Creating the Future of Skin Health Together
The Hidden Cost of Beauty
The products we use to look good can harm the health of our skin. Many cosmetics and skincare formulas rely on preservatives and harsh chemicals that disrupt the skin’s protective layer of good bacteria, known as the skin microbiome. When this invisible defense system is compromised, it can lead to premature aging, inflammation, wrinkles, breakouts, irritation and dryness.
News of the skin microbiome is spreading fast—thanks to voices like skincare experts Dr. Whitney Bowe, Hyram Yarbro and others—who have made the microbiome one of the most talked-about topics on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Cosmetics and skincare users are demanding cleaner, smarter products that support their skin.
When your skin microbiome is disrupted, it can impact those closest to you. This especially impacts babies and children, whose microbiomes are still forming and are far more sensitive. Even by a simple brush of the face or a kiss could alter their microbiome.
The beauty world is paying attention. Forward-thinking brands like Gallinée and L’Oréal are moving toward formulas that support and protect the skin’s microbiome, understanding that healthy skin starts with microbial balance. But there’s a problem: many products that say they’re “microbiome-friendly” still use old-fashioned preservatives that continue to disrupt the skin’s ecosystem.
Claromer™: The Future of Clean Beauty
Skin deserves more than just clean—it deserves protection powered by nature’s own design.
Maxwell Biosciences has introduced a breakthrough class of molecules called Claromers™ into the world of cosmetics and personal care. These small, stable, synthetic molecules mimic part of the human immune system, helping defend skin’s surface from unwanted microbial buildup without harming skin's natural balance.
No antibiotics. No alcohols. No irritation. No products tested on animals.
Claromers™ work on contact to gently defend against external threats while keeping the good bacteria skin needs to thrive.
Gentle Protection. Powerful Results.
Ideal for…
Mascara & eyeliner: prevent contamination over time
Foundation & concealer: stay safe with every application
Face creams & moisturizers: protect skin integrity
Lipsticks & glosses: reduce microbial transfer
Makeup applicators: help reduce bacterial spread between uses
Natural deodorants & wipes: maintain long-lasting freshness without harsh chemicals
Scalp and hair care: keep it clean, naturally
Why Claromers™ Matter
Most cosmetics are touched daily by fingers, brushes, lashes, lips. Over time, microbes build up. Bacteria, fungi and even viruses can grow inside favorite products, sometimes reaching harmful levels.
Claromers™ are engineered to:
Defend without disrupting: Target unwanted microbes without damaging skin
Last longer: Thermally stable and shelf-stable for years
Play well with others: Compatible with standard formulations
No preservatives. No parabens. No compromise.
Real Problem. Real Data.
Makeup contamination is real. Here’s what the research shows:
Between 79% and 90% of opened cosmetic products become contaminated with bacteria, including harmful strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii (1).
Pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus can lead to skin infections like folliculitis and impetigo, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been associated with dermatitis, skin inflammation and eye infections (conjunctivitis, keratitis) (2).
Yeast species like Candida albicans and molds such as Aspergillus can contaminate cosmetics, causing fungal infections and allergic skin reactions—especially in sensitive individuals (3).
These contaminants enter products through regular use, exposure to air, shared tools like brushes or sponges and insufficient antimicrobial protection within cosmetic formulations (4).
Integrating safe, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents like Claromers™ into cosmetic products significantly reduces contamination risks, protecting consumer skin health.
References
(1) Bashir, A., Aftab, K., Khalid, A., Zaheer, T., & Rasool, M. H. (2020). Microbiological quality of cosmetic products used by consumers. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 128(2), 598–605. doi.org/10.1111/jam.14479
(2) Miró, E. M., & Sánchez, N. P. (2011). Cutaneous manifestations of infectious diseases. In N. P. Sánchez (Ed.), Atlas of dermatology in internal medicine (pp. 77–119). Springer. doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0688-4_7; Gitter, A., Mena, K. D., Mendez, K. S., Wu, F., & Gerba, C. P. (2024). Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 90(4). doi.org/10.1128/aem.02119-23
(3) Dadashi, L., & Dehghanzadeh, R. (2016). Investigating incidence of bacterial and fungal contamination in shared cosmetic kits available in the women beauty salons. Health Promotion Perspectives, 6(3), 159–163. doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2016.25
(4) Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
Want to learn more about the skin microbiome?
Dermatologist Dr. Dray on restoring the skin microbiome
Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day on why the microbiome is key to flawless skin
Video by Nature: How the Skin Microbiome Protects Us
Join the Movement
The future of skincare begins here. Maxwell Biosciences is partnering with leading beauty brands to bring microbiome-safe technology to everyday products. Together, we’re setting a new standard—cosmetics that enhance beauty while respecting the skin’s natural defenses.
True care means supporting skin in every way, in every household.
Benefits
Broad-spectrum activity (bacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses)
Biofilm disruption at low concentration
Preserves commensal flora
No known resistance
Long shelf life and thermal stability
Applications
Skincare creams, gels and serums
Personal hygiene products
Post-procedural dermal care
Scalp and hair treatments
Natural deodorants and acne treatments