Sectors & markets
Singapore Unlocks the Secrets of the Living Skin Microbiome: A Revolution for Tomorrow's Cosmetics
PHOTO: A*STAR
Market Info | Health & Lifestyle | Cosmetic Science and Formulation
Date: 1 July 2026
Region: ASEAN-O
Country: Singapore
Sector: Health & Lifestyle
Sub-sector: Cosmetic Science and Formulation
Section: Market Trends
Theme: Biotechnologies Applied to Beauty
Researchers from the A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore and the A*STAR Skin Research Labs have achieved a major breakthrough in understanding the skin microbiome, opening unprecedented opportunities for the global cosmetics industry. Published in Nature Biotechnology, their new method makes it possible to directly analyse the RNA of microorganisms naturally living on the skin's surface, allowing scientists to determine not only which microbes inhabit the skin, but also which ones are active and what they are actually doing.
This distinction is fundamental. Until now, nearly all skin microbiome studies have relied on DNA-based methods, which only identify the microorganisms present without providing information about their actual activity or their influence on skin health. By moving from static mapping to dynamic observation of living systems, Singaporean researchers have reached a decisive milestone: understanding not just the composition of the microbiome, but its real-time function.
The implications for the cosmetics industry are considerable. This method opens new avenues for understanding and better treating conditions such as eczema and acne, while also enabling the development of cosmetic formulations capable of intelligently interacting with the skin's active microbiome by supporting beneficial microorganisms rather than simply eliminating them. At a time when skincare brands compete with microbiome-related marketing claims, Singapore is finally providing the scientific tools needed to move beyond marketing and develop products that are genuinely adapted to living skin biology.
As a founding member of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), the A*STAR Skin Research Labs coordinates multidisciplinary efforts combining cell biology, immunology, microbiome research, and bioengineering, with a strategic focus on Asian skin, which remains underrepresented in international cosmetics research. This breakthrough further establishes Singapore as a leading hub for precision cosmetics, at the intersection of genomics, dermatology, and product innovation.
