The human skin microbiome comprises over 1,000 bacterial species, with populations varying between 10⁴ to 10⁶ microorganisms per square centimeter. Maintaining this delicate ecosystem requires precise prebiotic concentrations—recent studies show that variations as small as 0.01% in oligosaccharide levels can significantly impact microbial diversity and colonization patterns.

The fundamental challenge lies in formulating prebiotic components that selectively nourish beneficial bacteria while avoiding stimulation of potentially harmful microorganisms.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including specialized fructo-oligosaccharide formulations, synergistic inulin-based compositions, fermentation substrate systems, and targeted fatty acid approaches. These and other approaches focus on maintaining skin barrier function while promoting a balanced microbiome through precise prebiotic delivery mechanisms.

1. Cosmetic Composition with Resurrection Plant Extract and Inulin Featuring Specific Proportions of Polyglutamic Acid, Pectin, and Oligosaccharides

CHO BONG SANG, Jo Bong-sang, 2024

Cosmetic composition for skin soothing and moisturizing improvement containing resurrection plant extract and inulin, which provides enhanced skin benefits through increased skin flora activity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced hyaluronic acid synthesis. The composition comprises 2 to 12% resurrection plant extract, 0.5 to 4% inulin, 0.1 to 1% polyglutamic acid, 0.01 to 0.5% pectin, and 0.01 to 0.6% oligosaccharides, with 0.01 to 0.6% of these components being oligosaccharides. The composition is formulated with 2 to 12% resurrection plant extract, 0.5 to 4% inulin, 0.1 to 1% polyglutamic acid, 0.01 to 0.5% pectin, and 0.01 to 0.6% oligosaccharides, with 0.01 to 0.6% of these components being oligosaccharides.

2. Composition with Lactobacillus/Soybean Milk Filtrate, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharides, Red Pine Leaf Extract, and Lactobacillus Fermentation for Skin Microbiome Balance

GUANGZHOU LANXUAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

A composition for regulating skin microecological balance that promotes healthy skin by improving skin microbiome diversity. The composition contains five ingredients: lactobacillus/soybean milk fermentation product filtrate, inulin, alpha-glucan oligosaccharides, red pine leaf extract, and lactobacillus fermentation product. The ingredients synergistically promote probiotic growth, inhibit harmful bacteria, eliminate biofilms, and reduce quorum sensing to achieve overall skin microbiome balance. The composition is useful in skin care products to enhance skin barrier, control oil, relieve irritation, and repair skin.

3. Compositions of Human Milk Oligosaccharides with Squalane and Polysaccharides for Topical Application

UNIV CATOLICA PORTUGUESA, 2024

Compositions containing human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for reducing inflammation, irritation, and improving skin health. The compositions can be used as pharmaceuticals to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, rosacea, eczema, or UV radiation-induced inflammation, or as cosmetics to enhance skin appearance, reduce wrinkles, increase firmness, elasticity, hydration, and anti-aging effects. The HMOs can be formulated with squalane, carboxymethyl cellulose, lecithin, glyceride, etc.

4. Composition with Streptococcus Mitis Fermentation Product and Oligosaccharides for Skin Microecology Regulation and Barrier Repair

ZHUHAI JINTAI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

A composition for regulating skin microecology and repairing skin barrier that effectively inhibits Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus while maintaining skin health. The composition contains specific synergistic amounts of Streptococcus mitis fermentation product, α-glucan oligosaccharide, isomaltooligosaccharide, oat β-glucan, and inulin. This combination provides potent antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria while preserving the skin's natural barrier function.

5. Composition of Polygonum Aviculare Extract and Synbiotics in Defined Ratios for Dermatological Formulations

MORAZ MEDICAL HERBS LTD, 2024

Combining extracts of the plant Polygonum aviculare with synbiotics (probiotics and prebiotics) in specific ratios for dermatological and cosmetic applications. The compositions provide improved skin health benefits compared to using Polygonum extracts or synbiotics alone. The ratios of Polygonum extract to synbiotics range from 10,000:1 to 1:10,000. The compositions can be formulated into creams, gels, lotions, sprays, patches, etc. for skin conditions like eczema, acne, atopy, inflammation, aging, etc. The Polygonum extract and synbiotics synergy provides benefits beyond what each component alone could achieve.

