The body’s natural microbiomes are a form of “good” bacteria that protect the skin's barrier from harmful environmental impacts. The beauty industry has seen a mass increase in the presence of microbiomes in products. From skincare to supplements, the biological breakthrough is slowly working its way into various industry categories. As a result, the term “skin barrier” now has a monthly average of 24.1K Google searches, an increase of 41.5% from the 12 months prior to August 2021.

Givaudan is the latest to incorporate the microbiome into their products and services. Their newest range, Z-biome, provides the first microbiome-centered fragrance technologies in the industry. As more and more people believe that well-being is connected to the health of the skin, Givaudan has worked with scientists and perfumers to create two innovative technologies, My Z-biome and Z-biome Deo, to ensure consumers can choose not only beautiful scents, but also microbiome-friendly fragrances across a range of personal care products and body deodorants.

My Z-biome is a fragrance design tool that allows perfumers working for Givaudan to create microbiome-friendly fragrances that strongly consider the skin's microflora. The Z-biome Deo technology, based upon 30 years of expertise and malodor counteraction research, is designed specifically for personal hygiene, and allows the creation of microbiome-friendly and deo-effective fragrances, effectively combating sweat odor while still respecting the natural perspiration process.

Jeremy Compton, Global Head of Science & Technology, Fragrances, commented on the new platform: “We always try to develop new technologies which are relevant to consumers’ needs, so the new Z-biome™ platform helps address the desire to protect the skin microbiome as well as enhancing overall wellbeing. We’re very proud of developing these new technologies that are in line with our purpose of creating happier, healthier lives, with love for nature.”

The new fragrance technologies are the result of extensive testing of raw perfumery ingredients, looking specifically at their impacts on the skin's most common bacteria population. The platform will help customers create and design products that work in harmony with their natural skin barrier, while creating a memorable sensorial experience.