Symrise launches SymProBiome, a platform with disruptive innovations in microbiome research and product development

The unique SymProBiome platform (www.symrise.com/symprobiome) positions Symrise at the forefront of microbiome research. It takes understanding of the body’s complex and dynamic ecosystems to a new level and enables the creation of specific and effective health and personal care products for key areas including skin and hair care, oral hygiene and gut health.

“Like the earth itself, the human body resembles a large dynamic ecosystem that strives for stability and balance across its smaller ecosystems while facing constant challenges. We consider it therefore essential to understand the body’s microbiomes both locally and as a holistic system in order to develop products that can truly maximize health and wellbeing while enhancing consumer satisfaction”, says Imke Meyer, Vice President Global Innovation Cosmetic Ingredients Division of Symrise.

Unlike previous research, which focused on the human microbiome as an independent entity, SymProBiome brings to life a deeper understanding of the microbiome’s symbiotic relationship with the human body and its crucial role in health and personal care. wSymProBiome introduces a new approach in the marketplace, introducing products and ingredients and also gaining unique insights with regards to existing ingredients. Applications range across the Symrise product portfolio, from oral care and cosmetics to food and fragrances.

Connecting science and innovation to create unique real world solutions

SymProBiome emerged from collaborations between Symrise experts in microbiology, microbiome research, and other leading authorities in the fields of human cell and molecular biology, analytics, and organic synthesis. Paired with the long-standing core competence in flavor, fragrance, cosmetic ingredients and nutrition development, SymProBiome acts as interdisciplinary platform that unites creativity and innovation and translates it into sophisticated science and new product development.

“SymProBiome takes research and understanding of the human microbiome to the next level. This includes the development of dedicated in vitro and ex vivo microbiome models that closely models the natural ecosystems of the body”, says Dr. Christin Koch, Director Microbiology Research at Symrise and scientific head of SymProBiome.

Proprietary technologies to simulate and decode the microbiome

Thanks to the development and use of advanced microbiome screening and modeling tools, SymProBiome has delivered effective ingredient solutions in key areas including the underarm (SymDeo® B125, a deodorant active), skin (SymRebootTM L19), scalp (Crinipan® PMC Green), and oral cavity (Optafresh® D).

Besides the development of ingredients that care for the microbiome, SymProBiome also addresses consumer interest in reducing the potentially harmful impact of traditional cosmetic products on their microbiome. Our multifunctional ingredients, such as SymSave® H in combination with Hydrolite 5 green, Hydrolite 7 green, and Hydrolite CG bring many benefits for formulations, such as moisturizing as well as antioxidant properties and achieve full product protection by maintaining the microbiome. “Keeping products safe from microbial contamination can work in harmony with the skin microbiome.
SymProBiome helps us protect both – the product and the skin!” says Dr. Sabrina Behnke, Senior Global Product Manager in the Cosmetic Ingredient division.

“We feel perfectly positioned to deliver innovations in microbiome personal care, continuously building on our existing knowledge by forging partnerships with a wealth of leading scientific experts who form part of our scientific advisory board. SymProBiome has already brought scientific breakthroughs with significant relevance to product development”, says Dr. Florian Genrich, Senior Global Product Manager at Symrise.

This teamwork clearly benefits from collaborations with Diana Food belonging to Symrise’s Flavor & Nutrition segment, world leading producer of natural food ingredients, as well as probiotics experts Probi and global authorities including Canada’s Université Laval Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food (INAF) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Symrise has also founded a research program that includes an industrial research chair and a Collaborative Research and Development program.