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Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare and challenging type of alopecia that leads to hair follicle inflammation, resulting in hair loss and scarring. Recent research suggests that FD has a unique microbiological signature and is associated with an impaired immune response, opening new avenues for understanding and treating this condition. What We Know: FD typically presents as a slowly expanding, painful alopecic plaque on the vertex of the scalp, often in young males. Despite extensive research, the exact cause is unclear. However, several factors have been implicated, including genetic predisposition, Staphylococcus aureus  colonisation, bacterial biofilms, compromised epidermal barrier integrity, congenital abnormalities in follicular orifices and dysfunction in the local immune system (Moreno-Arrones et al., 2023). As there is no definitive cure for FD, the goal of treatment is to stabilise the disease. Current therapeutic options include topical and systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics and isotretinoin. Case reports also highlight unconventional therapies such as topical tacrolimus, photodynamic therapy (PDT), dapsone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and TNFα inhibitors, though these treatments are supported by limited evidence (Rózsa et al., 2024). Interestingly, while S. aureus  colonisation has long been linked to FD, recent research suggests its role may have been overstated due to past limitations in microbiological techniques. New studies reveal that FD-affected hair follicles have a distinct microbiome, with key species including Ruminococcaceae, Agathobacter  sp., Tyzzerella  sp. and Bacteroidales vadin  HA21 (Moreno-Arrones et al., 2023). Additionally, FD patients show significantly lower levels of IL-10, TNF-α and IL-6 after exposure to bacterial strains, indicating an impaired immune response that could contribute to the disease (Moreno-Arrones et al., 2023). Industry Impact and Potential: A successful case study treated a therapy-resistant FD patient with CO2 laser-assisted PDT. PDT induces fibroblast apoptosis, generates reactive oxygen species and offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying CO2 laser before PDT enhances photosensitiser absorption by creating microscopic channels in the skin. This method, previously effective for hypertrophic acne scars (Rózsa et al., 2024). Our Solution: With over 20,000 microbiome samples and 4,000 ingredients in our extensive database, along with a global network of more than 10,000 testing participants, Sequential offers comprehensive services to assess the impact of products and formulations. Our commitment to preserving microbiome integrity makes us an ideal partner for developing scalp and hair care products, including those focused on FD and scarring treatments. References: Moreno-Arrones, O.M., Garcia-Hoz, C., Del Campo, R., Roy, G., Saceda-Corralo, D., Jimenez-Cauhe, J., Ponce-Alonso, M., Serrano-Villar, S., Jaen, P., Paoli, J. & Vano-Galvan, S. (2023) Folliculitis Decalvans Has a Heterogeneous Microbiological Signature and Impaired Immunological Response. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 239 (3), 454–461. doi:10.1159/000529301. Rózsa, P., Varga, E., Gyulai, R. & Kemény, L. (2024) Carbon-dioxide laser-associated PDT treatment of folliculitis decalvans. International Journal of Dermatology. 63 (9), 1256–1257. doi:10.1111/ijd.17136.

