The scalp microbiome harbors a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, with densities reaching 10^6 microbes per square centimeter. This specialized environment maintains unique ratios of commensal bacteria—primarily Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium species—alongside fungi like Malassezia, which comprises up to 80% of the fungal population in healthy individuals. Disruptions in this microbial balance correlate with conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and inflammation, where Malassezia restricta populations can increase by 1.5-2x compared to healthy scalps.

The challenge lies in selectively modulating the scalp microbiome to restore balance without disrupting beneficial microbial communities that maintain barrier function and immune homeostasis.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including Staphylococcus capitis strains that selectively inhibit pathogenic microbes, heat-treated Rimosylactobacillus fermentum that enhances dermal papilla cell activity, fermentation complexes with specific probiotic combinations, and nano-carrier delivery systems for postbiotic compounds. These and other approaches offer practical methods for addressing scalp dysbiosis while supporting the native microbiome's protective functions.

1. Staphylococcus capitis Strain with Selective Bacterial Interaction Properties for Scalp Microbiome Regulation

SHANDONG FREDA BIOLOGICAL CO LTD, Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 2025

Strain of Staphylococcus capitis bacteria isolated from healthy human scalp that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and scalp microbiome balancing properties. The bacteria's culture supernatant promotes growth of beneficial scalp bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes while inhibiting harmful bacteria like Malassezia restricta. This helps restore scalp microbiome balance and improve dandruff-prone scalp health.

2. Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain CCSMS1601 with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties for Scalp Microbiome Modulation

SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2025

Staphylococcus epidermidis strain CCSMS1601 for improving scalp health and treating dandruff. The strain promotes a healthy scalp microbiome by inhibiting harmful bacteria like Malassezia restricta while promoting beneficial bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia globosa. The strain's fermentation supernatant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Using the strain and its products in scalp care products can help restore scalp microbial balance to prevent and treat dandruff.

CN119410512A-patent-drawing

3. Propionibacterium acnes Strain CCSMS0630 with Selective Promotion of Malassezia Growth and Inhibition of Staphylococcus capitis and Malassezia restricta

SHANDONG FREDA BIOLOGICAL CO LTD, 2024

A strain of Propionibacterium acnes that selectively promotes Malassezia growth while inhibiting Staphylococcus capitis and Malassezia restricta. The strain, identified as Propionibacterium acnes CCSMS0630, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly in promoting Malassezia growth while regulating the balance between bacteria and fungi. This unique dual-action capability enables the strain to improve scalp health through its ability to restore the normal balance of microorganisms in the scalp.

4. Scalp Care Solution with Probiotic Fermentation Products and Plant Extracts in Composite Nano-Carrier Liquid

YIWU XIYAN COSMETICS CO LTD, 2024

Scalp care solution containing probiotic fermentation products and plant extracts to promote scalp health. The solution contains fermentation products like lactobacillus, bifid yeast, alteromonas, and bifid yeast lysate, along with plant extracts from mushrooms, herbs, and legumes. The fermentation products provide nutrition for scalp probiotics, enhancing barrier function. The plant extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits. The solution also includes stabilizers, surfactants, and a composite nano-carrier liquid to improve scalp absorption of the active ingredients.

5. Probiotic Composition with Postbiotics, Moisturizers, Oils, Skin Conditioners, and Emulsifiers

JINHUA YINHE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

A probiotic postbiotic composition for improving scalp health and preventing hair loss. The composition contains postbiotics, moisturizers, oils, skin conditioners, and emulsifiers. The postbiotics are derived from beneficial bacteria and provide scalp-enhancing substances like short-chain fatty acids. The moisturizers hydrate the scalp, the oils replenish lipids, the skin conditioners promote cell metabolism, and the emulsifier binds the ingredients. The composition can be used in hair care products like shampoo, conditioner, and masks to improve scalp environment and prevent hair loss.

6. Fermentation Complex with Specific Probiotic Strain Combination for Scalp Care

GUANGZHOU YOUKE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Guangzhou Youke Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Haomai Technology Co., Ltd., 2023

Fermentation complex for scalp care products that combines probiotic strains to address dandruff and oil control while maintaining a mild, non-irritating profile. The complex utilizes a specific strain combination of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus strains, which are fermented in a controlled environment to produce a natural, green, and gentle product. The fermentation process involves adjusting pH and temperature conditions to optimize the probiotic activity while maintaining a balanced microbial population. The resulting product exhibits enhanced anti-dandruff and oil-controlling properties with antibacterial and soothing effects, making it suitable for daily scalp care applications.

