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Our skin, as we know to be the body's largest organ, hosts a plethora of microorganisms. An elaborate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on the skin and maintain its optimal health, making up the skin microbiome (Smythe & Wilkinson, 2023). These microorganisms serve as a protective barrier against harmful pathogens, aid in immune system regulation, and play a vital role in various skin functions. However, factors such as harsh skincare products, poor diet, and environmental stressors can disrupt the balance, leading to acne, eczema, and other skin disorders (Wallen-Russell, 2019). Restoring the skin microbiome involves a complex and multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes, targeted skincare practices, and sometimes dietary adjustments. Understanding the Skin Microbiome The microbiome varies depending on the region of the skin, with different areas hosting distinct microbial communities. Fournière et al. (2020) examine how Staphylococcus epidermidis and  Cutibacterium acne s, key skin microbiota components, vary across different skin environments. For instance, Staphylococcus  species are mainly in moist areas like axillary and popliteal creases, while Cutibacterium  species are found in sebaceous areas such as the face and back. An ideal and healthy skin microbiome is diverse, and resilient, capable of adapting to changes and defending against adversaries.  Steps to Restore the Skin Microbiome 1. Use Less & Gentle Skincare Products:   Using lesser products would simplify one’s skincare routine, making it easier to stay consistent and therefore allow the skin to adjust and benefit from the active ingredients. Hwang et al. (2021) further suggests that in order to restore the skin microbiome, one should actively choose products with essential ingredients which are natural, soothing and non-disruptive to the skin's natural barrier.  2. Incorporate Probiotics, Prebiotics and Postbiotics:   Just as the gut microbiome benefits from probiotics, so does the skin. Probiotic skincare adds beneficial bacteria to restore skin balance, while prebiotics nourish existing good bacteria to boost their growth. Common probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, found in drinks, powders, tablets, and fermented dairy products (Gowda, et al. 2024). 3. Protect Your Skin from Environmental Stressors: Limit exposure to environmental pollutants and the sun, which can damage the skin barrier and disrupt the microbiome (Wang et al., 2021). Using protective measures like sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and cleansing your skin regularly can help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and support a balanced microbiome. 4. Moisturise Regularly:   Keeping the skin well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy microbiome. Dry skin can compromise the skin barrier, making it easier for harmful bacteria to invade. Use a moisturiser that contains ingredients like ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture. (Spada & Greive, 2018) 5. Pay Attention to Diet:   A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports skin microbiome health with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, are particularly beneficial as they have anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain a balanced skin microbiome. (Costantini, Molinari & Merendino, 2017) Conclusion Restoring the skin microbiome is an ongoing process that demands consistent effort and dedication. By understanding the skin microbiome and incorporating strategies to support its health, you can significantly enhance your skin's ability to protect against environmental stressors and lower the risk of skin disorders. References Smythe, P., & Wilkinson, H. N. (2023). The skin microbiome: Current landscape and future opportunities. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(4), 3950. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043950 Wallen-Russell , C. (2019). The impact of skin care products on skin chemistry and microbiome dynamics. BMC Biology, 17(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-019-0660-6 Fournière, M., Latire, T., Souak, D., Feuilloley, M. G. J., & Bedoux, G. (2020). Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes: Two major sentinels of skin microbiota and the influence of cosmetics. Microorganisms, 8(11), 1752.  https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111752 Hwang, B. K., Lee, S., Myoung, J., Hwang, S. J., Lim, J. M., Jeong, E. T., Park, S. G., & Youn, S. H. (2021). Effect of the skincare product on facial skin microbial structure and biophysical parameters: A pilot study. MicrobiologyOpen, 10(5), e1236. https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.1236 Gowda , V., Sarkar, R., Verma, D., & Das, A. (2024). Probiotics in Dermatology: An Evidence-based Approach. Indian dermatology online journal, 15(4), 571–583. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_614_23 Wang, L., Xu, Y. N., Chu, C. C., Jing, Z., Chen, Y., Zhang, J., Pu, M., Mi, T., Du, Y., Liang, Z., Doraiswamy, C., Zeng, T., Wu, J., & Chen, L. (2021). Facial Skin Microbiota-Mediated Host Response to Pollution Stress Revealed by Microbiome Networks of Individual. mSystems, 6(4), e0031921. https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00319-21 Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 491–497. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177697 Costantini, L., Molinari, R., Farinon, B., & Merendino, N. (2017). Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(12), 2645. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18122645