Menopause represents a significant hormonal shift, and its impact on the vaginal and vulvar microbiomes remains an area of emerging research. Given the prevalence of menopause-related conditions, understanding these changes is critical for advancing women's health and the treatment thereof. What We Know: Menopause introduces systemic symptoms and distinct changes in the vaginal microbiome, primarily driven by reduced estrogen levels. This reduction often leads to a decline in the dominant and favourable Lactobacillus  species, increasing the risk of microbial dysbiosis which is associated with further health complications including bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (Muhleisen & Herbst-Kralovetz, 2016). Estrogen plays a vital role in regulating the vaginal microbiological environment by maintaining epithelial thickness and glycogen levels, promoting mucus secretion and lowering vaginal pH via Lactobacilli  colonisation and lactic acid production (Barrea et al., 2023) . These changes, along with shifts in the gut and oral microbiomes during menopause, are hypothesised to contribute to the development of menopause-related diseases, including osteoporosis, breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, periodontitis and cardiometabolic disorders. Therefore, interventions and solutions are crucial (Barrea et al., 2023) . Industry Impact and Potential: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to enhance Lactobacillus dominance in the vaginal microbiome, alleviating symptoms of dysbiosis. However, the negative side effects of HRT experienced by some patients mean that alternatives to this are necessary (Muhleisen & Herbst-Kralovetz, 2016) . Oral and vaginal probiotics hold great promise. Initial studies complement previous research findings on the menopause-vaginal microbiome connection, but additional trials are needed to determine the efficacy of bacterial therapeutics to modulate or restore vaginal homeostasis (Muhleisen & Herbst-Kralovetz, 2016) . In one study, a two-week oral supplementation with four Lactobacillus  species (two capsules daily) positively influenced vaginal microbiota colonisation in 22 postmenopausal patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Although this is a small sample size, it highlights the potential of probiotic treatments (Marschalek et al., 2017) . Our Solution: In addition to vulvar microbiome analysis, we at Sequential provide services for assessing skin, scalp and oral microbiomes. We have established our company as a leader in facilitating the assessment and development of products that maintain microbiome integrity. Our team of experts is well-equipped to support your company in formulating innovative products and studies aimed at maintaining and improving the vulvar microbiome to support women’s health. References: Barrea, L., Verde, L., Auriemma, R.S., Vetrani, C., Cataldi, M., Frias-Toral, E., Pugliese, G., Camajani, E., Savastano, S., Colao, A. & Muscogiuri, G. (2023) Probiotics and Prebiotics: Any Role in Menopause-Related Diseases? Current Nutrition Reports. 12 (1), 83–97. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00462-3. Marschalek, J., Farr, A., Marschalek, M.-L., Domig, K.J., Kneifel, W., Singer, C.F., Kiss, H. & Petricevic, L. (2017) Influence of Orally Administered Probiotic Lactobacillus Strains on Vaginal Microbiota in Women with Breast Cancer during Chemotherapy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blinded Pilot Study. Breast Care (Basel, Switzerland). 12 (5), 335–339. doi:10.1159/000478994. Muhleisen, A.L. & Herbst-Kralovetz, M.M. (2016) Menopause and the vaginal microbiome. Maturitas. 91, 42–50. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.05.015.

The vaginal microbiome undergoes profound changes during pregnancy, marked by shifts in microbial composition and diversity that significantly impact maternal health. While the importance of these shifts is increasingly recognised, the tools to interpret these changes remain limited. What We Know: The vaginal microbiome plays a pivotal role in pregnancy, with a healthy state predominantly featuring Lactobacillus  species. These bacteria help maintain a low pH, protecting against infections. Microbial dysbiosis is linked to complications such as preterm birth (PTB), miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis (CAT) (Gerede et al., 2024) . PTB is associated with increased levels of anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella . Communities dominated by L. iners  or anaerobic bacteria carry higher risks compared to  L. crispatus -dominant profiles. Similarly, miscarriage often correlates with reduced Lactobacillus  abundance and greater microbial diversity. Dysbiosis not only disrupts the protective functions of the microbiome but also promotes inflammation and tissue damage, which can contribute to complications such as cervical insufficiency or placental ischemia (Gerede et al., 2024) . In GDM, altered microbiota may exacerbate inflammatory pathways, worsening glucose intolerance. Elevated levels of Prevotella bivia  have been implicated in inflammation