Measuring the impact of your cosmetic products on the vaginal microbiome
Cosmetics and vaginal microbiome
Scientifically assess the value of your products and ingredients
Why analyze the vaginal microbiome?
Understanding the vaginal microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is a living ecosystem dominated by Lactobacillus (L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, L. jensenii), which make up as much as 90% of the vaginal flora in healthy women (1).
These bacteria play a central role in protecting the vaginal mucosa:
- They produce lactic acid, which maintains an acidic pH (≈4–4.5) unfavorable to pathogens.
- They limit the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria (Gardnerella, Atopobium, Mycoplasma).
- They contribute to local immune balance and infection prevention.
This balance is influenced by numerous factors: hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity, pregnancy, hygiene, medication use, and menopause.
During pregnancy, the increased dominance of Lactobacillus helps limit ascending infections and reduce the risk of premature birth (1,2).
Formulating with respect for this ecosystem means designing differently: safer, more tolerated and scientifically based intimate care.
Sources :
1. Romero R, Theis KR, Gomez-Lopez N, Winters AD, Panzer JJ, Lin H, et al. The Vaginal Microbiota of Pregnant Women Varies with Gestational Age, Maternal Age, and Parity. Microbiol Spectr. 17 août 2023;11(4):e0342922.
2. Abou Chacra L, Fenollar F, Diop K. Bacterial Vaginosis: What Do We Currently Know? Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021;11:672429.
Measure the impact of your product on the vaginal microbiome
Product impact: what to avoid
Overly aggressive agents → dysbiosis (imbalance between Lactobacillus and anaerobes), loss of protective acidity, irritation, and an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis.
What to look for
Effective yet selective formulas that preserve beneficial commensal bacteria and limit the proliferation of pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, or Candida albicans.
How to prove it?
We conduct in vitro tests on strains representative of the vaginal microbiome to measure:
- Respect for this fragile ecosystem,
- The regulatory, probiotic, or bactericidal effects of your products,
- The impact of active ingredients on balanced or dysbiotic models by modulating key parameters (pH, biofilm, anaerobic flora).
What BYOME LABS does
- In vitro cultures of representative strains of the vaginal microbiome (Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, Candida, etc.).
- Simulation of specific dysbioses: bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, etc.
- Customized testing for your intimate care products, cosmetic actives, or dermo-cosmetic formulas
Our comprehensive reports are available to your R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams, and allow you to enhance your claims:
“Respects the balance of the vaginal microbiome”
“Tested on the vaginal microbiome”
“Microbiome-friendly – gentle formula for the intimate flora”
“Helps restore microbial balance in cases of dysbiosis (vaginosis, candidiasis, dryness)”
BYOME LABS, with 20 years of expertise in microbiology, masters the culture of demanding microorganisms and supports you in transforming your scientific evidence into a competitive advantage.
Products and ingredients eligible for analysis
Intimate wash gels, lotions, foams, cleansing oils
Active ingredients: probiotics, postbiotics…
Products formulated for the gentleness of the external intimate area, suitable for daily use and potentially rinsed (intimate wipes…)
Whether you need a clean, vegan, high-tolerance formula, or one with dermatological/gynecological applications, our tests are tailored to your regulatory and marketing requirements.
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 of cosmetic 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 customized.
FAQ
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Why analyze the impact on the vaginal microbiome?
To ensure that your care respects or rebalances the vaginal flora, ensuring comfort, protection and differentiation.
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What types of products are compatible with your tests?
All care products targeting the external intimate area: wipes, lotions, oils, probiotic actives, etc.
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How long does it take to get a report?
Between 10 and 30 working days depending on the complexity of the test.
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Your tangible benefits
Partnering with BYOME LABS means:
• Scientifically demonstrating that your oral care products respect the microbiome
• Positioning yourself as an expert, innovative, and responsible brand
• Gaining a competitive advantage in a saturated market
• Accessing valid microbiome-friendly claims
• Benefiting from a fast, reliable, French-made analysis and personalized support -
Step into the future of intimate cosmetics - try it today
Are you developing an intimate wash gel, a rebalancing active ingredient, or a pregnancy/youth formula?
Have its impact on the vaginal flora validated by an expert laboratory.
100% Made in France, focused on performance in intimate cosmetics.
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