Genetically Modified Bacteria and Personalised Skincare

Human skin microbiome plays a fundamental role in maintaining skin health, immunity, and appearance. While current microbiome-friendly cosmetics emphasise the use of probiotics and prebiotics, recent advances in bioengineering are paving the way for a new generation of personalised and sustainable skincare solutions. This evolution is increasingly necessary given the limitations of conventional dermatological treatments in addressing individual variability. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), synthetic biology, and high-throughput microbiome sequencing now enable precise skin analysis and the development of tailored, more effective cosmetic formulations.

Treating acne has always been the center of research aiming to improve skin health, resulting in several medications against acne. Bioengineered strains created a new pathway to cure and treat acne through the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Due to their ability to effectively reduce acne (68–83% reduction in bacterial activity), AMPs became promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics.

Bioengineering techniques have been employed to optimise the stability, selectivity and production efficiency of AMPs. Two main production methods are used in this process: recombinant production and synthetic production. The former is effective for large-scale productions while being cost-effective and scalable. However, it faces challenges in managing peptide toxicity, thus requiring the implementation of fusion proteins and inclusion bodies. Whereas, the latter, synthetic production, is based on a chemical process which creates an efficient way of controlling peptides structures and modifications, improving their activity.

Another branch of dermatology is the production of anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce infections and itching. Research proved that Staphylococcus Epidermidis is able to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy skin through various approaches. This bacterium produces anti-inflammatory metabolites and lipoteichoic acid which promotes collagen synthesis and can diminish UV radiation damage to the skin barrier. Moreover, its interaction with host cells like keratinocytes, increases the production of antimicrobial peptides such as human β-defensin 2 (hBD2) and hBD3 in keratinocytes which are effective against infections as Lai et al. state in their study. Staphylococcus Epidermidis has also been subjected to genetic engineering, expressing tumor antigens (like Carcinoembryonic Antigen) which has the potential to elicit anti-inflammatory responses.

Advanced technologies such as microbiome sequencing can help formulate personalised skincare to satisfy an individual’s needs for optimal skin health knowing that each microbiome is unique. This explains how microbiome sequencing allows the customisation of skincare as it is a transformative technology that offers genomic advancements. AI-driven microbiome analysis has also proved to be efficient for tailor-made cosmetics specific for each microbiome due to AI capabilities in diagnosing skin conditions.

Microbiome sequencing, specifically next-generation sequencing (NGS), is a transformative technology. Thus, it offers genomic advancements especially in the microbiome domain because it allows the rapid sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, thus providing insight into genome structure and genetic variations.

Probiotics also improve the skin barrier function and maintain hydration in order to protect the skin from the environment. Therefore, personalised formulations are critical to enhance compatibility with the skin’s unique microenvironment. Another benefit for personalised formulations is that they can influence the skin microbiome in a positive way knowing that the regular use of products can alter the skin microbiome in a healthy way by improving skin hydration and texture. Indeed, personalised formulations include specific active ingredients tailored to individual skin needs such as vitamins, peptides and collagens. In addition, the development of self-preserving skincare products tailored to an individual’s bacterial profile aids in maintaining microbiological safety without conventional preservatives. Alternative preservatives such as natural and physical preservation allows the creation of safe environments that promote microbial growth and thus supporting the microbiome

The skincare industry has become so large that people encounter difficulties when trying to find suitable solutions for their specific skin needs. In fact, the wide diversity of products makes it hard for an individual to settle for a certain recommendation knowing that it may not be the best for their skin tone, type or color. As a result, artificial intelligence proves to be an opportunity to enhance personalised skincare recommendations and thus provides better personal care. AI models have the capability to identify and diagnose specific skin patterns in order to predict effective and efficient products for everyone. The AI systems analyse skin type, acne count, UV exposure and oiliness level and other specific data to suggest tailored skincare products by using different techniques.

While some studies support the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in evaluating the microbiome, others caution that errors may arise if machine learning models are not sufficiently advanced (5% error rate in disease prediction). With that being said, Chen et al. (2022) and Wu et al. (2021) revealed that microbiome data can be very dimensional and heterogeneous which requires machine learning models that are sophisticated enough to handle complex interactions and give accurate results that can be interpreted.

To understand the growth of bioengineering in cosmetic applications over the next decade, we can look at several key trends and advancements. One major trend is the integration of biotechnology and bioengineering to improve formulation processes by making the production of raw materials more efficient. These raw materials include recombinant proteins and cytokines which are essential in developing anti-aging products that also enhance appearance. As for bioengineering technologies, innovations like tissue engineering and microfluidics expand the scope of cosmetic applications. They also enable the production of more effective and sophisticated cosmetics products. Furthermore, natural and sustainable ingredients are becoming more mainstream due to their safe and sustainable properties. Biosurfactants and marine-derived compounds are an example of those natural ingredients which can be used as safer alternatives for synthetic chemicals in cosmetic formulation.

Moreover, microalgae and Cyanobacteria are organisms that are being investigated for their ability to produce bioactive pigments with antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, nanotechnology and advanced delivery systems help the development of nanoscale cosmetic products, thus being a significant trend. Indeed, nanoparticles that range from 1 to 1000 nm, improve the delivery of active ingredients, allowing a deeper penetration into the skin, and thus enhancing their effectiveness. It is also expected to stimulate innovation in cosmetic dermatology, leading to more biocompatible and biodegradable products. Last but not least, market growth is leading to a rising demand for cosmetics, where consumer interest in age-defying and appearance-enhancing products drives this growth.

Looking forward, several perspectives deserve emphasis. First, deeper integration of AI with microbiome engineering will accelerate the design of tailored formulations and predictive models for skin health. Second, the development of rigorous, region-specific regulatory pathways and standardised safety protocols will be critical for translating laboratory advances into globally accepted consumer products. Third, sustainability must evolve beyond ingredient substitution, moving toward full life-cycle assessments, circular packaging, and renewable microbial platforms that minimise environmental impact. Fourth, longitudinal clinical studies are urgently required to establish efficacy and safety across diverse populations, thereby enabling widespread adoption. Finally, interdisciplinary collaborations between engineers, dermatologists, regulators, and industry stakeholders will define the trajectory of the next generation of personalised and eco-conscious cosmetics.

Not my own work. Taken from:

Atallah, C.; El Abiad, A.; El Abiad, M.; Nakad, M.; Assaf, J.C. Bioengineered Skin Microbiome: The Next Frontier in Personalised Cosmetics. Cosmetics 2025, 12, 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12050205

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