The deeptech biotech startup BYOME LABS developed a new generation of microbiome-based compatibility analysis, powered by an AI developed with dermatologists and trained on 5000+ microbiological data and a unique strains library. The technology helps brands move from generic skincare to measurable microbiological personalisation.
For decades, the beauty industry has searched for the “best” skincare products. But advances in skin microbiome science are challenging one of cosmetics’ oldest assumptions: that the same product can work equally well for everyone, or anyone. Today, French deeptech biotech startup BYOME LABS, a pioneer in microbiome analysis and dermocosmetic innovation, unveils a new generation of diagnostic technology. Called BYOME DERMA, it is designed to help brands measure what may become the next frontier in beauty and cosmetics: microbiological compatibility. Welcome to the future of skincare!
A growing business challenge for the beauty industry
According to industry estimates, up to €450 billion1 worth of cosmetic products are wasted due to many factors, with product-skin incompatibility being the leading cause, while nearly 40%2 of the global population experiences concerns linked to sensitivity, inflammation, acne or skin barrier imbalance. In developed countries alone, an estimated 780 million consumers could be affected by product-skin incompatibility3. Yet skincare recommendations still rely largely on visual assessments, questionnaires and broad skin categories.
“Today, the question is no longer ‘What is the best skincare product?’ but rather ‘Which products are the most microbiologically suitable for your skin?’,” says David Suissa, Founder & CEO of BYOME LABS. “For years, the industry has developed products either without considering the microbiome at all, or by relying on a highly generic, one-size-fits-all approach to microbiome science. But microbiome science shows us that every skin ecosystem is unique, and that compatibility can now become measurable.”
Beyond personalisation, compatibility could become a strategic business issue for beauty brands and retailers. As consumers increasingly seek scientific transparency and individualised skincare experiences, brands face growing pressure to:
- Reduce product mismatch
- Improve consumer satisfaction
- Increase loyalty
- Create more intelligent retail experiences
- Deliver scientifically substantiated personalization
- Prove to their customers that their products are truly compatible with their skins
Building the Science Behind the Compatibility Revolution
The skin microbiome, which is the ecosystem of microorganisms naturally living on the skin, plays a critical role in hydration, immune defence, inflammation regulation and skin barrier function. Skin microbiome is often referred to as our “second skin”. BYOME LABS emerged in May 2022 as a cutting-edge deeptech start-up, specialising in microbiome testing and analysis for the cosmetic, dermocosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, combining AI, microbiology, immunology and genetic engineering. The company has built a team with over 20 years of expertise in studying interactions between cosmetic formulations and the microbiome.
This expertise has led the company to a simple observation: a product’s performance depends not only on its formulation, but also on the microbiology of the skin on which it is applied. Some formulations help preserve microbiome balance in certain individuals while disrupting it in others, potentially affecting skin hydration, barrier function, inflammation levels or overall skin comfort. In other words, the question is no longer simply “Which product works?” but rather “Which product works for this specific skin?”
BYOME DERMA: Bringing Biological Compatibility to Brands and Retail
To make this approach actionable at the point of sale, BYOME LABS has developed BYOME DERMA, a rapid skin microbiome diagnostic kit designed for use directly in stores and professional environments.
Using test strips inspired by rapid antigen technologies and AI models trained on microbiological and dermatological data, the solution measures several skin parameters within minutes and recommends the products most compatible with each consumer’s microbiological profile, without the need for any dedicated equipment. Unlike traditional approaches based on laboratory sequencing or PCR, the technology was designed to deliver near-instant results in real-world retail environments. The only requirement to read the results is a dedicated app.
BYOME LABS is already engaged in discussions with several major beauty and dermocosmetic players regarding future retail and product compatibility initiatives.
Toward a New Generation of Measurable Beauty
“The future of beauty is not only about creating more products. It is also about helping consumers identify the formulations that are truly compatible with their skin”, adds David Suissa, CEO & Founder of BYOME LABS.
Sources
1 Source: IFOP
2 Source: Cosmetics Market Size, Share, Growth | Industry Report 2033
3 Market sizing methodology: In 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people lived in developed countries out of a global population of 7.9 billion (Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs). As 60% of individuals in developed countries experience skin concerns, the potential addressable market is of approximately 780 million consumers.
