: do they harm the skin?

Do we have to choose between protecting formula or keeping skin microbiome intact? 

Microbiome balance vs. skin dysbiosis

Embracing the Clean Beauty and Scalp Care Movement

Consumers are increasingly seeking products to enhance their skin and scalp health, bringing the skin microbiome into the spotlight. Recognizing its pivotal role in maintaining your skin's barrier function and promoting a healthy scalp, demand for microbiome-friendly personal care products is surging and here to stay. (Source: Mintel)

A Global Shift Toward Microbiome-Friendly Products

Around the world, consumers are embracing microbiome-friendly products:

🇨🇳 In China, 53% of consumers are willing to invest more in baby personal care products that support the skin and scalp microbiome.

🇩🇪 In Germany, 41% of women purchasing haircare products plan to buy products that support scalp health.

🇮🇹 In Italy, 58% of consumers are interested in soap, bath & shower, and body care products with non-irritating claims.

The Science Behind The Seal

1. Microbial Quality ​

This is a quality test of the product, making sure it is not contaminated with undesired microbes, such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus or Candida albicans. The test is carried out following the DIN EN ISO 17516 norm.

2. Balance Test​

On our skin, S. epidermidis keeps pathogenic microbes such as S. aureus in check. This balance must not be disturbed by the product. A co-culture with both strains is mixed with the product for a certain time and then the ratio of the two microbes is compared with the untreated control group. This must not change in favor of S. aureus under the influence of the personal care product.

3. Diversity Test​

A panel of the key microbes of the respective body area are cultured. A co-culture of the microbes is mixed with the product to be tested and the change in diversity is compared with the untreated control group. The diversity of the skin microbiome must be preserved with regard to the most important key microbes.

4. Vitality Test, Direct & Indirect​

In this test we simulate the microbe-skin contact on agar plates. Here, each key microbe is directly exposed to the product. In another approach, the microbial strains are covered with an agar layer and the product to be tested is placed on this layer. This simulates the potential penetration of the product into deeper layers of the skin. The microbial growth of the two settings is compared to the untreated control group. The growth must not be significantly influenced.

Your Microbiome's Certified Bestie

🌟 A Global Standard: The Microbiome-friendly certification is the sole registered certification mark for Microbiome-friendly cosmetics and haircare. This distinction signifies a new era in skincare and haircare, prioritizing your skin's delicate microbiome, whether on your skin or scalp.

🔬 Rigorous Testing: Our partnership with MyMicrobiome ensures meticulous testing by a neutral third party, verifying the microbiome-friendliness of our products.

🌿 Ideal for Your Formulations: The certified ingredients are designed to enhance your products' performance without compromising the microbiome's delicate balance.

Join the Microbiome Revolution with TRI-K

As the landscape of skincare and haircare continues to evolve, staying at the forefront is crucial. Did you know that the global human microbiome market is projected to reach an astounding US $2.92 billion by 2028? (Source: BEAUTYSTREAMS) 

Preservatives and Multifunctionals: Keeping Your Formulations Safe, Keeping the Microbiome Safer

At TRI-K, we're experts at delivering preservative and multifunctional solutions that not only keep your products protected from contamination but also work in harmony with your microbiome.

Now, it's time to be a part of the Microbiome-friendly certification movement. Explore our certified ingredients below.

 

Experience skincare and haircare that genuinely care for your skin's and scalp's microbiome. Your products deserve the best.

Link to MyMicrobiome: https://microbiome-friendly.com/en/

Link to Cosmetic & Toiletries: https://cosmeticsandtoiletries.texterity.com/cosmeticsandtoiletries/october_2023/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&folio=18#pg29