A skin microbiome test kit is a diagnostic tool designed to analyse the microorganisms living on the surface of the skin. These kits assess the diversity and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, providing insights into the skin’s microbial ecosystem. The information gathered can help individuals and healthcare providers understand microbial imbalances that might contribute to dermatological conditions or identify strategies to improve skin health. Components of a Skin Microbiome Kit Sampling Materials Swabs: Sterile swabs are used to collect skin samples from specific areas, such as the face, hands, or scalp. Adhesive Strips: In some kits, tape-stripping methods collect deeper microbial samples by gently removing skin cells along with surface microbes. Sample Preservation The collected samples are placed into a vial or test tube containing a stabilising agent to preserve the DNA of microbes until the sample reaches the laboratory. Instructions for Use Clear instructions are included to guide users on how to collect samples correctly to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results. Once the sample arrives at the lab, it undergoes next-generation sequencing (NGS) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. These techniques identify microbial DNA and quantify the presence of various microorganisms. (Nafea et al., 2024). Results are typically shared in reports, offering detailed insights into the composition of the user’s skin microbiome and recommendations for skincare or lifestyle adjustments. Applications and Benefits Personalised skincare:  Tailored treatments based on an individual’s skin microbial profile.By identifying specific bacteria or fungi, users can specifically customise their skincare routines, using products designed to promote a healthy microbiome or address specific concerns such as acne or dryness. Companies may also use the microbiome data collected to formulate more effective skincare products in the future. Identifying dysbiosis:  Kits can detect microbial imbalances (dysbiosis), which are associated with conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. (Borrego-Ruiz & Borrego, 2024) This allows dermatologists to recommend targeted therapies, such as probiotics or prebiotics, to restore balance and improve skin health. (D’Auria et al., 2021) They are also helpful for tracking the effectiveness of treatments over time. Monitoring the impact of lifestyle changes : The skin microbiome is influenced by environmental factors like humidity, pollution, and UV exposure, as well as lifestyle choices such as diet and stress management. Testing allows users to monitor how these factors affect their microbial health and make adjustments accordingly. (Byrd et al., 2018) Research purposes:  Helping dermatologists and researchers understand the dynamics of skin health better and test the effectiveness of new treatments. This data can drive the development of these new therapies, including microbiome-based interventions, and help identify potential biomarkers for skin disorders. (D’Auria et al., 2021) Scientific Significance The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function and immune responses. Imbalances in these microbial communities are often associated with dermatological conditions, and research continues to explore how restoring balance through topical or oral interventions could improve skin health. Accurate sampling and analysis, however, remain critical challenges for researchers, requiring reproducible methods for reliable results. (D’Auria et al., 2021) Conclusion A skin microbiome kit offers a gateway into understanding the complex ecosystem on our skin. While still emerging as a mainstream tool, these kits are becoming popular in both consumer skincare and clinical research. As more studies focus on the interplay between the skin microbiome and external factors such as diet and environmental exposures, personalised skincare routines may soon become the norm. References Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143-155. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157 Borrego-Ruiz, A., & Borrego, J. J. (2024). Microbial Dysbiosis in the Skin Microbiome and Its Psychological Consequences. Microorganisms, 12(9), 1908. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091908 D'Auria, E., Acunzo, M., et al. (2021). A journey on the skin microbiome: Pitfalls and opportunities. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (18), 9846.   https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22189846 Nafea, A. M., Wang, Y., Wang, D., Salama, A. M., Aziz, M. A., Xu, S., & Tong, Y. (2024). Application of next-generation sequencing to identify different pathogens. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1329330

