Inside the Biome: How Lubrizol Harnesses Microbial Diversity for Next-Gen Actives

In the race to develop the next generation of high-performance, sustainable cosmetic ingredients, the most powerful innovations are coming from nature's most diverse ecosystems. At Lubrizol, we've spent over two decades exploring these biomes to unlock the full potential of microbial biodiversity through biotechnology.

This is not just ingredient sourcing. It's ingredient discovery.

What Is a Biome—and Why Does It Matter?

A biome is a distinct ecological environment-such as a salt flat, marine reef, or clay-rich wetland-characterized by its microbial community. Microorganisms have evolved to survive under unique conditions, developing specialized metabolic pathways that produce rare and potent bioactive compounds.

For example, a Bacillus species isolated from Mediterranean clay produces peptides and glucidic materials that inhibit C. acnes biofilm formation—making it ideal for acne-prone skin formulations. But, a Bacillus species from the Amalfi Coast, generates polysaccharides and lipidic compounds that improves skin tone.

These discoveries are not theoretical—they’re already being used in Lubrizol’s active ingredient portfolio, delivering measurable results in real-world applications.

Fermentation: The Engine Behind the Biome

Fermentation is the cornerstone of Lubrizol's biotech platform. It allows us to scale the production of bioactives from unique microorganisms from underexplored biomes without depleting natural resources. This approach also enables:

• Enhancement of ingredient potency
• Generate complex mixtures of compounds for targeted skin and scalp benefits
• Batch-to-batch consistency for formulation and efficacy reliability
• Sustainable sourcing that avoids biodiversity loss and land-intensive agriculture

Why This Matters for Brands

Harnessing microbial diversity isn't just a scientific achievement-it's a strategic advantage for beauty brands. Lubrizol's biome-based biotech platform offers:

Whether you're formulating for sensitive skin, targeting inflammation, or developing microbiome-friendly products, Lubrizol’s biotech actives are designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s beauty consumers.