associated with preeclampsia, while a diverse microbiome depleted of L. crispatus  is linked to increased infection risks in CAT. These microbial shifts reflect dynamic interactions with maternal physiology and evolve across pregnancy trimesters (Parraga-Leo et al., 2024) . Industry Impact and Potential: Probiotic interventions to restore Lactobacillus  dominance show promise for managing bacterial vaginosis, but their efficacy in preventing broader pregnancy complications warrants further investigation. New evidence suggests that microbial profiles and community disruptions could serve as biomarkers for identifying high-risk pregnancies (Parraga-Leo et al., 2024). Recent innovations include the Vaginal Microbiome Atlas during Pregnancy (VMAP), which integrates data from 11 studies and 3880 samples across 1402 individuals. This comprehensive resource leverages MaLiAmPi, a cutting-edge phylogenetic tool implemented via a Nextflow pipeline, to harmonise diverse datasets. By addressing technical variations and improving accuracy, MaLiAmPi enhances the reliability of microbiome data, setting a new standard for microbiome analysis (Parraga-Leo et al., 2024). Our Solution: Sequential specialises in microbiome analysis, offering services for assessing the vulvar microbiome alongside skin, scalp and oral microbiomes. Our expertise in developing products that maintain microbiome integrity positions us as industry leaders in supporting innovations for women’s health.  References: Gerede, A., Nikolettos, K., Vavoulidis, E., Margioula-Siarkou, C., Petousis, S., Giourga, M., Fotinopoulos, P., Salagianni, M., Stavros, S., Dinas, K., Nikolettos, N. & Domali, E. (2024) Vaginal Microbiome and Pregnancy Complications: A Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 13 (13), 3875. doi:10.3390/jcm13133875. Parraga-Leo, A., Oskotsky, T.T., Oskotsky, B., Wibrand, C., Roldan, A., et al. (2024) VMAP: Vaginal Microbiome Atlas during Pregnancy. JAMIA open. 7 (3), ooae099. doi:10.1093/jamiaopen/ooae099.

Multi-Omic Studies with Sequential At Sequential, our mission has always been clear: to understand the impact of the microbiome on humans and how humans impact the microbiome in order to characterize human health fully. Our Multi-Omic Studies brings us back to the core of our mission by offering an unparalleled approach to skin health research. By combining human and microbial analysis, Sequential is setting a new standard in clinical testing. This comprehensive methodology enables us to unlock deeper insights into the complex interplay between the microbiome and human biology, offering more tailored and effective product assessments for our partners in personal care and the pharmaceutical industries. Start Your Multi-Omic Study Today! *Hover over the diagram to unlock each area that we explore! Identify key genetic markers linked to health, aging, and disease susceptibility Predict responsiveness to product SNP Detection & Risk Assessment Gene Expression Profile Uncover how genes are activated in response to lifestyle, environment, and treatments The effect of product on skin-related gene expression Protein Profiling Analyse protein biomarkers to track biological changes and optimise product efficacy Measure skin protein production after a product treatment Lipid Profiling Investigate lipid composition for insights into skin barrier function and metabolic health Assess how a product restores lipid homeostasis qPCR Sequencing Investigate the absolute quantification of key microbes in any sample Assess how a product impacts the most significant bacteria in a sample Metatranscriptomics Uncover how genes are activated in response to lifestyle, environment, & treatments. The effect of product on skin-related microbial gene expression ITS Sequencing Investigate all present fungi in any given sample Understand how a product impacts the skin's fungal community Shotgun Metagenomics Investigate all present microorganisms in any given sample Understand how a product impacts the skin's bacteria, fungal and viral communities 16S Sequencing Investigate all present bacteria in any given sample Understand how a product impacts the skin's bacterial community Metabolomics Map metabolic pathways to assess skin and body health, aging, and personalized wellness. Metabolic shift pre- and post-product application Why Multi-Omic Testing? Understanding how products impact both the human body and its microbiome is essential for creating truly effective solutions. Our multi-omic approach provides: Deeper Insights – See how products influence human health at a biological level Clinically Validated Science – Data-backed results to support claims and innovation Personalized Health & Wellness – Create tailored products that optimize skin and body health Scalable & Flexible Testing – In-lab or remote studies with diverse sample collection options Microbiome's Impact on Human Health Revolutionising Eczema Care: The Promise of Live Biotherapeutic Products Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation.... A Product of Our Environment: What Does the Exposome Mean for Skincare? The ‘exposome’ refers to the complex interplay of environmental exposures that influence the skin over a lifetime, including factors such... Preservatives: Essential for Products, But Are They Disrupting Your Skin? Introduction: Cosmetic Preservatives Cosmetics are products designed to enhance or alter the appearance of the face, body, or hair, with... Your Muti-Omics Questions Answered What is Sequential's testing platform? Sequential has developed the gold standard test for microbiome-friendly products, in vivo (in, or on, humans). Finally, we can give some certainty about if a product is truly affecting the microbiome. We offer a complete end-to-end solution to support microbiome-friendly claims. From consultancy and study design to our proprietary microbiome testing kits. We analyse, interpret and report our findings to meet your needs. Why is it necessary to test the microbiome in vivo? At present, there are no regulations for microbiome-related formulas that brands and formulators can follow, however, it has been universally acknowledged that the in vivo method of conducting clinical studies is becoming critical and paramount to getting marketing claims through. When regulations are introduced, which may be imminent, the in vitro system will find itself lacking, resulting in limited claims and certifications that do not hold their value. This is why, we at Sequential strive to offer an in vivo approach, knowing full well that we want our client's claims to be significantly backed by scientific and quantifiable data. What type of sequencing technology does Sequential use for analysis? We offer four types of sequencing techniques including qPCR with our Smart Probes™, 16S, ITS and Shotgun Metagenomics. Using next-generation sequencing of the collection of microorganisms found on the body, during product usage, Sequential investigates the microbial diversity, and particular microorganisms we know are important and play a role in a healthy microbiome. Does Sequential offer claims certification for tested products? We provide our clients with a certification to claim “Maintains the Microbiome” subject to in vivo testing results which can be used in communication efforts. Once your product is tested with our qPCR Smart Probes™ and has shown favourable results in supporting the microbiome, we can certify your product with our Maintains the Microbiome certification seal. We have ensured that our seal and certification are backed by quantifiable data and scientifically significant markers. The aim is to ensure our clients feel confident in making their claims and can communicate the true benefit of their microbiome formulations.

What is a Microbiome Formulation? What is a Microbiome Formulation? Less is More approach Statistically, Women typically apply around 16 beauty products each day, exposing their skin to about 515 synthetic chemicals daily. (“The Average Woman Uses 16 Beauty Products Every Day. Here Are the Ones Worth the Investment,” 2018) This extensive exposure has led to a rise in skin sensitivity, which now affects 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men worldwide (Sensitive skins wear their own skin microbiota, 2024) - a number that continues to climb. To mitigate these effects, experts advise using fewer, essential ingredients and prioritising simple, balanced formulations over emphasising single "hero" ingredients. This holistic approach fosters skin compatibility, supporting healthier skin with reduced risk of irritation. Traditional vs Microbiome approach The traditional skin care approach highlights a single, "hero" ingredient or a blend of active ingredients to deliver specific benefits, with the spotlight on these components as the main drivers of product efficacy. However, a microbiome-focused approach takes a broader, more holistic perspective. It considers how each ingredient, including non-active additives (functional ingredients), interacts with the skin and its microbiome. This method aims to create formulations that support the skin's natural microbial balance, ensuring that every component contributes positively to overall skin health. Anhydrous Products Anhydrous products, with no water, do not require preservatives since bacteria need moisture to grow. However, they face challenges: incorporating water-soluble actives is difficult, and they are more prone to oxidation and rancidity. Their thick, oil-based consistency may also not suit all skin types, especially oily or sensitive skin. Despite these drawbacks, anhydrous formulations appeal to consumers interested in preservative-free, minimal skincare. Water-based Products Water in skincare products often makes up 80%, requiring emulsifiers to mix with oils and preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. To avoid contamination, effective preservation is essential. Instead of skipping preservation, reducing water activity can enhance product stability by limiting moisture, which is crucial for safer, less chemically intensive formulations. pH Maintaining a skincare formulation with a slightly acidic pH, ideally below 5, supports the skin's microbiome and barrier