Choosing the right skincare product is important, because each person's skin is different in composition and sensitivity, even well-formulated skincare products might not work for everyone. Maintaining skin health, preventing negative reactions, and getting the intended skincare outcomes all depend on knowing when your skin doesn't agree with a product.  Signs that show that your skin is not tolerating a skincare product: Following are some signs that can be seen when using a skincare product that is not well tolerated by an individual's skin. Redness and irritation The most common sign when a product does not tolerate your skin is redness, which is normally followed by burning or an itching sensation. This is an immediate skin reaction of the product, due to factors such as fragrance, alcohol or even certain active ingredients.  Exfoliating products renew skin cells by removing dead skin. This can cause slight dryness to the skin, however excessive dryness and peeling of the skin can be due to the skin not receiving the product well, as it compromises the skin’s natural barrier. This could lead to further sensitivity of the skin. Allergic reactions If a product results in your skin being itching, swelling or even causing hives, it is a cause of an allergic reaction to the product which can be also known as contact dermatitis. Allergic reactions are caused when immune cells, called T cells, detect a foreign substance and try to eliminate it.  Researchers have discovered how certain compounds in personal care products can trigger an immune response by interacting with a skin protein called CD1a. This interaction causes T cells to react, even though these compounds are much smaller than the proteins T cells usually respond to (Nicolai et al ., 2020). Changes in skin texture  Changes of the skin texture such as bumps or rough patches or even skin discoloration can be due to adverse reactions of skincare products. These abnormalities of the skin show that the particular skincare product does not promote healthy skin function for the individual.  Analytics of adverse reactions to skincare products In a research, a cross-sectional study was done among 425 participants. 50.6% of participants had experienced at least one adverse reaction to skincare products in the past two years. The most common issues were skin redness (19%), pimples (15%), and itching (13%), with hair care (29%) and skincare products (25%). Most people (84.2%) managed these reactions by stopping the product's use (Lucca et al ., 2020). Conclusion Understanding your skin’s responses and recognizing when a product isn’t suited, is the key to effective skincare. Those with sensitive skin should prioritize patch testing when introducing new products (Wetter et al ., 2010). By being aware of signs like irritation, dryness, breakouts, allergic reactions, and shifts in texture, you can make choices that support your skin's health and resilience. References Lucca JM, Joseph R, Hussain Al Kubaish Z, Mohammad Al-Maskeen S, Ali Alokaili Z. An  observational study on adverse reactions of cosmetics: The need of practice the Cosmetovigilance system. Saudi Pharm J. 2020 Jun;28(6):746-753. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.04.017. Epub 2020 May 11. PMID: 32550807; PMCID: PMC7292860. Nicolai S, Wegrecki M, Cheng TY, Bourgeois EA, Cotton RN, Mayfield JA, Monnot GC, Le  Nours J, Van Rhijn I, Rossjohn J, Moody DB, de Jong A. Human T cell response to CD1a and contact dermatitis allergens in botanical extracts and commercial skin care products. Sci Immunol. 2020 Jan 3;5(43):eaax5430. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aax5430. Epub 2020 Jan 3. PMID: 31901073; PMCID: PMC7247771. Wetter, D. A., Yiannias, J. A., Prakash, A. V., Davis, M. D. P., Farmer, S. A., & el-Azhary, R.  A. (2010). Results of patch testing to personal care product allergens in a standard series and a supplemental cosmetic series: An analysis of 945 patients from the Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group, 2000-2007. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 63(5), 789–798.doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.11.033

Contract research organizations also known as clinical research organizations (CROs) have become essential in supporting research across clinical fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biotechnology, and medical devices. They work to ensure clinical trials are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. CROs started by providing research animals in the 1940s and 1950s. Over time, they have expanded their services to cover preclinical and clinical testing (Nestor et al ., 2022).  Key Functions of CROs: While services that individual CROs offer can vary greatly, the most common include product development and formulation, clinical trial management, data management services, and various other complementary services (Mew et al ., 2023). Product development and formulation CROs help businesses create studies that are specifically designed to assess benefits on what the company is targeting. To guarantee that the studies can yield accurate results, they create study protocols that specify the trial's design, sample size, and testing procedures. Clinical trial management CROs select participants with specific skin types, ages, and conditions relevant to the product. They then conduct rigorous safety tests, like patch testing, to assess any irritation or sensitivity. Efficacy testing follows, measuring the product's benefit to the skin and whether the product answers the skin concern (Horita et al ., 2014). Data management services They monitor and report all participant outcomes, clinical observations, and any instrument measurements. Thereafter, CROs analyze the data to evaluate the products effectiveness, safety and outcome. Benefits of CROs Some of the benefits of CROs include efficient management of projects, data, and resources, along with access to advanced technology. CROs offer insights into common issues encountered at clinical trial sites and provide guidance on how to address them effectively, improving trial operations (Nestor et al ., 2022).  