Service & Technology
Skin and scalp microbiome analysis
We read the microbial community on the skin and scalp with NGS and turn it into a report for each of our partners’ clients, so changes before and after a treatment or product can be compared in numbers.
Same treatment, different results. Why?
Two people can receive the same treatment and care and still see different results. What is visible on the skin rarely explains why. Skin microbiome analysis shows the composition and balance of the microbes on the skin as data, adding evidence for consultation and care planning.
Where it helps
Different concerns, one analysis. Facial skin and scalp are analyzed the same way.
- Recurring breakouts
Community imbalance related to recurring concerns such as acne or sensitivity, compared before and after care.
- Skin aging
Loss of beneficial bacteria and diversity, plus a microbiome-based skin age indicator to compare before and after treatments.
- Scalp and hair loss concerns
Bacterial and fungal (e.g. Malassezia) composition of the scalp, and how it changes with care.
Technology built for skin
Skin carries far fewer microbes than the gut and a large share of human DNA, which makes it hard to analyze. We designed each step of the process for skin.
- 16S rRNA with the AEA primer
- For skin commensal analysis, samples are amplified with AEA, our primer designed for skin microbes, focused on resolving key species such as C. acnes, S. epidermidis and S. aureus down to the species level.
- Low-biomass extraction
- An extraction protocol that recovers as much microbial DNA as possible from swabs with low microbial density and high human DNA content.
- Full-overlap sequencing
- Forward and reverse reads overlap completely, correcting sequencing errors and yielding species-level data.
- Scalp mycobiome
- For the scalp, the fungal community (e.g. Malassezia) is analyzed alongside bacteria.
Focused analysis of resident and key species: S. epidermidis and S. aureus resolved at higher resolution than with conventional primers.
Interpreted against Korean data
- 1,000+
- samples analyzed from Korean clients
- 400+
- before/after comparison analyses
- By age
- Korean reference indicators
Datasets built mainly on overseas cohorts are hard to compare with Korean skin. Results are interpreted against the Korean data we have built since launching in 2024.
What the report covers
Each client receives a report, compared with their previous visits.
- Microbial diversity (Shannon Index)
- Taxonomic composition
- Trends of key residents (Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus)
- Beneficial-bacteria and inflammation-susceptibility indices
- Dysbiosis Score & Grade
- Microbiome-based skin age
- Literature notes on detected key species
- Before/after comparison for treatments and products
From intake to report
It takes about one month from sampling to report. Partners can follow every step in the portal.
- 1IntakeThe client’s consent is obtained and the sample is registered in the partner portal.
- 2SamplingNon-invasive swabs from standard left and right sites, sealed in dedicated tubes.
- 3PickupOnce paid in the portal, samples are collected on a regular schedule and logged in.
- 4AnalysisDNA extraction, NGS sequencing and bioinformatics.
- 5ReportEach client’s report is available in the portal.
How partners use it
- Before/after aesthetic treatments
Community changes and skin age indicators tracked around treatments such as radiofrequency.
- Step-by-step breakout care
Changes in community composition and barrier-related indicators at each stage of care.
- Before/after cosmetic use
Analysis reports that support product claims, with experience working with global companies.
CutisBiome reports describe the composition of skin microbes. They do not diagnose or treat any disease; clinical decisions remain with medical professionals.
Made by CutisBio
CutisBio is a synthetic biology company that designs microbes and connects them to biomanufacturing processes, building health, beauty and fashion materials from its microbial resources and strain development. CutisBiome is its skin microbiome analysis service.
More at cutisbio.com →- CutisBiomeSkin and scalp microbiome analysis
- VSTER labSkincare and haircare for clinic procedures
- BlugeneBio-based indigo made by microbial fermentation
Become a partner
We work with dermatology clinics, skincare professionals and cosmetics companies. Ask us about kits and analysis options.