The global skin care market is projected to reach $189.3 billion by 2025, according to market research firm Statista, with microbiome-focused products emerging as a major growth segment. Recognizing this shift, Dakota Biotech, through its brand LaFlore, has introduced a Skin Health Testing Kit designed to provide consumers with deeper insights into their skin microbiome.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for science-backed skin care solutions that address long-term skin health rather than just surface-level concerns,” Tessa Kienow, Vice President of Brands at Dakota Biotech told CosmeticsDesign. The kit aims to bridge the gap between skin care and skin health by offering personalized recommendations based on microbiome analysis.
A data-driven approach to skin care
LaFlore developed the Skin Health Testing Kit in response to consumer demand for a more scientific approach to skin care. “We found that people want to understand what is happening on their skin,” said Kienow. “As consumers, we apply various products with all sorts of claims, but no one really knows if they are making a lasting impact on the skin’s overall health and longevity.”
The kit utilizes quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to analyze the microbiome, offering greater precision than traditional sequencing methods. “qPCR is the gold standard test for quantifying the number of organisms on the skin,” she explained. “Our lab partner, Sequential Bio, calculates a ‘genome copy per microliter,’ which is the most accurate way of evaluating the level of good and bad skin microbes.”
The role of probiotics in skin health
Probiotics play a critical role in maintaining skin health by balancing the microbiome. “A balanced microbiome is essential for optimal skin function, protecting against pathogens, regulating pH, and delivering essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and peptides,” Kienow explained. “Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the skin microbiome, is implicated in a wide range of dermatological conditions, including acne, eczema, rosacea, and even premature aging.”
LaFlore’s proprietary delivery system ensures the stability and efficacy of probiotics without refrigeration. “Our unique formulation ensures the live probiotics remain stable and active, delivering a potent dose of beneficial bacteria upon application,” she noted.
Personalized insights for consumers
The Skin Health Testing Kit provides consumers with detailed reports on their skin’s bacterial composition and microbiome diversity. “This is why the Skin Health Testing Kit is such a monumental shift in skin care,” shared Kienow. “When one takes the test, they receive a detailed report of what bacteria make up their microbiome, how that is changing their skin, and a clinically determined skincare regimen that will help recalibrate their microbiome diversity.”
Additionally, the kit assesses the “true age” of an individual’s skin, offering insights into how environmental and lifestyle factors affect skin health. “While the skin may look good to the naked eye, the ‘true age’ is a look at the skin through the lens of microbiome health and if there are signs of accelerated aging,” she added.
Market differentiation and industry partnerships
LaFlore differentiates itself by offering probiotics rather than simply microbiome-friendly formulations. “While other lines are microbiome-focused or friendly, the benchmark is that the products ‘do no harm’ to the microbiome,” Kienow stated. “LaFlore products are proven to improve the overall health of the microbiome.”
Sequential Bio, LaFlore’s lab partner, enhances the reliability of the testing kit by leveraging a microbiome research database of over 25,000 samples. “Their expertise in microbiome research, coupled with next-generation sequencing, ensures the clinical accuracy and reliability of our recommendations and product efficacy,” she said.
Consumer education and future developments
LaFlore is actively educating both consumers and professionals on microbiome-focused skin care. “We’re about to launch a new LaFlore Skin Health Certification Program specifically for professionals interested in probiotics and the microbiome,” said Kienow. “Plus, we’re hosting roundtables with the Sequential team and running monthly virtual training sessions.”
Looking ahead, Dakota Biotech is researching the broader applications of live probiotics beyond skin care. “Our research and development teams are dedicated to understanding the broader impact of the microbiome on overall wellness, recognizing its crucial role in areas such as gut health, immune function, and even mental well-being,” Kienow shared.
As personalized, data-driven skin care continues to evolve, LaFlore aims to lead the industry in microbiome-based solutions. “There’s still much to learn about the skin microbiome, but its growing role in immune health is an important topic that our industry must pay attention to,” said Kienow. “At Dakota Biotech, we’re committed to investing in research that will deepen our understanding of single-strain technologies.”
While skin care trends continue to shift, Kienow believes that science-backed approaches will become increasingly important. “Ultimately, skin health is bacterial, and this is the only test on the market that can show bacterial diversity,” she concluded.