Future of CROs CRO should prioritize state-of-the-art technology when conducting clinical research. They should support efficient and organized study startups, assisting with participant recruitment, and ensuring precise, well-organized site documentation. With advanced technology and streamlined processes, CROs reduce the operational burden on clinical sites, allowing for greater focus on patient-centered outcomes and research quality (Nestor et al ., 2022).  Conclusion Clinical Research Organizations are vital for ensuring that new products are both safe and effective. It is also really important to select the right CRO to conduct the clinical trial for a specific product. References Horita K, Tanoue C, Yasoshima M, Ohtani T, Matsunaga K. Study of the usefulness of patch  testing and use test to predict the safety of commercial topical drugs. J Dermatol. 2014 Jun;41(6):505-13. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12505. PMID: 24909212. Mew A, Smith DA, Cole J, Sadow C, Tirumani SH, Ramaiya NH. Role of Radiologists in  Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2023 Mar-Apr;52(2):77-83. doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2022.11.013. Epub 2022 Nov 17. PMID: 36481295. Nestor M, Pariser D, Del Rosso J, Glaser DA, Goldberg D, Ablon G, Lorenc ZP, Santos J.  The Future of Contract Research Organizations in Dermatology and Aesthetic Research. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Sep;15(9):16-19. PMID: 36213607; PMCID: PMC9529076.

As microbiome research continues to grow, the number of contract research organizations (CRO) that fund, carry out, and oversee associated microbiome research, diagnostics, and therapies is increasing. Therefore, several important factors must be taken into account when choosing a CRO in order to guarantee safe and successful microbiome study, especially when it comes to microbiome profiling. The organization's adherence to scientific protocols, the staff's experience, and the quality of its clinical and research procedures should all be taken into consideration during the selection process.  Key Components to consider when selecting a CRO Before selecting a CRO it is important to clarify the goals of the study. By doing so, it is easy to narrow down the organizations that align best with the goals that need to be achieved. Once this has been clearly defined, the selection process can proceed. Research the organization and previous work that had been done It is always important to begin the selection process by doing some research on the organization and their expertise and focus area. Making sure that their focus area aligns with what is expected in the study. It is also crucial to look into their previous work to evaluate their history of successful trials, and completion rates (Messersmith, 2012). Selecting the appropriate patient population It is important to look into whether the organization recruits participants for the clinical study. A successful clinical trial organization makes the best use of the studies participants and budget. To do this, the organization needs to choose trials that fit well with the participant population, the trial type and phase. The participant pool plays a key role in how many volunteers can likely be enrolled (J Oncol, 2008). Conducting In-house studies When choosing a CRO, look into whether they conduct in-house studies or collaborative studies. Organizations with active in-house studies often have control, flexibility, allow for careful control of study parameters, and timely completion when carrying out the study.  Ethical and Regulatory knowledge Making sure a CRO maintains strong ethical standards and transparency is essential. Since human subjects and sensitive data are frequently used in microbiome research, ethical considerations are essential. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable about regulatory regulations, and adhering to FDA and other regulatory bodies. This is essential for guaranteeing the trial's integrity (Mandy et al ., 2015). Conclusion Selecting the right CRO is essential and should align with the company’s goals, interests, and values. In this fast-paced area of research, the right organization can enhance your contributions and help in advancing in microbiome science. At Sequential, we specialize in conducting in-house clinical research, ensuring that each study is tailored to meet your specific needs. We carefully recruit suitable volunteers for each study, adhering strictly to all ethical and regulatory guidelines to maintain the highest standards of integrity and safety. Our team is dedicated to customizing every aspect of the research process, from study design to participant selection, allowing us to deliver relevant and actionable results that align with your goals. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to provide comprehensive support throughout the research process in the clinical microbiome study.  References Identifying and selecting a clinical trial for your practice. J Oncol Pract. 2008 Jan;4(1):27-8.  doi: 10.1200/JOP.0814602. PMID: 20859441; PMCID: PMC2793943. Mandy, Bowen., Otis, Evans., NC, Stephen, Terry. (2015). 5. CRO, TLF, SOP? OMG!: A  Beginner's Guide to the Clinical Research Organization.    Messersmith, E. (2012). How to Select and Oversee Contract Research Organizations.  Global Clinical Trials Playbook, 39–55.  doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-415787-3.00005-9

