Unveiling a New Microbiota Role in Photoageing

Interview with Dr. Òscar Expósito,
CEO and Co-founder, Vytrus Biotech

Vytrus has a long track record in the microbiota research. What is your latest discovery?

Vytrus has been researching in the microbiota field for 10 years. First, we discovered the respectful way to ‘hack’ a bacterial communication system (Quorum Sensing) that led to virulence, and imbalanced microbiota and sebum production. This resulted in two actives from plant stem cells: Quora Noni™ to treat acne-prone skin and Deobiome Noni™ to regulate body odor as a biological deodorant (Silver Best Ingredient Award at in-cosmetics Global).

Then, Vytrus discovered the Microbiota-Skin-Brain axis, demonstrating with Kannabia Sense™ the ability of microorganisms to influence the regulation of skin hormones, such as oxytocin, and their impact on emotional well-being. This innovation was also recognized with the Gold Best Ingredient award at in-cosmetics Global.

In recent years, Vytrus focused on the influence of the microbiota on the ageing process, and as a result of this development Quora Noni™ biomics has shown that the skin can be rejuvenated by rejuvenating the skin microbiota through balancing the "Senile Biome Markers" for the first time in cosmetics.

Now we found a new biological approach - the Sun-Microbiota-Skin axis. This highlights the important role of the microbiota in relation to the effects of solar radiation on the skin, either in favor or to the detriment of the skin tissue. We discovered bacteria species that specifically interacts with the sun which makes them produce the so-called “solar postbiotics”. 

When the microbiota is photodamaged, it starts a cascade that ends up in accelerating a skin photoageing process. So yes, we can affirm for the first time that a microbial-induced photoageing on the skin happens.

This interaction between microbiota and sun ended up in your new active Photobiome™. What is the innovation behind and the benefits for consumers?

Photobiome™ opens the door to a new category of Microbial Antioxidant. 

Thanks to this 100% natural and COSMOS approved innovation, Vytrus has created a prebiotic blend derived from Pomegranate and Cotton stem cell. Photobiome™ helps the skin microbiota photoprotect itself for the first time in the sector while improving the signs of the skin photoageing process.

The new active Photobiome™ modulates bacteria metabolism and stimulates the microbiota to produce its own photo-defense molecules (solar postbiotics) that are beneficial for the skin cells. Tested on photodagamed volunteers, the active protects the microbiota and the skin cells from the photo-oxidative stress of the harmful sun radiation.

This scientific innovation brings a new approach to the suncare and well-ageing markets and a novel discovery in the fascinating microbiota universe. This new category of biotechnology-based active ingredients offers cosmetic formulations new pathways to protect and repair skin photodamage with a sustainable solution based on plant biotechnology:

• Preventive & treating antioxidant formulations
• Tackling photoageing - products to take care of wrinkles (crow’s feet area, bar code, eye contour)
• Preventive & reparative suncare formulations
• Treatments to improve the appearance of skin hyperpigmentation, elasticity and firmness

How has the cosmetic industry recognized this step forward in the microbiota field?

The first positive surprise was to find Photobiome™ on the 10 nominee list for Best Ingredient Award of in-cosmetics Global 2023, the world leading personal care ingredients trade show. 

This recognition from the jury to our active’s innovation amongst the 260 ingredient candidates submitted worldwide encourages us to keep on working on what we believe in: the real power of nature through sustainable and respectful biotechnology platforms and science. 

At the same time, Photobiome™ won the First prize as Most Innovative Raw Material at the famous BSB Innovation Awards 2023. These awards were originated in Germany by the hand of Dr. Mr Riedel and involves a global reference for the cosmetic industry.  The award ceremony also took place in Barcelona, Spain last March and highlighted the high level of innovation in the microbiota field.

Photobiome™ is really having a positive impact and good feelings amongst our customers that realize how it is possible to find new biological pathways through our skin microbiota to fight the skin photoageing. 

We expect this new innovation to greatly expand on the well-ageing and suncare markets, providing consumers efficient and sustainable solutions to protect and take care of your microbiota and skin at the same time.

Trade shows seems to have definitely come back in scene. What will be your next presence in fairs?

The celebration of trade shows is globally booming and recovering the attendance levels of previous year, just like in-cosmetics Global in Barcelona confirmed last March where Vytrus exhibited its latest novelties and usually sponsors the Seating areas of the show as a peaceful oasis for visitors.

Our next showcase will be in Germany by participating at Cosmetic Business Munich, the leading trade show for the cosmetic industry in the DACH region.

Our Vytrus’ technical team will join our German distributor (Novoclon) at stand B09 to showcase our latest novelties based on an efficient and sustainable plant biotechnology. German customers will have the chance to discover how to sustainably create advanced formulations with skin and hair care actives based on the top sustainable technology in the industry right now - plant stem cells – which Vytrus has gained a scientific expertise on in the last 14 years.

As we are a global company, Vytrus will also exhibit at prestigious shows like in-cosmetics Korea and in-cosmetics Asia this year, as well as in other important local shows in France, UK, Italy, Spain and other countries.