5 minute read
Symrise launches SymProBiomeTM to work in harmony with the microbiome
Traditionally, research into pharmaceuticals and personal care products has focused on understanding their impact on the human body and human cells. Today, it increasingly focuses on the importance of the human microbiome for healthcare and personal care. Instead of simply analysing which microorganisms live on and in the human body, Symrise goes a step further. The global producer of cosmetic and fragrance ingredients studies the complex and delicate interactions of the human microbiome and how it forms a truly balanced ecosystem with all parts of the human body.
A new approach
“Like the earth itself, the human body resembles a large, dynamic ecosystem that strives for stability and balance across its smaller ecosystems while facing constant challenges. Therefore, we consider it essential to understand the body’s microbiomes both insularly and as a holistic system in order to develop products that can truly maximise health and wellbeing while enhancing consumer satisfaction,” says Dr Imke Meyer, vice president global innovation, Cosmetic Ingredients Division of Symrise.
SymProBiome introduces a new approach in the marketplace, introducing products and ingredients and also gaining unique insights with regard to existing ingredients. Applications range across the Symrise product portfolio, from oral care and cosmetics to food products.
Collaboration leads to innovation
Connecting science and innovation to create unique real-world solutions, SymProBiome emerged from collaborations between Symrise experts in microbiology, microbiome research and other leading authorities in the fields of human cell and molecular biology, analytics and organic synthesis. Paired with the long-standing core competence in flavour, cosmetic ingredients and nutrition development, SymProBiome acts as an interdisciplinary platform that unites creativity and innovation and translates it into sophisticated science and new product development.
“SymProBiome takes research and understanding of the human microbiome to the next level. This includes the development of dedicated in vitro and ex vivo microbiome models that closely model the natural ecosystems of the body,” says Dr Christin Koch, director microbiology research at Symrise and scientific head of SymProBiome.
Did you know?
Each person’s microbiome composition is unique like a fingerprint and is affected by diet, geographic location and lifestyle.
Proprietary technologies in action
Thanks to the development and use of advanced microbiome screening and modelling tools, SymProBiome has delivered effective ingredient solutions in key areas including the underarm (SymDeo® B125, a deodorant active), skin (SymReboot™ L19), scalp (Crinipan® PMC Green), and oral cavity (Optafresh® D).
Besides 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. Symrise’s multifunctional ingredients, such as SymSave® H in combination with Hydrolite® 5 green, Hydrolite® 7 green and Hydrolite® CG, bring many benefits for formulations, such as moisturising as well as antioxidant properties and achieve full product protection by maintaining the 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,” comments Dr Sabrina Behnke, senior global product manager in the Cosmetic Ingredient division.
Working with experts in the field
“We feel perfectly positioned to deliver innovations in microbiome personal care, continuously building on our existing knowledge by forging partnerships with a wealth of leading scientific experts, who form part of our scientific advisory board. SymProBiome has already delivered scientific breakthroughs of significant relevance to product development,” says Dr Florian Genrich, senior global product manager at Symrise.
Product protection which does not harm the microbiome
Product protection is a key element for consumer safety and thus is essential for every cosmetic product on the market. Without proper protection from spoilage, a cosmetic product cannot exist.
With increasing awareness of the microbiome and the body’s ecosystems, Symrise has developed product protection solutions that keep natural skin flora intact and healthy while simultaneously ensuring a formula is able to resist spoilage on shelf and in the consumer’s hands. These formulations aim to maintain or improve but never harm the microbiome.
In recent years, multifunctional ingredients have become more popular for the protection of cosmetic formulations, as regulatory pressure and negative press on certain chemistries have limited the palette of preservatives available to manufacturers. Molecules such as 1,2-alkanediols (like 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol & 1,2-octanediol), hydroxyacetophenone, and ethylhexylglycerin have become popular among new launches, according to the Mintel GNPD database.
Symrise has shown that the use of a patented smart combination of either 2% Hydrolite® 5 green, 0.5% Hydrolite® CG, or 1% Hydrolite® 7 green alongside 0.5% of the antioxidant SymSave® H can help protect a variety of formulations such as emulsions, wet wipes and rinse-off products while respecting the skin microbiome.
This teamwork clearly benefits from collaborations with Diana Food, part of Symrise’s Flavour & Nutrition segment and a world-leading producer of natural food ingredients, as well as probiotics experts Probi and global authorities including Canada’s Université Laval Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food (INAF) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Symrise has also founded a research programme that includes an industrial research chair and a Collaborative Research and Development programme. •
