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Scalp Microbiome Testing
As the scalp care industry grows, consumers demand transparency from the brands formulating their products. It has become essential for formulators to create products they are willing to test to present scientifically backed data-driven evidence of their products' true effects.
Sequential offers microbiome testing for your scalp care formulations, ranging from scalp serums, shampoos, conditioners, oils, etc.
We are dedicated to understanding how your product interacts with the scalp and its microbes. Depending on how in-depth you want to go, we offer qPCR, 16S, ITS, and Shotgun Metagenomics.
Personalized Approach to Testing
Unlike other methodologies present within the industry, Sequential's approach ensures that your product's data and analysis will stand the test of industry regulations when they are introduced. You can tailor your study entirely to your unique requirements.
Test Products in a Real-Life Context
The microbiome comprises a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live together in a delicate balance, which is why it's best to test directly upon it directly. To fully understand the impact a product is having on the microbiome, in vivo is the only way.
Collect Longitudinal Data
With in vivo testing we can design your study around the extended use of a product over multiple time points. This allows us to review how a product is performing before and after usage, but also take into account its gradual impact on the microbiome.
Measure Against a Control Group
Measure a product against a control group that might have a different percentage of your active ingredient within its formulation or no active at all. This will allow for deeper insights into the impact of a formulation on microbial balance and diversity.
4 Sequencing Reports To Pick From
Depending on your development stage and what you are interested in studying we offer qPCR, 16S, ITS, and Shotgun Metagenomics. With our qPCR Smart Probes™ we can go down to the strain level in our analysis.
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Unlike hair, the scalp is formed of a living community of microorganisms such as bacterial and fungal players that can influence the balance of the scalp microbiome, even the subtlest of imbalances can lead to issues such as dandruff, itching, and irritation, resulting in unwanted flaking.
Smart Probes™
Our dedicated team of scientists have
developed a method of evaluating microbes through our Smart Probes™. These refer to a panel of 20 key microbes we have specifically identified as having the most impact on scalp health. Over and above the taxonomic characterisation that 16S offers, which gives us a snapshot of all the genus present within a collected sample (Cutibacterium,
Staphylococcus, etc.) our targeted approach takes it a step further, opening the lens to the species (C. acnes), sub-species (C. acnes defendens) and even strains within them. This is a crucial distinction as not all strains of a species behave similarly. We find that within these species there are strains associated with inflammation and strains that are commensal, and beneficial.
Gold Standard Certification
Sequential has developed the gold standard test for products designed to target the microbiome, in vivo (in, or on, humans). Finally, we can give some certainty about if a product is truly affecting the microbiome.
Using next-generation sequencing of the collection of micro-organisms found on the body, before and after product usage, Sequential investigates the microbial balance and diversity, and particular micro-organisms we know are important and play a role in a healthy microbiome.
We give you an in vivo certification that your product maintains the microbiome. And it’s not exclusive to skincare! We do this for haircare products, oral products, and vulva/vaginal microbiomes.
Supplement Your Microbiome Study
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FAQ
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