Evonik intensifies commitment to microbiome research in the search for new cosmetic raw materials

Human skin is home to a large number and wide variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the skin microbiome. Its composition is as individual as a fingerprint and depends on a variety of factors. This new partnership between Evonik and the University of California San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation aims to provide new insights about the complex composition of these microbial communities on the skin. The target of the three-year agreement and future research projects is the improvement of existing cosmetic raw materials and the potential discovery and development of new ones for promoting a healthier skin microbiome.

The cooperation with the Center for Microbiome Innovation will give Evonik’s scientist’s new impetus to its Care Biotics technology platform, in which the company promotes the development of commercial microbiotic products. “The partnership with the renowned CMI will enable us to dive deeper into the fascinating field of the skin microbiome. This will enable us to realize the vast potential of this technology platform to create and commercialize better product solutions,” says Dr. Tammo Boinowitz, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Evonik’s business line Care Solutions.

“Although research on the skin microbiome is still in its infancy, it’s of enormous interest for consumers as well as from the scientific viewpoint,” explains Dr. Peter Lersch, Vice President of Evonik’s innovation growth field Cosmetic Solutions. “The microbiome supports the epidermal skin barrier and plays also a role in the aging process of the skin. The development of microbiome-friendly cosmetic products is therefore a highly promising application area.” Jan Wolter, head of the Sustainable Business unit at Creavis, the strategic R&D unit of Evonik, adds, “To be able to find an effective cosmetic ingredient, a profound knowledge of the role of the individual microorganisms is essential.”

Together with the CMI team, Evonik intends to explore model systems for the skin microbiome. Such investigations should greatly accelerate the systematic evaluation of new as well as existing raw materials.

The Center for Microbiome Innovation exists to inspire, nurture, and sustain vibrant collaborations between UC San Diego Microbiome experts and industry. The Center encompasses a large range of expertise in microbiome sampling, a broad range of technologies (metagenomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics) and data analysis using high-performance algorithms, machine learning, and modeling. The ultimate goal is to increase knowledge of the microbiome’s impact on human health and the environment with an eye to providing innovative solutions and treatment to major diseases as well as prolonging wellness.

“We are delighted to have a partner like Evonik. The combination of CMI’s first-rate academic research and prominent opinion leaders as well as the opportunity for scientific exchange with Evonik’s team of skin product experts will lead to fascinating discoveries together” said Professor Rob Knight, Faculty Director of the CMI. “Our collaboration is already moving at lighting speed, with our first joint project expected to be initiated before the end of the year” he added.