Uzima x HelloBiome Use AI-powered Sequencing to Back Up Scalp Microbiome Claims

"The ratio of bacteria to fungi is 10:1 for healthy skin," says Leona Dondi, founder and CEO of Uzima. "The scalp ratio is understudied especially for bacteria, since most studies focus on the Malassezia species (responsible in part for dandruff)."UzimaMicrobiome-friendly claims are on the rise across beauty categories. But how are brands substantiating those claims? 

Uzima recently collaborated with AI-powered microbiome testing and claims platform HelloBiome to test the scalp microbiome friendliness of its Ukuaji Blooming Serum.

The testing found that the serum "was largely successful in balancing, calming and improving the appearance of the scalp," per HelloBiome.

"The ratio of bacteria to fungi is 10:1 for healthy skin," says Leona Dondi, founder and CEO of Uzima. "The scalp ratio is understudied especially for bacteria, since most studies focus on the Malassezia species (responsible in part for dandruff). In HelloBiome's data set, they observe a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 for a healthy scalp. In our study, our panelists had a ratio of 2:1 both at the beginning and at the end of the study after using the serum for the duration of the study."

Dondi notes that participants were instructed to avoid using any other scalp products during the study.

She adds, "Our serum was shown to maintain this balance in all scalp types (dry, oily, balanced). While the serum keeps things serene over time, we still did observe consumer perceived benefits like reduction of itching and dryness, and improved overall appearance of the scalp."

While the brand received anecdotal evidence of hair growth, more testing would be needed to back up such claims.

The HelloBiome x Uzima study lasted four weeks, featuring 43 participants aged 18-65; 22 of these participants completed the full study.

Each day, participants used one dropper of the Ukuaji Blooming Serum on their scalps.

HelloBiome collected microbiome samples before and after the use of the serum to identify the formulation's impact on microbiome diversity and composition.

These samples were analyzed by HelloBiome's next-generation high-throughput sequencing, which "provide[s] detailed reports on changes in the microbiome, including identifying any potential disruptions to beneficial bacterial communities," per HelloBiome.

The company's sequencing has built up HelloBiome's glossary database to now include more than 1,000 bacteria and fungi.

Following the conclusion of the study, HelloBiome concluded that 81.8% of participants "agreed that the serum helps balance and calm their scalp."

At the same time, 90.9% "agreed that the serum has made their scalp look healthier."

And 95.5% "reported that they would be interested in buying other Uzima products," while 95.5% "would recommend Ukuaji Blooming Serum to their family and friends."

"We conclude that the Ukuaji Blooming Serum tested in this trial respects the scalp microbiome," HelloBiome concluded, based on "no significant changes" in the load ratio of bacteria or fungi, diversity of bacteria or fungi, taxonomic community of bacteria or fungi, top ten taxonomy both bacteria or fungi, or microbiome score.