CN116747185B-patent-drawing

7. Cosmetic Composition Containing Polysaccharide, Yeast-Derived Extract, and Probiotic Fermentation Product

LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD, 2023

A cosmetic composition for improving skin condition through the synergistic effects of a polysaccharide, a yeast-derived extract, and a probiotic strain fermentation product. The composition combines these active ingredients to enhance beneficial bacteria growth while suppressing harmful bacteria, resulting in improved skin health and reduced inflammation. The composition demonstrates enhanced skin benefits compared to using either ingredient alone, making it a novel approach for skin improvement.

US2023338270A1-patent-drawing

8. Heat-Treated Rimosylactobacillus Fermentum LM1020 with Inactivated Cellular Structure for Modulation of Dermal Papilla Cell Activity

Lactomason Co., Ltd., LACTOMASON CO LTD, 2023

Heat-treated lactic acid bacteria Rimosylactobacillus Fermentum LM1020 promotes hair follicle dermal papilla cell proliferation, inhibits 5α-reductase-1, and enhances growth factors like FGF7 and EGF, thereby preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The heat-treated bacteria, which have been inactivated through heat treatment, provides a novel hair growth solution with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.

9. Probiotic Composition with Paracoccus denitrificans and Staphylococcus epidermidis for Modulating Growth Factor Expression in Dermal Papilla Cells

COSMAX INC, COSMAX Inc., 2023

A probiotic strain that promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles by enhancing the expression of growth factors in dermal papilla cells. The strain, Paracoccus denitrificans, is used in combination with Staphylococcus epidermidis to create a synergistic effect. The combination supports hair follicle maintenance and growth through the upregulation of key growth factors like VEGF and FGF7, while also exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The strain can be delivered through various media or formulations, including a culture solution, lysate, or extract.

10. Skin Care Composition with Inulin/Yogurt Powder, Rose Extract, Peptide, Bacillus Ferment, and Lactic Acid Bacterium Derivatives

GUANGDONG MARUBI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Skin care composition that improves the barrier function of the skin and the distribution of microorganisms on the skin surface. The composition contains inulin/yogurt powder, rose extract, peptide, bacillus ferment, lactic acid bacterium culture lysate, and lactic acid bacterium/eriodicthione calihornicum ferment. It is a unique blend of skin-absorbable ingredients that synergistically improves skin barrier and microbiome. Adding this composition to cosmetics enhances their microbiome benefits.

JP2022095528A-patent-drawing

11. Scalp Microbiome Modulation Using Biotin-Binding Compounds and Biotin Precursor

UNILEVER IP HOLDINGS BV, 2021

Composition and method for selectively promoting beneficial microbial growth in the scalp microbiome, particularly for dandruff treatment. The composition utilizes a biotin-binding compound and a precursor for biotin biosynthesis, such as pimelic acid, to support the growth of commensal bacteria like Malassezia and Staphylococcus while inhibiting pathogenic species like S. epidermidis and C. acnes. This approach enables targeted modulation of the scalp microbiome to prevent dandruff while maintaining healthy skin flora.

WO2021233614A1-patent-drawing

12. Scalp Treatment Composition with Bifidobacteria, Glutamic Acid, and Rice Bran Ferment for Modulating Bacterial Flora

PHARMA FOODS CO LTD, 2021

Preventive or alleviating agent for dandruff, itchiness, or hair loss on the head that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis on the scalp while suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The agent contains a composition with bifidobacteria, glutamic acid, rice bran ferment, or combinations thereof. Applying this composition to the scalp improves the bacterial flora and prevents/reduces scalp conditions like dandruff, itchiness, and hair loss.

13. Probiotic Shampoo with Diverse Strains and Prebiotic Components for Scalp Microbiome Balance

GUANGDONG GEWU BIO TECH CO LTD, 2021

A probiotic shampoo that effectively manages scalp inflammation through the synergistic action of probiotics and prebiotics. The formulation combines a diverse range of probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus paracasei ST11, with specific prebiotic components like inulin, α-glucan oligosaccharides, and rhamnose. These beneficial microorganisms work together to restore the natural balance of the scalp microbiome, enhance barrier function, and promote skin health. The shampoo's unique blend provides a comprehensive approach to addressing dandruff and scalp irritation, while its gentle formulation ensures safe and effective use.

