The global cosmetics industry is rapidly evolving to prioritize skin microbiome-friendly products. Consumers are increasingly favoring scientifically-backed and personalized skincare that works in harmony with their natural skin flora. This shift is being powered by advancements in biotechnology, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI), and fermentation science. In 2025, a wave of innovative startups is emerging, each with a sharp focus on microbiome-centric formulations that enhance skin health. This report features 10 standout startups, selected from over 7 million analyzed globally through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. Each company stands out for its innovation, market fit, sustainability practices, and technological excellence.

1. Phiome (Ghent, Belgium)

Phiome is developing microbiome-smart ingredients that modulate the skin’s microbial balance. It targets odour-causing bacteria such as Corynebacterium spp. and Staphylococcus hominis, using prebiotics and probiotics activated by skin moisture. These solutions not only support cell regeneration and immune function but are also sustainable and bio-based, making them a clean option for next-gen skincare.

2. BYOME LABS (Le Coudray, France)

BYOME LABS delivers AI-powered microbiome diagnostics right at retail points. With a simple swab test, users receive real-time skin microbiome analysis and personalized product recommendations. This not only enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty but also reduces product returns by tailoring solutions to individual skin needs.

3. Glacies Biome (Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

Glacies Biome offers personalized skincare solutions by using facial microbiome sequencing. The company applies machine learning to analyze microbial imbalances and provides a dashboard for treatment monitoring, making it particularly beneficial for dermatologists and aesthetic professionals.

4. mmmico eats (Sevilla, Spain)

mmmico eats develops fermentation-derived antioxidants and pigments, including compounds like astaxanthin and carotenoids. These are produced through genomic screening and microbial fermentation, providing natural alternatives to synthetic additives that offer anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits.

5. Iniya Bioprobes (Mysuru, India)

Iniya Bioprobes leverages CRISPR and protein engineering to create vibrant, safe colorants via microbial fermentation. These eco-friendly pigments cater to cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, supporting sustainability through low-resource, waste-reducing processes.

6. Ownia Cosmetics (Madrid, Spain)

Ownia Cosmetics combines oat extract, inulin, and Lactococcus ferment lysate to restore skin's microbial balance. By utilizing prebiotics and postbiotics, the products target inflammatory conditions like acne, rosacea, and dermatitis, while also enhancing the skin barrier and pH balance.

7. BIOTALIFE (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

BIOTALIFE provides clinical-grade skin microbiome diagnostics using non-invasive swabbing and next-gen DNA sequencing. Its AI-powered reports help brands personalize cosmetic formulations, supported by one of the largest microbiome databases in Latin America.

8. ArrowBiome (Singapore)

ArrowBiome specializes in precision bacterial targeting, eliminating harmful microbes while preserving beneficial ones. Utilizing antimicrobial peptides and phage-derived proteins, their technology addresses acne, body odour, and antimicrobial resistance. The startup has secured $1M in seed funding to advance its development.

9. Topaz Biosciences (Emeryville, USA)

Topaz Biosciences identifies natural enzymes that combat skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus. By using metagenomic analysis, the company develops formulations that reduce inflammation and promote skin health, also offering custom enzyme solutions for brands.

10. ResVita Bio (Berkeley, USA)

ResVita Bio engineers commensal skin bacteria to deliver targeted therapeutic proteins for chronic conditions like Netherton syndrome and atopic dermatitis. Its synthetic biology-based approach enables sustained, localized treatments, and is currently supported by a $2M SBIR Phase II grant.

Summary Table of 10 Microbiome Cosmetic Startups in 2025

Why Microbiome Skincare Matters in 2025

Microbiome skincare represents a paradigm shift in personal care—from symptom management to biological optimization. These startups are making skin care more personalized, effective, and sustainable by working with, not against, the skin’s natural biology. As science and consumer demand continue to align, microbiome-based products are poised to become the new standard in cosmetic innovation.