Clinical trials are crucial for driving innovation and improving products in the personal care industry. They provide a structured framework to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and performance of new formulations, treatments, and skincare technologies. By participating in these trials, individuals contribute to advancing product development, ensuring better solutions for future consumers, and gaining early access to cutting-edge personal care innovations.  Phases of a clinical trial A clinical trial is a structured process designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a product. The process consists of several phases; Phase 0: Initial testing is conducted to assess the product's safety and functionality.  Phase 1: Around <50 healthy subjects are recruited, to assess the product's safety on human skin.  Phase 2: Recruiting around 5-100 patients, to evaluate the product's effectiveness and confirm safety for its intended use. Phase 3: More than 300 patients (up to 3000), to validate safety and efficacy in a diverse population.  Phase 4: Monitor the product's performance and safety after its commercial launch, to identify long-term effects, rare reactions, or opportunities for product improvement. Each phase has a specific purpose and is categorized accordingly (Kandi & Vadakedath, 2023). Importance of evidence-based practices Clinical trials supports the importance of evidence-based practices, ensuring that formulations are rigorously tested for safety, efficacy, and measurable benefits.  Efficacy validation: Clinical trials play a crucial role in confirming the effectiveness of skincare products. For example, studies have demonstrated notable enhancements in skin concerns such as wrinkles and hydration levels following the use of specific formulations, like peptide serums (Draelos, Kononov & Fox, 2016). Guiding clinical standards: Data from clinical trials contribute to the development of dermatological standards and treatment protocols, enhancing patient care and outcomes (Kottner et al ., 2019). Diverse participant group: In clinical trials it is possible for researchers to recruit a broad range of participants, including adults and children, for in-depth studies.  Focusing on specific conditions: Clinical trials can focus on common skin concerns, such as aging, acne, and dermatitis, enabling targeted research that directly addresses the needs of particular groups. Combination treatments: Research frequently investigates the effectiveness of combination therapies, which can improve treatment results. Clinical trials have shown that multi-ingredient products can greatly enhance various skin attributes, including texture and tone (Herndon et al ., 2015). Targeting microbiome: By analyzing participant’s skin microbiomes, researchers can identify specific strains that may be beneficial for individual skin types (Theodorou et al ., 2024). Conclusion In conclusion, clinical trials play a crucial role in confirming product effectiveness, ensuring safety, and supporting evidence-based practices. They drive innovation, comply with regulatory requirements, and enhance patient outcomes, making them an essential aspect of research and product development. References Draelos ZD, Kononov T, Fox T. An Open Label Clinical Trial of a Peptide Treatment Serum  and Supporting Regimen Designed to Improve the Appearance of Aging Facial Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Sep 1;15(9):1100-6. PMID: 27602972. Herndon JH Jr, Jiang L, Kononov T, Fox T. An Open Label Clinical Trial of a Multi-Ingredient  Anti-Aging Moisturizer Designed to Improve the Appearance of Facial Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Jul;14(7):699-704. PMID: 26151786. Kandi V, Vadakedath S. Clinical Trials and Clinical Research: A Comprehensive Review.  Cureus. 2023 Feb 16;15(2):e35077. doi: 10.7759/cureus.35077. PMID: 36938261; PMCID: PMC10023071. Kottner J, Hahnel E, El Genedy M, Neumann K, Balzer K. Enhancing SKIN health and safety  in aged CARE (SKINCARE Trial): a study protocol for an exploratory cluster-randomized pragmatic trial. Trials. 2019 May 29;20(1):302. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3375-7. PMID: 31142364; PMCID: PMC6542085. Theodorou IM, Kapoukranidou D, Theodorou M, Tsetis JK, Menni AE, Tzikos G, Bareka S,  Shrewsbury A, Stavrou G, Kotzampassi K. Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Clinical Studies Claiming to Contain Specific, Well-Characterized Strains of Probiotics or Postbiotics. Nutrients. 2024 Aug 2;16(15):2526. doi: 10.3390/nu16152526. PMID: 39125405; PMCID: PMC11314542.

