Article
Author(s):
The benefits include more accurate bacteria cell counts, more efficacious strains, and improved shelf life compared to non-heat-treated probiotics.
Probiotic-ingredient supplier Probiotical S.p.A. (Novara, Italy) has introduced two proprietary probiotic-ingredient blends under the trade name Skinbac that are designed for topical skincare use. To create the ingredients, the company says it applied a new, novel heat-treated technology that helps preserve the probiotic strains’ cell wall, which leads to more accurate bacteria cell counts, more efficacious strains, and improved shelf life compared to non-heat-treated probiotics.
One of the biggest challenges for manufacturers using probiotic ingredients in topical formulas is ensuring viability of the probiotic bacterial strains. Probiotical says it developed a heat-treating technology specifically for topical-probiotic formulas that “preserves the probiotic strains’ cells without incurring lysis.” (Lysis is the breakdown of a cell’s membrane.)
Leaving the cell wall intact provides several benefits, the firm’s press release says. “For the first time, the probiotics added to a formulation can be quantified via flow cytometry. This provides an accurate bacteria cell count versus the commonly used grams.” Not only that, Probiotical says, but “by maintaining cell receptors and proteins, the strains can retain their support of skin health.” And finally, “The blends’ shelf life has been significantly improved compared with non-heat-treated probiotics.”
So far, the company has introduced two topical blends in the Skinbac line: 1) Skinbac Care (containing probiotic strains Skinbac BRO3, LSO3, and LREO2), and 2) Skinbac Beauty (comprising Skinbac LPO1 and BSO5).
The new heat-treating technology will create new opportunities in topical cosmetic and personal care probiotic products, Probiotical says. To start with, it points to promising development in eye creams, face creams, and serums. The firm adds that its oral probiotic blends are already used in the skincare market to help consumers experiencing skin conditions like acne and dermatitis, as well as to support healthy hair and healthy aging.
“This new heat-treated technology, first applied to the Skinbac line of products, is the latest in the company’s many advancements that boost strains’ quality and efficacy,” Probiotical’s press release states. “Skinbac will enable customers to take full advantage of Probiotical’s understanding of the skin microbiome to create customized topical products.”
[This article was originally published by our sister brand, Nutritional Outlook.]