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6. Fermentation Substrate Composition with Lactate, Sugars, and Nitrogen Sources for Selective Modulation of Skin Microorganisms

SUZHOU HAONIUYIGE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

Composition that regulates specific skin microorganisms to achieve anti-inflammatory effects through fermentation. The composition comprises lactate, sugars, and nitrogen sources as fermentation substrates, which inhibit inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TLR4 in the skin microbiome. The composition is engineered to selectively target and modulate skin microorganisms while maintaining a balance of beneficial microbiota, providing sustained anti-inflammatory effects.

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7. Skin Care Composition with 1,3-Propanediol and Fructan for Modulating Skin Bacterial Balance

ACTIVON CO LTD, 2024

A skin care composition that promotes skin health by maintaining the natural balance of bacteria on the skin. The composition contains 1,3-propanediol as an active ingredient. It can also contain boosting ingredients like fructan and yeast extract. Applying this composition topically to the skin increases beneficial bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis while reducing harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This helps maintain a healthy skin microbiome.

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8. Cosmetic Composition with Short-Chain Fructo-Oligosaccharides and Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Native Corn Starch

TEREOS STARCH & SWEETENERS EUROPE, BEGHIN MEIJI, 2024

Balancing the skin microbiota through a cosmetic composition that incorporates short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides and native starches. The composition, comprising a cosmetically acceptable carrier, contains at least one short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide and at least one native starch. The short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide is derived from sugar beet and has a degree of polymerization of 3, while the native starch is derived from corn and is a product of enzymatic hydrolysis. The composition is used to restore skin microbiota balance, particularly in cases of dysbiosis, by promoting beneficial bacterial growth and reducing pathogenic species.

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9. Fatty Acid Compositions with C18-C24 Chains for Selective Support of Skin Commensal Bacteria

UNILEVER IP HOLDINGS BV, 2024

Using specific fatty acids and compositions containing them to promote a healthy skin microbiome. The fatty acids, like C18 to C24, are applied to skin to selectively support growth of beneficial commensal bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis. This helps maintain a balanced microbiome to protect against harmful bacteria. The fatty acids can be used alone or in personal care products at concentrations up to 10% to enhance commensal bacterial growth.

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10. Composition Comprising Rice Bran Fermented with Pediococcus Pentosaceus and Botanical Extracts

PRO SAFE BIO CO LTD, 2024

Composition for strengthening skin barrier, relieving itching, or moisturizing the skin using rice bran fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus strain as an active ingredient. The composition can further contain extracts from goldenrod, prickly pear, sophora root, angelica root, and ginseng in specific ranges to enhance the effects.

11. Composition Containing Lactose-N-Neotetraose with Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Skin Barrier Protection

BEIJING HUAXI RONGXI BIOTECHNOLOGY RES CO LTD, 2024

Using lactose-N-neotetraose, a type of human milk oligosaccharide, for skin care to soothe skin, inhibit inflammation, prevent/repair damaged skin barrier, and reduce inflammatory cascades triggered by UV radiation. The composition containing lactose-N-neotetraose can significantly inhibit expression of inflammatory factors like TNF-alpha, interleukin-8, and prostaglandin E2.

12. Skin Microbiome Modification Using Engineered Bacteria and Complementary Formulations

SEED HEALTH INC, 2023

Enhancing the health of an individual's skin microbiome to improve skin health through the use of modified bacteria and other skin contacting formulations. The method involves administering modified bacteria with desirable characteristics to specific skin regions, like newborns within hours of birth. The bacteria may be human-specific strains modified to reduce pathogenicity or enhance beneficial functions. Prebiotics and extracts are also applied to support the modified bacteria. The goal is to balance skin microbes for better skin health and disease prevention.

13. Skin Care Composition with Carbon, Nitrogen, and Lipid Sources for Microbiome Balance

BEIERSDORF AG, 2023

A skin care composition that promotes skin microbiome balance through growth-enhancing compounds. The composition comprises a carbon source, such as pyruvic acid, pyruvate, lactic acid, lactate, or a combination thereof, along with a nitrogen source like urea or arginine, and a lipid source like caprylic/capric triglycerides. These components are combined in a skin care formulation that supports the growth of beneficial skin microorganisms, maintaining a healthy skin microbiome balance.

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14. Prebiotic Composition with Soy Isoflavones, Amino Acids, Probiotic Lysate, and Fermentation Products for Skin Microbiota Modulation

QINGYUAN WANGSHA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A prebiotic composition that regulates skin microbiota balance through synergistic action of probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes. The composition combines soy isoflavones, soy amino acids, probiotic lysate, and probiotic fermentation products to create a potent prebiotic that modulates the skin microbiome. This composition demonstrates enhanced skin barrier function, reduced inflammation, and improved skin repair through its comprehensive action on the skin microbiota.

