Unlocking the Skin Microbiome

Sanjana Balani • Potion Inc.

Skincare’s most innovative movement works with, not against, your skin’s inherent functions.

Your microbiome, the invisible ecosystem of microorganisms that live on your skin vary from person to person and by location on the body. Biome-based skincare challenges conventional approaches: the concept is based on working with the skin rather than against it, a departure from traditional skincare marketing.

“In the USA, almost 70-90% of major skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea are caused by a compromised or imbalanced skin microbiome,” says Sanjana Balani, founder and chief executive officer, Potion Inc.

Common occurrences like retinol irritation or over-exfoliation have become normalized in a culture where skincare often embraces the “no pain, no gain” mentality. Rather than promising “perfect” skin, microbiome-based skincare is focused on achieving optimal skin health. The key lies not just in eliminating anything that might upset the balance of our natural bacteria, but in adding things that actively support it.

Potion Inc and the Microbiome

Recent research indicates that skin thrives at a target pH of 4.5-5.5, fostering a healthy microbiome. At this relatively acidic pH, the healthy microbiome thrives.

At Potion, we’ve formulated a routine where every product is infused with ingredients that intentionally protect, strengthen and support your skin barrier. This means that products are completely accepted, absorbed and infused into your skin, optimizing its look and internal healthy radiance. Our goal at Potion is to reflect the skin’s radiance from the inside out, and we prioritize this by including prebiotics, probiotics and barrier-strengthening ingredients in every potion.

For example, our Clean Slate cleanser boosts the skin barrier with neem and turmeric extract, while our Come Alive probiotic serum features lactobacillus, a beneficial skin bacteria.

Your skin requires essential nutrients to thrive; prebiotics rebalance the skin microbiome, while probiotics reduce inflammation, often the root cause of many skin conditions. Alongside these, our formulations boast potent antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, ensuring all-day skin health. Red bell pepper extract is the hero ingredient in our sunscreen, and paired with coconut alkanes, it provides the ideal hydrating base for complete absorption into the skin.

Future Trends in Skincare

Today, approximately 60% of South Korean consumers are aware of the importance of the skin microbiome and are five times more likely to purchase skincare products that are microbiome-friendly.

The future of skincare lies in this shift towards microbiome-friendly products — one where a healthy breeding ground is the answer to ‘perfect’ skin. Brands with “squeaky clean” claims are now viewed as harsh skin-strippers, while pH balancing formulations take centre stage.

It’s not just about doing no harm, it’s about working with and via your skin’s microbiome, inherently its antenna, to deliver amazing skincare results. In the next decade, wellness, beauty, and personal care will converge, with consumers exploring the synergy between nature and science.

There’s never been a better time for microbiome skincare – and at Potion, we are committed to delivering the realistic results it promises.

About the Author

Sanjana Balani is founder and chief executive officer of Potion, Inc.