Gattefossé comes into the microbiome discussion with a new study on its O/W emulsifier Emulium® Mellifera MB
Editor
Emulium® Mellifera MB is a natural O/W emulsifier that allows the formulation of a wide range of textures suitable for all skin types and climates.
It creates natural emulsions with white and luxurious appearance, while leaving a light and smooth afterfeel. Its moisturizing and anti-pollution properties, its capacity to visibly improve skin texture and its high tolerance even for sensitive and hyper reactive skin make Emulium® Mellifera an active emulsifier.
To go further in understanding the attributes of a healthy skin, Gattefossé demonstrated that Emulium® Mellifera MB is “microbiome-friendly”, meaning that it maintains, even improves the cutaneous microbiota balance.
New clinical study
The objective of this research was to study the effect of an emulsion formulated with 4% of Emulium® Mellifera MB on moisturization, skin barrier function and to understand its impact on cutaneous microbiota. Several evaluation techniques have been used:
♦Study of cutaneous microbiota by amplification and sequencing of ribosomal 16S DNA
♦ Biometrological measures: corneometry, TEWL
♦ Self-assessment by the volunteers on various criteria
♦ Questionnaire to understand what volunteers know about cutaneous microbiota
♦ Overall satisfaction questionnaire
Maintaining the cutaneous integrity and balance of the skin flora
Results showed an increase of moisturization, a reduction of TEWL reflecting a better barrier function and an improvement of the skin quality of volunteers.
More importantly, the study of cutaneous microbiota after application of an emulsion containing Emulium® Mellifera MB revealed that the taxonomic diversity and richness of the skin flora have been at least maintained or even improved for 81% of volunteers. These parameters are directly linked to a healthy skin, able to defend itself against external aggressions.
A natural and flexible emulsifier
Emulium® Mellifera MB is a natural and PEG-free O/W emulsifier based on the transformation and functionalization of natural waxes, a patented technology developed by Gattefossé oleochemists.
From beeswax and jojoba wax, the wax butter obtained by esterification and interesterification brings a unique sensoriality and moisturizing properties to this emulsifier.
Flexible, it allows the creation of a wide range of textures, from sprayable lotions to thick butters, and applications, such as skincare, suncare or makeup.