15. Galactooligosaccharide-Based Composition with Defined Galactotriose-Galactose Ratio and Yeast Fermentation Lysate

YUNFU JINBAOLUO BIOLOGICAL TECH CO LTD, 2023

Galactooligosaccharide-based skin care composition that enhances skin elasticity, improves skin texture, and protects against environmental stressors. The composition comprises galactooligosaccharides, 8-glucan, protease, fructo-oligosaccharides, and yeast fermentation lysate, with a specific galactotriose-galactose ratio of 1:1. This unique combination provides potent antioxidant and moisturizing properties, while maintaining skin barrier function. The composition is particularly effective in functional foods and cosmetics, particularly in skin creams and lotions, and can be formulated at concentrations of up to 15% galactooligosaccharide.

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16. Topical Skin Care Composition with Probiotic Strains, Prebiotic Fibers, and Bioactive Compounds for Microbiome Modulation

SHANGHAI ELEGANCE INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2023

A novel skin care composition that harnesses the power of probiotics to restore skin microbiome balance. The composition combines probiotic strains, prebiotic fibers, and bioactive compounds to create a synergistic effect that enhances skin barrier function and modulates the skin microbiome. The composition is formulated into a topical product that delivers these beneficial microorganisms directly to the skin surface, promoting a healthy skin ecosystem and reducing acne severity.

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17. Prebiotic Composition with Polymer Network, Solid Support, and Ionic Polymer Network for Skin Applications

EMBION TECH SA, 2023

Prebiotic composition for skin cosmetic purposes, such as regeneration and protection of the skin. The composition includes a polymer network, a solid support, and a ionic polymer network.

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18. Method of Modulating Skin Microbiome via Targeted Bacterial Formulations for Newborns

SEED HEALTH INC, 2023

A method for enhancing skin microbiome health through targeted skin contact formulations. The method employs a novel approach to skin microbiome modulation by introducing beneficial bacteria and microbe components to the skin surface, specifically targeting newborns. The formulation is applied to the skin in a critical window after birth, within the first 24 hours, to establish immune tolerance to commensal microbes. This early intervention enables the development of a robust skin microbiome that can prevent or mitigate skin diseases, while also promoting immune system maturation. The formulation is delivered through a lotion, ointment, or gel that can be rubbed onto the newborn's entire body.

19. Cosmetic Composition with Fructooligosaccharides, Lactobacillus Fermentation Product, and Inulin at Specific Concentrations

SHANGHAI ZHONG YI DAILY CHEMICAL CO LTD, 2023

Anti-allergic composition with soothing and repairing effect for cosmetic applications, especially baby care. The composition contains low concentrations of fructooligosaccharides, lactobacillus fermentation product, and inulin. It provides anti-allergic effects by reducing inflammatory factors like IL-1a and IL-8. It also promotes filaggrin generation to repair the skin barrier. The concentrations of the ingredients are 0.00001-6% fructooligosaccharides, 0.00001-2% lactobacillus fermentation product, and 0.00001-2% inulin. The composition can be used in cosmetics, particularly baby care products, to soothe and repair irritated skin.

20. Skin Care Composition with Carbon, Nitrogen, and Lipid Sources for Microbiome Growth and Low Osmolality

BEIERSDORF AS, 2023

A skin care composition that promotes healthy skin microbiome development through targeted application of growth-promoting compounds. The composition contains a combination of carbon, nitrogen, and lipid sources that are metabolized by skin microbiota, supporting their growth and stability. The composition maintains low osmolality for topical application, creating a hyperosmotic environment that severely impacts bacterial viability. This composition can be used for therapeutic purposes, particularly in preventing and treating skin diseases like acne, and has therapeutic applications in preventing acne recurrence.

21. Composition Comprising 3-O-α-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-myo-Inositol Synthesized via Biocatalytic Melibiose Reaction

22. Composition with Breast Milk Oligosaccharides for Modulating Skin Microbial Balance

23. Prebiotic Extract Comprising Acylated Honeysuckle-Derived Compounds with Enhanced Bioavailability

24. Sophorose-Based Agent with Selective Proliferation and Inhibition Properties for Skin Flora Balance

25. Coconut Fruit Juice Composition for Selective Bacterial Modulation and Skin Barrier Enhancement

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