function. Alkaline cleansers with pH levels above 7 can disrupt the acid mantle, weakening the barrier and encouraging harmful bacteria. Hülpüsch et al. (2022) found that a higher skin pH (5.7–6.2) in atopic dermatitis patients is linked to increased Staphylococcus aureus colonisation, worsening inflammation and barrier issues. Acidic formulations may help control bacterial overgrowth, reducing flare-ups and promoting skin health in at-risk groups like those with AD. Ingredients Formulations that are high in lipids can strengthen the skin barrier, enhancing hydration and resilience against irritants. Combining gentle surfactants with super fatty agents further reduces potential for irritation and maintains moisture, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin types. These principles help prevent disruption of the microbiome, ensuring the skin remains balanced and resilient over time (Van Belkum et al., 2023). The selection of mildly acidic, pH-balanced ingredients close to the skin’s natural acidity (4.7 < pH < 5.7) is crucial, as it helps preserve the skin’s barrier and microbiome. Preservatives To protect the skin microbiome and reduce bacterial growth, it’s essential to minimise preservatives, especially in oil-based products. Anhydrous formulations, which don’t require preservatives, are ideal when possible. For water-based products, alternatives such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and natural humectants like glycerin, sodium lactate, and NMF components (ceramide, urea), can improve microbial stability and skin barrier function (Halla et al., 2018). Airless packaging and sterilisation methods like UHT technology can further enhance product safety by minimising contamination, reducing the need for traditional preservatives. Surfactants Water-in-oil System: Choose emulsifiers with a low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ratio and natural ingredients like plant oils or sugars. Limit emulsifier concentration to maintain skin barrier integrity. Avoid Polysorbate 80, which can promote pathogen growth, and use alternatives like Polyglyceryl 4 Oleate, which self-emulsify when mixed with water. Oil-in-water System: Use microbiome-friendly emulsifiers derived from natural sources like plant oils and sugars. Examples include Olivem 1000, made from olive oil (Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate), and Emulium Mellifera MB, which combines beeswax and jojoba wax (Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate and Jojoba Esters). These emulsifiers help maintain skin health while supporting the microbiome. It's also important to limit the concentration of emulsifiers to avoid disrupting the skin barrier. Fragrances/Essential Oils Fragrances should generally be avoided in skincare formulations, especially for sensitive skin, as many fragrances can cause irritation. However, certain essential oils may serve as antimicrobial agents in products for non-sensitive skin, offering a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. For instance, bergamot and lavender oils demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, though they do not affect S. epidermidis (Kim et al., 2022). Additionally, rosemary oil and phenylethyl alcohol show strong antifungal properties, adding preservative benefits without traditional preservatives. Reference Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143-155. Halla, N., Fernandes, I. P., Heleno, S. A., Costa, P., Boucherit-Otmani, Z., Boucherit, K., Rodrigues, A. E., Ferreira, I. C. F. R., & Barreiro, M. F. (2018). Cosmetics Preservation: A Review on Present Strategies. Molecules, 23(7), 1571. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071571 The average woman uses 16 beauty products every day. Here are the ones worth the investment. (2018, December 6). The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/face/essential-skincare-makeup-products-use-everyday/ Sensitive skins wear their own skin microbiota - BEAUTY HORIZONS 1 2021 WW. (2024, March 27). https://digital.teknoscienze.com/beauty_horizons_1_2021_ww/sensitive_skins_wear_their_own_skin_microbiota Hülpüsch, C., Tremmel, K., Hammel, G., Bhattacharyya, M., De Tomassi, A., Nussbaumer, T., Neumann, A. U., Reiger, M., & Traidl‐Hoffmann, C. (2020). Skin pH–dependent Staphylococcus aureus abundance as predictor for increasing atopic dermatitis severity. Allergy, 75(11), 2888–2898. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14461 Van Belkum, A., Lisotto, P., Pirovano, W., Mongiat, S., Zorgani, A., Gempeler, M., Bongoni, R., & Klaassens, E. (2023). Being friendly to the skin microbiome: Experimental assessment. Frontiers in Microbiomes, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/frmbi.2022.1077151 Nielsen, H. L., et al. (2016). Influence of emulsifiers on microbial stability in cosmetic formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 38(4), 357-366. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12301 Kim, J., et al. (2022). Antimicrobial effects of essential oils on skin microbiota. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 73(5), 452-460.

