Why Microbiome-Friendly’ Is More Than Just a Buzzword

In recent years, the word microbiome has taken center stage in the word of wellness. Claims that started in nutrition related to gut health and the gut microbiome – which have fueled the rise in popularity of kombucha, kefir, and prebiotic sodas – have quickly expanded into the personal care aisle. Now, terms like microbiome-friendly and skin safe are everywhere – from shampoos and deodorants to cleansers and body lotions.

But what does all this really mean – and how can fragrances support these claims?

From Gut Health to Skin Health

U.S. sales of prebiotic sodas have soared by more than 2,256% between 2022 and 2025, according to Boardroom. This is more than a trend – it’s a lifestyle shift. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing gut health, with many recognizing its connection to overall well-being and actively seeking products and information to support their digestive health. Naturally, that focus has expanded outwards to the body’s largest organ: the skin. Like your gut, your skin has its own microbiome, a living ecosystem of bacteria that helps defend against external irritants and supports overall skin health. And just like gut-friendly foods support digestion, microbiome-friendly personal care products are designed to maintain a healthy skin balance.

What does Microbiome Friendly mean?

To be microbiome friendly, a product must be gentle, non-disruptive, and supportive of healthy skin flora. The skin is constantly exposed to fabric, pollution, UV rays and topical products that are known to alter the skin’s microbiome. Harsh ingredients – including some fragrance compounds – can disrupt this delicate microbiome, resulting in visible symptoms like dryness, redness, breakouts and sensitivity. Brands like Mother Dirt and Bioma have created personal care products that actively support and repair the skin’s microbiome. Using microbiome-friendly fragrances in your product formulations is a way to connect with these consumers and continue to grow with the evolving skincare landscape.

Creating Microbiome-Friendly Fragrances: My Z‑biome™ and Z‑biome™ Deo 

If your brand is already focused on skin-safe formulas, adding microbiome-friendly fragrance is a natural next step. Custom Essence can help your brand in formulating fragrances that are especially gentle on your skin’s microbiome while still delivering a sensorial experience. Our parent company, Givaudan, has created two innovative fragrance design tools that combine Givaudan’s unique scientific and perfumery expertise: My Z‑biome™ and Z‑biome™ Deo.

My Z‑biome™ is a design tool that allows perfumers to craft microbiome-friendly scents for personal care applications. Z‑biome™ Deo is a dual-action technology that effectively combats sweat malodor while respecting the natural perspiration process and the skin’s microflora. The result: microbiome-friendly and deo-effective fragrances.

Why Now? The Market is Growing Fast

Consumer demand for skin-safe fragrances and other products is on the rise. We believe that microbiome-supporting products are here to stay – products like kombucha and kefir have become permanent staples of the American shopping list. Here are a few more stats that support the growing demand for skin-safe products:

  • Business Wire forecasts a 15% CAGR for the skin microbiome market from 2020-2030
  • In 2019, the global skin microbiome modulators market was valued at $541.1 million. By 2030, it’s projected to be $2,971.6 million
  • The facial care segment in skincare is projected to have a CAGR of 48% from 2020-2030

Let’s Create Together!

If your goal is to bring microbiome-safe products to the market, let’s collaborate. Our team will combine creativity, ingredient, and formulation expertise with cutting-edge technology to develop standout fragrances that will check all the right boxes.

Ready to learn more? Contact Custom Essence today to set up your initial consultation with our team.