The Hidden Role of Skin Microbiota in Accelerated Aging—And How to Manage It

Shifting the Paradigm: Aging Beyond Wrinkles

Today’s cosmetic formulators are navigating a rapidly evolving concept of aging. No longer confined to the simple appearance of wrinkles, modern consumers view aging as a holistic process involving skin vitality, pigmentation, texture, and microbiota balance. Research reveals that 84% of global consumers believe in embracing their age rather than concealing it, favoring proactive prevention over reactive treatment. However, the biological intricacies of skin aging extend beyond the visible. Recent discoveries have spotlighted the skin’s microbiota and its role in accelerating aging through metabolites like porphyrins — molecules now known to drive inflammation, oxidative stress, and pigmentation disorders. For formulators, the challenge is clear: develop effective, preventive skincare strategies that address the biological roots of aging, not just its symptoms.

Addressing the Hidden Drivers of Aging: A New Formulation Challenge

Formulators today face mounting pressure to create products that resonate with new consumer expectations: well-aging solutions that prevent visible signs while preserving the integrity of skin health. As consumers increasingly look for preventive care, solutions must go beyond temporary fixes and offer deeper, biological support to maintain skin resilience over time. Traditional anti-aging approaches, which typically center on hydration, collagen supplementation, and antioxidant protection, now seem incomplete against the emerging understanding of skin biology.

One of the most critical discoveries reshaping this field is the role of porphyrins—postbiotic molecules produced by skin-resident bacteria—in accelerating visible aging. Elevated porphyrin levels have been directly linked to the formation of dark spots, wrinkles, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This insight demands a shift from surface-level treatments toward microbiota-centered strategies that control porphyrin activity at its root. Adding to the urgency, formulators must meet the rising demand for minimalistic, sustainable, and microbiome-friendly solutions, creating a pressing need for actives that balance efficacy with holistic skin health.

Evernityl™: A Breakthrough Solution for Holistic Well-Aging

Evernityl™, a macroalgae extract derived sustainably from Laminaria hyperborea, offers an innovative answer to the emerging challenges of porphyr’aging. Unlike traditional actives, Evernityl™ targets the root causes of skin deterioration by significantly reducing porphyrin production at the microbiota level. In vitro studies demonstrate that Evernityl™ decreases porphyrin release by up to 77% in Gram-positive bacteria, without disrupting the healthy balance of the skin microbiome (B-Biome score A). Beyond prevention, Evernityl™ enhances lysosomal activity to promote autophagic clearance of existing porphyrins, further protecting the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Clinical studies reinforce these findings: after 56 days of use, Evernityl™ reduced facial porphyrin counts by up to 12.9% compared to placebo and significantly decreased the total area of wrinkles by up to 5.8%. The dual preventive and corrective action positions Evernityl™ as a cornerstone for next-generation skincare formulations aiming for timeless beauty without compromising skin health.

Technical and Performance Insights: What Makes Evernityl™ Unique

The efficacy of Evernityl™ stems from its rich concentration of a specific laminaran derived from Laminaria hyperborea. This bioactive polysaccharide, distinct from standard laminarans, exhibits superior anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase activities, preserving extracellular matrix integrity critical for skin firmness and elasticity.

Notably, Evernityl™ operates without harsh solvent extraction and is upcycled from a biostimulant production line, ensuring sustainability and traceability from the pristine waters of Brittany. Its INCI designation—Laminaria hyperborea extract (and) Citric acid (and) Sorbic acid—confirms its natural, microbiome-friendly credentials, while its water-dispersible form facilitates easy incorporation into a variety of skincare formulations. Used at concentrations up to 0.03%, Evernityl™ demonstrates significant clinical improvements in reducing dark spots, brightening skin tone, and enhancing collagen and elastin synthesis, outperforming benchmarks such as Kojic acid and standard whitening agents in synergistic studies.

Targeting the Root Causes of Aging

The future of cosmetic science lies in understanding and manipulating the skin’s biological environment—particularly its microbiome and postbiotic activity. Evernityl™ embodies this shift, offering formulators a scientifically validated tool to not only prevent, but actively correct, signs of skin aging initiated at the microbial level. Its all-in-one preventive and corrective approach aligns perfectly with consumer demands for multifunctional, sustainable, and effective skincare solutions.

Moreover, Evernityl™ addresses the growing consumer desire for “blue beauty” initiatives, leveraging marine biotechnology while maintaining strict environmental stewardship through regulated harvesting practices. For formulators seeking to innovate in the highly competitive anti-aging category, Evernityl™ provides a powerful, versatile, and ethical solution to deliver visible results and long-term skin health.

A New Era for Skin Health and Formulation

By embracing the science of Porphyr’ageing™, Evernityl™ challenges conventional aging paradigms and opens new doors for creating skincare that truly stands the test of time.

Ready to explore how this breakthrough can transform your next formulation? Contact us today to learn more about incorporating this innovative solution into your skincare portfolio.

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