The ingredient list for our Biome Mask formulation with each of their applications from giving deep hydration to protecting from pollutants with antioxidant benefits. Category Ingredient What is it? Benefit Melanin Targeters Arbutin Arbutin is an antioxidant that is extracted from different berries. Arbutin helps in ensuring that skin is brightened and pigmentation is reduced in the skin. It can also fade scars. Hydrators Squalane Squalane is a hydrogenated version of squalene. It is an emollient and behaves similar to our own skin sebum. Prevents moisture loss, can neutralize UV damage . Postbiotics Lactobacillus ferment Lactobacillus ferment is a non-living probiotic ingredient made by fermentation of the microorganism Lactobacillus. Thanks to its soothing effect on the skin, it helps to strengthen the skin's defense and maintains the health of the skin microbiome. Allantoin Allantoin is an extract from comfrey plant. Allantoin protects and soothes the skin. Trehalose Trehalose is a disaccharide with hydrating properties for the skin. It’s a plant sugar. Trehalose is used as a prebiotic and is effective to help maintain healthy skin. Green Tea Extract Extract from the leaves of green tea. Tea Extracts is an antioxidant ingredient that aids soothing the skin and can also address skin discoloration and early signs of aging. Colloidal Oatmeal Colloidal Oatmeal is cocktail of oats that has been refined into powder and acts as a skin protectant. Colloidal Oatmeal aids in locking in moisture in the skin barrier and also has soothing properties. Skin Soothing Multi-Ceramide [Ceramide NP; Phytosphingosine] Ceramides are lipids or fats that exist in skin cells and make up to 40% of your outer skin layer. Ceramides are crucial in aiding your skin to retain moisture and prevent unwanted bacteria from entering your body. Skin Repairing Peptide Complex [copper tripeptide-1, Acetyl heaxapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapepdide-4, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapepide-7, tripeptide-1, tripeptide-2, tripeptide-2, tripeptide-3, acetyl Octapeptide 3] Peptides are amino acid chains that aid in the forming of certain types of protein in the skin such as elastin and collagen. Peptides can help in increasing skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging, allowing skin to appear firmer. Skin Shields Vitamin E [Tocopherol] Tocopherol is an excellent example of a powerful antioxidant that is oil-soluble, meaning it can easily dissolve into the skin. Tocopherol helps in combating free-radical damage (such as pollution), and can also be an effective hydrator. Retinyl Palmitate Retinyl Palmitate is the most abundantly used form of retinol (Vitamin A). Retinyl Palmitate has anti-aging properties as well as anti-oxidant properties. Centella Asiatica Centella Asiatica is a medicinal herb that is known to treat inflammation and has antioxidant properties. Centella Asiatica is used as an active ingredient in skincare products for anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and soothes compromised skin. Sorbitol Sorbitol is a sugar with hydrating properties that can nourish the probiotics that live on the skin allowing the skin microbiome to be balanced. Sorbitol breakdown by microorganisms on the skin creates beta-glucan, a skin calming antioxidant. Skin Barrier Protectors (Hydrators) Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, meaning that it attracts water from the air or within the skin. Hyaluaronic Acid is one of the most common known ingredients for increasing overall moisture in skin. Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid] Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant and the most stable Vitamin C form. Ascorbic Acid aids in brightening the skin and aids in the production of collagen to prevent premature aging. Prebiotics Fructooligosaccharides Fructooligosaccharides is a prebiotic sugar used as food by the skin microbiota. It’s also a good source of antioxidants. It helps to keep the skin clean, hydrated, and well nutrified. It helps to maintain a healthy microbiome for your skin. Niacinamide Niacinamide is a vitamin that is water-soluble and penetrate into the skin with ease. Niacinamide aids in reducing the visibility of pores and removes dullness and restores the skin. Licorice Root Licorice Root is a plant based ingredients that can be cultivated in Asia, Europe, and in the Middle East. Licorice Root is a brightening agent in skincare products and can repair the skin. Lactic Acid Lactic Acid is a metabolic by-product released by the fermentation of microorganisms like lactobacillus. Lactic acid strengthens the skin barrier and has a positive impact on the skin microbiome balance. It also helps in reducing uneven tone and brightens skin tone.