Groundbreaking findings highlight the connection between skin bacteria on various areas of the body and psychological wellbeing.

The study assessed microbiome samples from body areas, including the face, scalp, and underarm, alongside answers from psychological wellbeing questionnaires

Findings revealed that higher levels of a common skin bacterium, Cutibacterium, were linked with better psychological wellbeing

Specifically, higher levels of Cutibacterium on the face and underarm were associated with lower stress. Higher levels of the bacteria on the underarm were also associated with improved mood.

New research conducted by Unilever scientists in partnership with the Microbiome Innovation Centre and the Brain & Behaviour Lab, University of Liverpool, has unveiled a fascinating potential link between the skin microbiome and mental wellbeing for the first time. The study offers unique insights that could transform our understanding of skincare and psychological wellbeing.

While significant attention has been given to the impact of the gut microbiome on mental health, Unilever’s new study, published today in the British Journal of Dermatology, is the first to uncover the skin microbiome's role in this complex interplay across various areas of the body.

The study, titled Body-site specific associations between human skin microbiome composition and psychological wellbeing, shows concentrations of specific beneficial microbes that live on the skin, particularly Cutibacterium, are linked to psychological wellbeing. Higher levels on the face and underarm were associated with lower stress, and increased levels of Cutibacterium on the underarm were also linked to improved mood. Overall, increased Cutibacterium across multiple body sites was consistently associated with positive wellbeing outcomes.

The findings are the latest in a host of groundbreaking microbiome discoveries by Unilever. With over 100 patents secured and over 30,000 samples analysed, Unilever now holds one of the world’s largest collections of human skin microbiome data. Various Unilever products already benefit from these insights, including body washes, deodorants and beauty products across brands like Dove, Vaseline, Pond’s and Dermalogica.

Jason Harcup, Chief R&D Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, says these latest insights support the emerging concept of the skin-brain axis. “The skin-brain axis refers to the fact that our skin and psychological wellbeing are connected. Research has shown that bacteria in the gut can affect psychological wellbeing, but the role of skin bacteria has been less understood, until now. Our results reveal that greater relative abundance of Cutibacterium is associated with enhanced wellbeing, reduced stress, and improved mood across various body regions, suggesting for the first time that the skin microbiome may impact mental wellbeing.

“This is important because we know consumers no longer see the pursuit of beauty and wellbeing as independent of each other. They are looking for products that support physical appearance, mental wellbeing, and positively contribute to overall health. By advancing our scientific knowledge of the skin-brain axis, the goal is to develop holistic products that improve the wellbeing of our consumers, inside and out.”

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