Mintel expert throws light on the future of microbiome skin care

Our reporter, Natasha Spencer, took the opportunity to speak to David at the sidelines of the event, where he was a featured speaker and also a panelist for the roundtable discussion. 

The Cosmetics Design Summit on Microbiome Skin Care Innovation took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from June 24th to 25th, including a two-day conference programme that brought together the leading players in the market. 

What microbiome skin care is all about​

In this interview, David focuses in on what microbiome skin care is all about, emphasising the World Health Organization definition on the topic, as well as underlining that most microbiome formulations are derived from fermentation processes. 

This leads to skin care products with anti-aging, moisturisation and brightening, hitting on some of the biggest skin care claims in the global market. 

It also has a strong lean towards the naturals claim, which has been one of the leading mega trends in the global industry for the past 15 years. 

How companies need to position claims​

On the topic of claims, David believes that beyond having a really great story, there are two key claims to underscore, those being that there is clinical evidence that the products work and also that it is kind and enhances the natural skin microbiome. 

Looking to the future, the Mintel research team stresses that skin microbiome category has still got a long way to go to develop its identity through further nuance and scientific evidence to prove such products are providing a benefit.