MicroBeauty: skin microbiota and the cosmetics association

Abstract

The human skin microbiota plays a pivotal role in the balance and maintenance of skin health. Pharmaceutical studies have recently focused on this topic. Although the connection between microbiota and cosmetics is still in its early stages, available data suggest that compounds in cosmetics can interfere with the skin's micro-ecosystem. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the possible impacts of using cosmetics on the skin microbiota. This research was an integrative review based on the PRISMA model, which analyzed and compiled data in a flowchart according to specified criteria. Articles were collected in the second semester of 2022 from October to December. The analysis of the included articles revealed that cosmetics could harm the skin microbiota since many ingredients can extend their effects for days, disrupting the micro-ecosystem and altering molecular and bacterial diversity, often causing dysbiosis. Therefore, the cosmetics industry must develop or select functional and active cosmetic ingredients to create innocuous products for the commensal microbiota.