Microbiome takes centre stage at this year’s in-cosmetics Formulation Summit

With skin care that works with the body’s natural microbiome now firmly established as a hot emerging topic for the industry, in-cosmetics has announced that biobeauty will be the major theme of its Formulation Summit this year.

Held in London annually, the in-cosmetics Formulation Summit hones in on particularly pertinent topics and trends of the moment, offering delegates keen insight that is particularly suitable for those working at the formulation level of the supply chain.

This year, organisers of the two-day conference event, will showcase the latest trends and innovations in biobeauty, examining the microbiome’s importance and application, the science behind it, and how it relates to green claims and sustainability.

This year’s event, the third edition of the conference, will take place in London, 25-26 October.

Korea: a focal point

Organisers note that due to the market’s expertise in fermentation and the application of the fermentation to skin care, Korea is set to be a key focal point of the conference.

Specialists from across the sector will reveal details of the latest global trends biotransforming beauty, as well as relevant key products from Korea,” they confirm.

“Many of the industry’s most iconic beauty products are founded on fermentation, and as they were developed long before today's natural or sustainable trends, we know fermentation is their raison d'etre, and the power that drives their efficacy.

Bacteria checks

Organisers note that alongside the conference sessions, interactive elements will be in place: delegates will have the opportunity to have their own facial microbiome revealed, while learning about why these microorganisms are essential for healthy skin and hair.

Speakers will cover related topics, including the impact of preservatives, prebiotics and probiotics on the microbiome.

They are also set to examine the validation of microbiome claims, and how advanced DNA techniques are offering interesting ways to support and prove claims.

Green and clean

The event will also focus on ‘Formulating with Nature’, say organisers, examining in particular the green alternatives to some of the cosmetic industry’s most popular products and processes.

The session is set to include a presentation on the green alternatives to petrochemicals, explaining how replacing materials derived from petrochemicals with chemically identical materials made through biotransformations – such as fermentation – is the fastest way to green-up products.

Barbara Brockway, Director at Personal Care Applied DNA Sciences, who has collaborated with Reed Exhibitions on the programme, commented: “The personal care industry is gradually becoming more aware of the role of microbes in beauty and the importance of the skin’s microbiome when formulating new products. There is a great deal of complex information out there, so we wanted to distil it down into a relevant, usable format for this year’s summit.

More information is available here.