Synopsis

Labskin-S 3D in vitro human skin equivalent was populated with a whole skin microbiome sample donated by a volunteer presenting with adult acne post-pregnancy. The microbiome sample was allowed to establish and proliferate on the surface of the Labskin-S. Test items were applied to the microbiome-skin constructs including a 5% benzoyl peroxide product, a 2% succinic acid product and a DPS control.  The results showed that the 2% succinic acid product was most effective in reducing the C.acnes present in the skin microbiome, but that it also elicited the greatest inflammatory response. The study highlights the importance of evaluating microbiome modulating products in a skin equivalent model, not just to measure the effectiveness of microbe reduction but also the skin inflammatory responses.