Cosmetics and vaginal microbiome

Measuring the impact of your cosmetic products on the 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 :

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.
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).

Témoignages

“BYOME LABS assisted us in evaluating the microbiome impact of a new ingredient. The process was clear from start to finish, and the results allowed us to make more informed formulation decisions. The team is very responsive and informative, which made the collaboration truly enjoyable. We would not hesitate to use their services again.”

Marie, distributor of specialty ingredients

“Working with Byome Labs has been a real added value for our brand. Thanks to their precise analyses and expertise in microbiology, we have been able to test our products and obtain the ‘Microbiome Friendly’ label, which reinforces our credibility in the marketplace. Their strategic vision and marketing skills helped us turn scientific data into convincing arguments for our customers. A smooth and rewarding collaboration that clearly made all the difference! “

Sandra, DEMAIN BEAUTY

“Obtaining the Microbiome Respect label with the support of BYOME LABS was a real asset for our launch. Their team guided us at every stage, from testing to understanding the results, always with a clear and effective approach. This label strengthened our consumers’ trust and clearly differentiated our product in a highly competitive market. A simple, rigorous, and effective collaboration.”

Coralie Sabatier, BOPLUME

Sébastien, cosmetics group

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.

FAQ

FAQ – Answers to key questions

Why analyze the impact on the vaginal microbiome? +

To ensure that your care respects or rebalances the vaginal flora, ensuring comfort, protection and differentiation.

What types of products are compatible with your tests? +

All care products targeting the external intimate area: wipes, lotions, oils, probiotic actives, etc.

How long does it take to get a report? +

Between 10 and 30 working days depending on the complexity of the test.

Thanks to our trusted partners

Contact us

Would you like to make an appointment or get more information?

You can reach us by filling in the contact form opposite or by e-mail at : info@byomelabs.com

BYOME LABS

Cité de l’Innovation
7 rue Auguste Rodin
28630 LE COUDRAY

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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

Your tangible benefits

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