The certified products have been shown to actively support the delicate skin microbiome balance of babies. As more brands embrace this
approach, the future of babycare looks promising, with microbiome-friendly products poised to become the new standard in the industry.
In recent years, the focus on the microbiome and its crucial role in overall health has seeped into various industry sectors, including skincare. This shift has brought about a revolutionary approach to babycare, emphasising the importance of microbiome-friendly products specifically designed for the delicate skin of infants. One organisation at the forefront of this movement is KIND TO BIOME, dedicated to certifying microbiome-friendly cosmetics and raw materials and providing companies with the tools to further understand the impact of their formulations. With its unique In Vitro + Ex Vivo approach and its tailored protocols for all areas of the body including baby skin, KIND TO BIOME is setting new standards in the babycare industry.
Understanding the Need for Microbiome-Friendly Babycare
“The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that plays a vital role in maintaining the host's skin physiological functions, immunity, and overall skin health. In babies, this ecosystem is impacted by a variety of factors, such as the mode of birth, maternal diet and breastfeeding, the environment and location of birth, as well as genetics, gender and even hospital cleansing practices. But importantly, in babies this ecosystem is in development and constant evolution. The delicate balance of an infant's skin microbiota can be easily disrupted by harsh chemicals, preservatives, and other common ingredients found in many skincare products. The disruption of this ecosystem, called dysbiosis, is linked with a variety of skin issues, from rashes and irritation to more severe conditions like eczema”, says Leo Salvi, Head of Science at KIND TO BIOME.
Given the sensitivity and importance of baby skin, it is imperative that babycare products are formulated to maintain a healthy skin microbiome. This is where KIND TO BIOME's certification comes into play. By offering worldclass In Vitro + Ex Vivo testing and a protocol specifically designed for baby skin, KIND TO BIOME ensures that products meet a strict standard of microbiome-friendliness. These protocols take into account the unique characteristics of different areas of baby skin like the nappy area, providing a comprehensive approach to testing and certification.
Aligning with Babycare Formulation Philosophy
The traditional formulation philosophy of babycare products has always centred around gentleness and minimalism. Formulators strive to create products that are as mild as possible, following a bottom-up approach where they find the minimum amount of preservatives that they can use and strip the formula bare of functionally unnecessary ingredients such as perfume. In addition to other potentially irritating ingredients formulators are called upon to select the mildest alternatives for every ingredient functionality from emollients and surfactants to the actual preservation system. The goal is to use only the bare minimum necessary to ensure product safety and effectiveness. Achieving microbiome-friendliness aligns seamlessly with this philosophy but sets an even higher standard.
KIND TO BIOME's certification provides a clear pathway for brands to meet these elevated standards, ensuring that their products are not only gentle but also respect the skin microbiome of babies. At the same time, companies with a know-how on formulating for this particular age target are very well equipped to undertake this certification process.
Industry Response and Progress
Recognizing the growing demand for microbiome-friendly babycare, many brands are making significant strides in this direction. KIND TO BIOME's certification is becoming a sought-after mark of quality and safety in the babycare industry. A notable example is Minimalist, a brand backed by Unilever, which recently received KIND TO BIOME certification for its babycare line. This certification signals a commitment to the highest standards of microbiome care, offering parents peace of mind that the products they use on their babies are both safe and effective.
Minimalist's ambitions highlight a broader trend in the industry, where leading brands are increasingly prioritising microbiome-friendly formulations. This shift is driven by a combination of consumer demand, scientific advancements, and a growing understanding of the importance of the skin microbiome. As more brands follow suit, the availability of microbiome-friendly babycare products is set to expand, offering parents more choices and better options for their children.
“Our KIND TO BIOME-certified baby care range is carefully formulated and tested to ensure it is gentle on the most sensitive skin. This certification reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficacy, offering parents peace of mind and babies the best care possible”, says Dr Vaibhav Khare, Senior Manager of R&D at Minimalist.
