Skinexigence & Smaltis expertise on microbiota

25 January 2024

Present by the billions in our bodies, ten times more numerous than human cells, bacteria form a veritable ecosystem known as the “microbiota”. On skin, trillions of micro-organisms colonize the surface and the inside of hair follicles and glands, helping to protect the skin from multiple aggressions and keep it in “good health”. What we even call the “stratum microbium” establishes complex and indispensable interactions between bacteria and skin cells.

The development of cosmetic products is therefore increasingly focused on ensuring or restablishing the proper balance of this flora, to contribute to the global health of skin.

In this framework, Skinexigence and Smaltis, two specialized CROs, decided to join forces to explore the impact of products on skin microbiota, combined with skin parameters measurement.

What is Skinexigence ?

Skinexigence is a company specialized in skin research, with more than 15 years of experience. Its team works with a tailor-made approach and puts in place procedures and high added value know-how in carrying out bibliographic research, drafting protocols, developing measuring devices, giving advice in image analysis, producing clinical ratings on photographs, carrying out statistical analyzes and data modeling, and writing study reports and scientific articles.

With a panel of more than 3000 volunteers, a biometrology team of beauticians/researchers, and tools based in particular on 2D and 3D imaging, Skinexigence is the ideal partner to evaluate the effectiveness of dermo-cosmetic products using innovative techniques and enhancing the qualitative and illustrative information coming from the images.

And Smaltis ?

Smaltis is a laboratory expert in microbiology and molecular biology, delivering tailor-made solutions to support the development of health and well-being products, since 10 years. Its fields of intervention are the support of antimicrobials development, microbiome-based programs, bioproduction needs, and genomic/transcriptomic studies.

Its team of specialized and passionate researchers offers in vitro customized studies and protocols to perfectly fit the objective of its customers. Smaltis possesses a platform of microbiology to handle various king of microorganisms, a molecular biology platform to manipulate genetic material and a biology cellular laboratory to conduct studies on eucaryotic cell lines. Smaltis is the dedicated services partner to accelerate microbiological developments.

A synergistic and coherent partnership

Given the growing importance of studying skin microbiota and assessing the impact of cosmetic products on this ecosystem, it was only natural that these two CROs, located next door to each other, decided to join forces. With complementary expertise and a similar approach in terms of personalization and scientific rigor, Skinexigence and Smaltis thus offer a complete service for cosmetic products developers, to study skin parameters and skin microbiota on volunteers.

What does this offer consist of?

First of all, a study protocol is specifically designed and established by Skinexigence, Smaltis and the customer, to best meet the product objective. The panel is also specially selected to match the product application and target population.

Then, the proximity of the companies makes it easy to combine biometrological measurements and microbiota characterization. Volunteers microflora sampling is systematically carried out by the same Smaltis microbiologist, in Skinexigence premises, and processed in a very short period of time to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of the results.

The composition of bacterial flora is then determined by high-throughput sequencing techniques. A statistical and microbiological analysis of the data is performed. A real exploitation of the results is carried out, to explain data obtained, establish correlations with literature and clinical observations made by Skinexigence, and understand interactions between a product and skin bacteria.

This association of expertises allow Skinexigence and Smaltis to test, on a cohort of volunteers, the clinical impact of active ingredients or finished cosmetic products on various cutaneous parameters, combined with a deep skin microbiota study, and with results you can rely on!

Do not hesitate to contact the experts of Skinexigence and Smaltis, we will be happy to discuss your project and find the most adapted solution!