DSM invests in skin microbiome startup

21-Feb-2019 - Last updated on 06-Mar-2019 at 08:59 GMT

DSM Venturing, the venture investment arm of Royal DSM, a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living, has made an equity investment in skin microbiome company S-Biomedic NV.

The investment from DSM completes S-Biomedic’s latest Series A financing round, and is a move that confirms DSM is taking the skin microbiome trend seriously, looking to lead on the development of the emerging trend.

S-Biomedic is a Belgium based Life Sciences company pioneering a new approach to cosmetic and therapeutic potential of the skin microbiome.

“We know that balance in the gut microbiome contributes to overall wellness, including skin health, but does the skin’s own unique ecosystem also has an impact on its appearance and feel?” DSM has said of the wider skin microbiome trend.

“Scientists, dermatologists and beauty brands have been giving the matter serious consideration in recent months and consumers are also starting to want to know more.”

DSM: serious about the skin’s microbiome

According to DSM, this investment underlines the company’s interest in the skin microbiome, an area it has identified as having significant growth potential. DSM already holds a strong position in gut microbiome research and solutions with its Culturelle product range.

“With its long-established expertise in skin biology and in-depth knowledge in the field of epidermal science DSM is well placed to extend its research and innovation focus on the skin microbiome. We have already made encouraging discoveries about how skin actives in our existing product portfolio work on the skin and scalp microbiome. Through this investment, we hope to foster further innovation in the field” commented Rishabh Pande, Vice President Marketing & Innovation Personal Care & Aroma at DSM.

DSM Venturing has invested in more than 50 emerging innovative companies since its inception in 2001 and its current portfolio covers various industries. “DSM welcomes open innovation, as our history of investing in start-ups and taking on the role of incubator shows,” comments Rob Beudeker, Investment Director at DSM Venturing.

The investment in S-Biomedic comes just as DSM has also launched an unbranded content website dedicated to the skin microbiome, The Secret Life of Skin.

Under the microscope: Cosmetics Design Summit

The skin microbiome is set to be under the microscope as Cosmeticss Design’s first Summit, a face-to-face event to be held in June this year.

Find out more and register HERE to join us at the Cosmetics Design Summit 2019: Skin Microbiome Innovation, which is sponsored by DSM and Givaudan (Diamond sponsors); Solabia and Sabinsa (Platinum sponsors); Mibelle and Atlantia (Gold sponsors), and Indena (supporter).