Skin microbiome sales are booming: Gallinée in the spotlight

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Described as a whole new frontier for skin care and beauty, the potential of the skin’s bacteria landscaped, dubbed the skin’s microbiome, is a hot topic for the industry. In this Editor’s Spotlight, we catch up with a booming brand at the forefront of the trend.

In a sign that consumer appetite is now fully behind the trend and growing, Gallinée made more in the first quarter of this year than in the whole of 2018.

Here, its founder, Marie Drago, fills us in on the story behind the brand so far, and where she thinks the potential of the skin’s microbiome lies for beauty.

Find out more and register ​​HERE​​ to join us at the Cosmetics Design Summit 2019: Skin Microbiome Innovation​.

This two-day conference is packed with expert speakers and groundbreaking research, amd takes place in Amsterdam, 24-25 June.

The exciting event is sponsored by DSM​ and Givaudan​ (Diamond sponsors); Solabia​, and Sabinsa​ (Platinum sponsors); Mibelle Biochemistry​ and Atlantia​ (Gold sponsors), and Indena​ (supporter).

Why the demand for probiotics in skin care?

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Marie Drago, Gallinée Founder

I think the rise of probiotic skincare is heavily linked to the discoveries in the microbiome field.

The more the science progress on the gut side of things, the more it makes sense to translate this for skin.

It also matches perfectly with the rising demand for products catering for sensitive skin.

What is the defining ethos behind Gallinée?

When we launched three years ago, we aimed to be the first skin care brand supporting your skin microbiome.

It makes so much sense, and for me it is the most natural process you can imagine.

The formulations are based on my pharmacy thesis, and incorporate tyndalised probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics.

Going back to setting up the company: can you explain any major challenges you had to overcome?

Formulation was “fun”, as usually products are made to kill bacteria and are not really designed to support them.

We also developed and launched the range with very little money, so we started very small.

Weirdly, convincing buyers and customers to try to grow their skin bacteria was the easy part.

Can you describe a major high point in your story so far?

In January of this year, we were awarded the Marie Claire Prix D’Excellence de la Beauté, the highest prize in France.

Getting on stage just after Mathilde Thomas from Caudalie (she’s a role model for me), Dior and Guerlain was a surreal experience.

Standout product?

We recently launched a Face Vinegar toner, with actual vinegar inside (it’s an interesting postbiotic). It has two patents, an indication for sensitive skin and oily skin, and it’s been flying off the shelves.

Are you expecting any key challenges or opportunities in the coming period? (the next 1 - 3 years)

The brand is really taking off at the moment, and our main challenge is making products fast enough. It’s a good problem!

Quickfire facts & figures:

Launch date: 1st of April 2016

Cashflow: We did more in Q1 2019 than in all of 2018!

Employees (size of company): 6 people

Products: 11 products, including our three new Scalp&Hair products

Retail channels: Online, selective retail and pharmacies.