At Sequential, we have developed a complete end-to-end solution to support microbiome R&D, formulation support and claims support. In 2019, we launched the world’s first at-home skin microbiome test kit (here) through Sequential Skin, and since then we have developed our B2B offering under Sequential (here). Sequential is formed by an award-winning team of scientists that is leading the way in microbiome analysis and detection: we are the first skin microbiome company to carry out in vivo testing (testing on the human skin) via an end-to-end service – from consultation, testing kits, to analysis and results, post-study consultation including claims substantiation and “Maintains the Microbiome in vivo” certification, as well as formulation optimisation. To date, we have analysed over 12,000 skin microbiome samples, deriving an AI-driven platform to improve formulation design, through working with 30 personal care, and skincare companies – such as Johnson & Johnson, Arcaea, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Clinique La Prairie, Vavin, and the Wella Company. Our microbiome technology is backed by some of the world's most prominent investors such as Metaplanet, Scrum Ventures, SOSV, Genedant, Ben Holmes (ex. Index Ventures), Innovate UK, and we are a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. Sequential officially launched in March 2022 (here) and since then we have developed scalp, oral, and vulva microbiome testing kits as new products. We are headquartered in London UK, with testing labs in NYC and Singapore. Why is Sequential innovative? Sequential is developing first-in-class innovative microbiome solutions for the cosmetic and skincare industry. Since conception in 2017, we’ve launched first-of-its-kind products to help drive forward and advance R&D on the human microbiome. The human skin microbiome is incredibly complex and relies on a systems biology approach to understand the presence, function, and relationships between microbes on the skin. In medical research, in vitro experiments have been used for the past century in understanding the basic function of the cell, however, they often fail in translating what's really happening in – or on – the human body. In the context of the skin microbiome, this is because the microbe behaves very differently when they’re taken out of their natural environment – and network with other microbes and biofilm. The only way to test a specific species or strain of microbe is to test it within its ‘real-world’ context – or in vivo. This is where the innovative solutions of Sequential come in. We have developed rigorous experimental designs for longitudinal studies that allow us to measure the specific amount of micro-organisms using qPCR, giving us quantitative information on species and strain level of over 20+ microbes found on the skin in vivo. By testing at several time points over 2-4 weeks of product usage, we can have confidence in how the skin microbiome is truly being affected. Our database on the skin microbiome and products are extensive, which allows us to have a clear understanding of how products and ingredients are having an effect on the microbiome. Our Sequential Patch is a skin microbiome testing solution that can be employed to ensure more consistent collection and we have shown more reliable results than using a swab for collection in longitudinal studies. We’ve also shown higher DNA and RNA amounts, which improves the quality of data we can present to our clients, and to their customers. Industry Challenges & Our Solutions 16S/ITS Sequencing on the microbiome doesn’t resolve species or strain level information Sequential uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing in our R&D, to understand critical species and strains that are influenced by cosmetic products and influence skin health. We have developed highly specific probes to measure the absolute quantity of these species or strains, down to the copy number. This gives us much more confidence that the microbiome is changing, not just at the community diversity level but at the individual species and strain level. A challenge has also been to have a sufficient database to know which strains of micro-organisms are critical for skin health Sequential has leveraged early datasets from our key advisors, Dr Paola de Sessions, Dr Tom Dawson and Dr Niranjan Nagarajan, to start with a strong foundation of a skin microbiome database. Since then, we have worked with 30+ clients to collect over 12,000 skin microbiome samples which give us a solid understanding of skin microbiome and how products and ingredients affect it. Human biological data is highly sensitive and individuals are concerned about data privacy Sequential uses highly secure encrypted AWS servers to store our microbiome data, in order to perform analysis and results. Only two people in Sequential Bio have direct access to this database and it is securely protected from anyone else having access. Finally, the personal details (name, address, contact details) of the individual samples are de-identified so there’s no way of being able to trace who each microbiome sample comes from. Some companies outsource microbiome testing to third parties A challenge here for the end client is that the price is higher, the quality isn’t always ensured, and the data is shared with another group. Sequential develops all our microbiome probes to test species and strains of micro-organisms in-house and therefore owns the entire process. This ensures higher quality service and a lower end cost to the client we work with. If you are interested in carrying out any research with us and testing products, you can reach us at team@sequential.bio. Our Press Releases https://www.personalcareinsights.com/news/microbiome-start-up-sequential-bio-debuts-first-in-vivo-testing-for-personal-care-industry.html https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/testing/microbiology/news/22105697/sequential-skin-debuts-sequential-bio-testing-solution