Understanding and optimizing the microbiological balance of the scalp
Scalp microbiome and cosmetics
Enhance the scientific value of your products and ingredients
Why measure the impact of your products on the scalp microbiome?
The scalp is home to a complex microbiome, consisting of a delicate balance of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This ecosystem plays a fundamental role in hair health, sebum regulation, and the prevention of conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (1–3).
The main genera identified are: (1)
- Cutibacterium (C. acnes): metabolizes sebum and helps maintain the scalp’s acidity.
- Staphylococcus: S. epidermidis protects the skin barrier, while S. aureus can become opportunistic.
- Malassezia: a dominant yeast, beneficial in low concentrations but pro-inflammatory when it proliferates.
When this balance is disrupted, dysbiosis occurs, leading to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and even alopecia.
➜ Preserving the microbial diversity of the scalp is therefore a major lever for the formulation of new-generation cosmetics and dermo-cosmetics.
Sources :
1. Shah RR, Larrondo J, Dawson T, Mcmichael A. Scalp microbiome: a guide to better understanding scalp diseases and treatments. Arch Dermatol Res. 29 juill 2024;316(8):495.
2. Hu P, Henry J, Tiesman JP, Parlov M, Bacon R, Charbonneau D, et al. Scalp microbiome composition changes and pathway evaluations due to effective treatment with Piroctone Olamine shampoo. Int J Cosmet Sci. juin 2024;46(3):333‑47.
3. Townsend N, Hazan A, Dell’Acqua G. New Topicals to Support a Healthy Scalp While Preserving the Microbiome: A Report of Clinical and in Vitro Studies. J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. oct 2023;16(10 Suppl 1):S4‑11.
Measuring the impact of your product on the scalp microbiome:
To avoid
Overly aggressive active ingredients → dysbiosis, decline in commensal bacteria (C. acnes, S. epidermidis), rebound of opportunistic bacteria (S. aureus, Malassezia spp.), irritation/dandruff.
To look for
Selective formulas that preserve commensals and limit pathogenic microorganisms, promoting the maintenance or restoration of balance
How to prove it (BYOME LABS)
In vitro tests on scalp strains to measure:
- Respect for the ecosystem (viability/diversity),
- Probiotic, bactericidal/fungicidal or regulatory effects,
- Impact on targets: Malassezia restricta/globosa, Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis/aureus,
- Biofilm (adhesion/maturation), sebaceous balance, etc.
Objective: to prove respect for the microbiome and/or efficacy against various pathologies (dandruff, irritation, etc.) without compromising eubiosis.
What BYOME LABS does
- In vitro cultures of strains representative of the scalp microbiome (Cutibacterium acnes,
- Staphylococcus epidermidis/aureus, Malassezia restricta/globosa, etc.).
- Simulation of specific dysbiosis: dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, excess sebum, irritation.
- Customized testing for your hair care products, shampoos, lotions, or cosmetic active ingredients.
Our comprehensive reports can be used by your R&D, regulatory, and marketing teams to support your claims:
“Respects the balance of the scalp microbiome”
“Tested on the scalp microbiome”
“Microbiome-friendly: gentle formula for the scalp”
“Helps restore microbial balance in cases of dysbiosis (dandruff, seborrheic conditions, irritation)”
With 20 years of expertise in microbiology, BYOME LABS has mastered the cultivation of demanding microorganisms (such as Malassezia sp.) and can help you transform your scientific evidence into a concrete competitive advantage.
FAQ – Vos questions fréquentes
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Why is the scalp microbiome important?
It plays an essential role in regulating sebum, scalp health, dandruff prevention, and hair growth.
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What types of products can you analyze?
All hair care products: shampoos, lotions, serums, masks, ingredients, active ingredients, etc.
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How long does it take to get the test results?
Between 10 and 30 business days depending on the protocol chosen. We adapt to your launch deadlines.
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Your concrete benefits
Working with Byome Labs allows you to:
- Obtain clear scientific proof of your products’ effectiveness
- Enhance your formulations with microbiome-friendly claims
- Secure your developments (R&D, claims, marketing authorization, etc.)
- Accelerate your time-to-market
- Meet the expectations of demanding consumers
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What types of cosmetic products can be tested on the oral microbiome?
Creams/balms/oils (leave-in): balms, soothing creams, oils, leave-in masks.
Serums/gels: sebum-regulating serums, anti-dandruff gels, ampoules.
Lotions/sprays (leave-in): lotions, mists, rebalancing sprays.
Rinse-out products: shampoos, conditioners, co-washes, rinse-out masks.
Active ingredients: pre/pro/postbiotics, anti-dandruff, sebum-regulating, soothing.
We adapt our tests to your formulations (foaming, oils, gels, powders).
French expertise dedicated to oral cosmetics professionals
BYOME LABS is a French deep tech company specializing in microbiome analysis applied to cosmetics.
We collaborate with key players in the cosmetics and oral hygiene industries:
R&D laboratories for cosmetics brands
Formulators specializing in dental hygiene
Suppliers of active ingredients for oral care
Manufacturers and subcontractors in oral cosmetics
R&D Center & Microbiology Laboratory in Clermont-Ferrand
Our approach is 100% professional, scientific, and tailor-made.
What types of cosmetic products can be tested on the oral microbiome?
Creams/balms/oils (leave-in): balms, soothing creams, oils, leave-in masks.
Serums/gels: sebum-regulating serums, anti-dandruff gels, ampoules.
Lotions/sprays (leave-in): lotions, mists, rebalancing sprays.
Rinse-out products: shampoos, conditioners, co-washes, rinse-out masks.
Active ingredients: pre/pro/postbiotics, anti-dandruff, sebum-regulating, soothing.
We adapt our tests to your formulations (foaming, oils, gels, powders).