The human skin is home to a vast and diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome. Many of these microbes play beneficial roles, such as protecting against harmful pathogens, regulating inflammation, and supporting the skin’s natural barrier function.¹
Growing scientific interest in the microbiome has prompted a shift in skincare philosophy—from harsh, sterilising products to formulations that nurture and preserve this delicate microbial balance. This emerging approach, often referred to as microbiome skincare, focuses on supporting the skin’s natural flora through ingredients that promote microbial diversity and resilience.²
At IMCD Philippines, we offer solutions that not only help maintain and balance the skin’s microbiome, but also feature ingredients that are gentle on our commensal flora.
By supporting your skin’s microbiome, you may:
- Help prevent chronic conditions linked to microbial imbalance
- Strengthen the skin’s natural barrier
- Soothe the skin from the effects of pathogenic organisms
A Selection of Solutions for a Balanced Skin Microbiome
Teflose (INCI: Propanediol, Water, Rhamnose, Glucose, Glucuronic Acid)
- Anti-Bacterial Adhesion Shield
A polysaccharide designed to target bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and bacterial virulence. By preventing the hyperproliferation of harmful bacteria, Teflose helps the skin to naturally rebalance and supports the prevention of issues caused by microbiota imbalance.
Bioecolia (INCI: Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide)
- Bioselective Substrate for Microbiota
A prebiotic derived from enzymatic biocatalysis of plant-based substrates, offering a unique structure that selectively nourishes the skin’s beneficial flora. Bioecolia helps restore microbiome balance while reinforcing the skin’s natural defences by influencing immune markers and strengthening the skin barrier.
Hebeatol® Plus DEO (INCI: Xyliyl Sesquicaprylate)
- Natural Protection
A naturally derived ingredient with proven anti-microbial and deodorising properties. It serves as a suitable alternative to triclosan at equivalent dosage levels, acting by interacting with microbial cell membranes to disrupt their structure and function.
Zemea® (INCI: Propanediol)
- Microbiome-Friendly Multifunctional Ingredient
A natural, skin-friendly alternative to petroleum-based glycols and glycerine. Zemea is multifunctional—offering humectant properties and preservative-boosting benefits—and has been tested to be ‘microbiome-friendly’, showing no adverse effect on the growth of commensal microorganisms.
References:
- Tamia A. Harris-Tryon, Elizabeth A. Grice ,Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function.Science 376,940-945(2022).DOI:10.1126/science.abo0693
- Tanya Kim, Beyond the Gut: Here's Why Everyone in Skincare Is Talking About the Microbiome, We're Calling It: Microbiome Skincare Is the Next Big Thing(2022)