In today’s world, clean surfaces, hygienic floors and sparkling kitchens are a must. But while we enjoy a spotlessly clean home, many cleaning products contain a substance that can be problematic for our health. Methylisothiazolinone, or MIT for short. This preservative has been used in numerous household products for years, despite its alarming allergenic potential.…

When we think of sulphur, we usually immediately think of various unpleasant smells from chemistry lessons. But the fact that sulphur also exists in other forms and is even suitable for beauty care is not so well known. The most interesting example is methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also called dimethylsulphone. The substance is found in many plant…

For decades, the rule in cosmetics was: as germ-free as possible, cleansed as thoroughly as possible. This way of thinking is outdated. Under the banner of Microbiome 2.0, a paradigm shift has taken place—away from mere germ reduction and toward the targeted modulation of the microbial community on the skin and scalp. This article introduces…

Abstract The cosmetics industry is increasingly using ingredients of microbial origin to specifically support the skin ecosystem. Microbiome skincare aims to stabilise the balance of microorganisms living on the skin, thereby improving skin condition, well-being and appearance. Cosmetic formulations with probiotic lysates can – despite natural exfoliation and constant stress – provide stimuli that promote…

The terms microbiota and microbiome describe, in a narrow sense, the totality of all microorganisms that colonise a living being. In humans, the microbiota consists of bacteria and fungi. When a foetus grows in utero, it is still largely free of microorganisms. However, this changes at birth, when the newborn comes into contact with its…

Introduction Microcirculation is a fundamental component of our skin health, but it is often underestimated. It describes the flow of blood through the smallest vessels in our body, known as capillaries. These delicate structures have a diameter of only 5 to 8 micrometres and enable the direct exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic products between…

Definition and properties of microemulsions In 1943 the first microemulsions were produced by HOAR & SCHULMAN. They first described the formation of stable, optically clear, liquid systems after adding an alcohol to a defined mixture of water, oil and a soap. In 1959, SCHULMAN et al. then coined the term microemulsion for such systems. Microemulsions…

What do we mean by micronutrients? Nutrients enable the body to run smoothly through all metabolic processes and thus make a positive contribution to health. They enter our body through the food we eat. A distinction is made between macro- and micronutrients. Macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats act as energy suppliers for our…

Microorganisms, also known as germs, are animal or plant microscopic organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. They can exist as vegetative forms, characterised by metabolic activity, or as spores, which are their permanent form. These carry genetic material but do not carry out any metabolism. Microorganisms…

The development and safety of modern cosmetic products depends not only on innovative formulations, but also on the right packaging. This is because complex interactions can occur between the contents and the packaging material, which are summarised under the terms diffusion, sorption, migration and permeation. Migration in particular plays a central role in the cosmetics…