14. Shampoo Composition with Zinc Pyridinethione, Piroctone Ethanolamine, Celery Seed Extract, Silk Hydrolysate, and Bilberry Extract

FOSHAN LYUYOU NETWORK TECH CO LTD, 2019

Anti-dandruff shampoo that improves scalp health by balancing the microbial flora. The shampoo contains zinc pyridinethione and piroctone ethanolamine salt for bactericide action, but also celery seed extract, silk hydrolysate, and bilberry berry extract to inhibit bacteria and improve scalp environment. This synergistic combination sterilizes and inhibits bacteria to improve scalp microbiome, increase resistance, and prevent dandruff recurrence.

15. Cosmetic Composition with Vitreoscilla Filiformis Lysate for Scalp Microbial Balance Restoration

OREAL, 2019

A cosmetic treatment that prevents and treats flaky scalp conditions by targeting the underlying microbial imbalance. The treatment utilizes a lysate of the bacteria Vitreoscilla filiformis, which is derived from a complete fermentation medium, to restore the natural balance of the scalp's flora. The active agent, formed through cell lysis, contains metabolites and cell wall fragments that inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms while maintaining the integrity of the scalp's natural ecosystem. This approach addresses the root cause of flaky conditions by addressing the underlying imbalance rather than just masking symptoms.

ES2702031T3-patent-drawing

16. Shampoo Composition with Silk Hydrolysate and Fungicidal Agents for Scalp Moisture and Microbiome Regulation

GUANGZHOU QIYUAN BIO-TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., 2018

Shampoo containing silk hydrolysate that addresses scalp issues through both moisturizing and microbiome balance. The silk protein component enhances scalp health by improving its natural moisture barrier, while the addition of appropriate herbal or synthetic fungicides targets and regulates scalp microbial populations. This dual-action approach addresses both the root causes of scalp issues, including dryness and overgrowth, by addressing both the physical and microbial aspects of the scalp environment.

CN108992357A-patent-drawing

17. Scalp Treatment Composition Containing Vitreoscilla Filiformis Lysate with Microbiome-Balancing Properties

LOREAL, 2018

A cosmetic treatment for preventing and treating dandruff conditions of the scalp that addresses the underlying imbalance of the scalp microbiome. The treatment utilizes a lysate of the bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis, a species of yeast that naturally colonizes the scalp, as a potent active agent. The lysate is derived from a complete fermentation medium and contains cell fragments of the microorganism, providing a comprehensive approach to restoring the natural balance of the scalp microbiome. This treatment demonstrates efficacy against dandruff conditions at lower concentrations than conventional antifungal agents, while maintaining the integrity of the scalp barrier function.

US10046014B2-patent-drawing

18. Scalp Composition with Corn Silkworm, Ramulus Wilfordii, and Cocodimethylammonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin

JIANG RIQIONG, 2018

A nourishing scalp composition that maintains the scalp's ecological balance while promoting hair health. The composition contains a blend of natural extracts, including corn silkworm extract, ramulus wilfordii extract, and cocodimethylammonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin, which work together to regulate scalp flora, control oil secretion, and repair epidermal integrity. The composition is formulated into a nourishing shampoo that gently cleanses and conditions the scalp while maintaining its natural ecological balance.

19. Compositions of Vaginal Microbiome-Derived Lactobacillus and Metabolites for Scalp Application

MARC M BAUM, 2017

Prevention and treatment of dandruff and related scalp disorders through novel formulations of probiotic microorganisms and their metabolites. The compositions contain isolated probiotic bacteria from the vaginal microbiome, specifically Lactobacillus species, along with their metabolites and cell lysates. These formulations are designed to target the specific pathogenic fungus Malassezia, which is a key driver of dandruff, while also addressing the underlying skin barrier dysfunction. The compositions can be administered orally or topically to the scalp, and their pH buffering capabilities ensure optimal skin compatibility.

20. Method for Modulating Skin Microbiome Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Combinations

XIAN SHANFANG PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2016

A method to enhance skin health through targeted probiotic and prebiotic combinations. The approach combines specific probiotic strains with prebiotic fibers to modulate the skin microbiome, specifically targeting surface flora. By introducing these components as a cosmetic or topical agent, the method enables rapid correction of imbalances in the skin microbiota, improving barrier function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall skin health.

Get Full Report

Access our comprehensive collection of 21 documents related to this technology