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The skin microbiome, an intricate ecosystem unique to every individual, plays an important role in maintaining skin health.
It dynamically responds to external factors such as weather, pollution, UV exposure, cosmetics, stress, sleep and exercise. Imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to various skin concerns, including dryness, sensitivity, acne and premature ageing.
Drawing on Unilever’s expertise in pioneering microbiome science, POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE recently piloted a revolutionary new analytics technology which can analyse a consumer’s skin microbiome and provide a tailored skincare regime for all skin types in just 60 minutes.
Piloted in partnership with Watsons in the Philippines, the Microbiome Analyzer works with a sample obtained through a swab of the consumer’s skin. This sample is then analysed alongside a range of data points from the brand’s R&D expertise.
An individual skin microbiome profile is then generated for the consumer within 60 minutes, listing recommended products from the POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE range.
“Invisible to the naked eye, the microbiome holds specific information about how to enhance your skin and guide your personalised skincare routine,” says Lucia Liu, R&D Platform Lead for the brand.
“Leveraging Unilever’s unrivalled expertise in microbiome science, this new technology is a game-changer in making that data accessible, comprehensible and actionable. It’s a huge breakthrough for POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE.”
In recent years, Unilever has established itself as a world-leading expert in skin microbiome science. Our scientists employ cutting-edge technology to develop innovative products across our brands.
The Microbiome Analyzer brings this wealth of expertise directly to consumers – responding to the growing demand for science-led skincare. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about beauty science and are increasingly interested in how different ingredients can benefit their skin.
According to Google Trends, searches for the term ‘skin barrier’ rocketed by 500% between 2020 and 2024, as just one example.
“We know that highly personalised skincare, informed by science, is a fast-expanding area,” explains Jean-Philippe Courtois, Prestige Operations and Strategy Lead from Unilever’s R&D hub at Port Sunlight in the UK.
“With the Microbiome Analyzer we have been able to apply the vast amounts of data that our experts have gathered about this fascinating area of skincare science, and the end result is a point-of-care analysis tool that will help consumers select the right products to achieve real results,” he adds.
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