Uute Scientific Research Shows Finnish Microbial Extract Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis

Uute-Scientific-natural-powder-extract-Powder-in-bowl
The extract is made from sustainably sourced natural materials by combining commercially available plant-based composts and plant matter.
Uute Scientific

Uute Scientific, a Finnish biotech startup, recently published a study showing natural microbial exposure could help to alleviate atopic dermatitis. The study explored the effects of the company's Re-Connecting Nature (RCN) product, which is described as the world’s first inactive microbial extract that emulates "the rich biodiversity of the Finnish forest." The company's innovation was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at In-cosmetics Global in 2022.

RCN Extract Provides Microbe-rich Exposure in Overly Hygienic World

Uute Scientific’s RCN was developed at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University. It is made from sustainably sourced natural materials by combining commercially available plant-based composts and plant matter. According to the company, the inactive microbial extract derived from these sources replicates the Finnish forest to give users rich microbial exposure, especially for those who are not in contact with nature on a daily basis.

"The modern way of living has caused people to live in an overly hygienic world with little or no exposure to nature," the company reports. "The COVID-19 pandemic increased the usage of hand sanitizers and the purification of surfaces, killing bad viruses but also good microbes that are necessary for human health. Studies already show that the overly hygienic Western lifestyle, urbanization and biodiversity loss are linked to an increase in chronic, inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis."

In vivo Anti-irritation, Barrier-boosting Efficacy of RCN Extract

The study, conducted by Uute Scientific as part of dissertations at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University, enrolled 142 participants afflicted with atopic dermatitis. Half of participants used a placebo lotion and the other half used lotion containing the RCN extract as part of their normal daily life for approximately seven months.

The results showed that participants in the microbial extract-treated group used fewer atopy medications than in the placebo group. The RCN lotion also strengthened the skin's protective barrier and prevented irritation in atopic skin.

"Skin barrier defect is the main problem in atopy, so this barrier-strengthening effect is good news for atopic people," the company wrote. According to the authors, the study proved that exposure to a nature-based microbial extract could significantly help atopic dermatitis, stimulating and supporting the human immune system.

"This is the first time in history that the health benefits of nature-based microbial diversity for diseases has been tested scientifically on a specific disease," the company wrote. "For the over 200 million people globally suffering from atopic skin, the study’s results show that there’s a supportive treatment to the current medication that has multiple unwanted side effects."

Historic Study Supporting Natural Microbial Efficacy

Kari-Sinivuori_UuteScientificKari Sinivuori, CEO and co-founder of Uute ScientificUute Scientific

Kari Sinivuori, CEO and co-founder of Uute Scientific, noted, "This is truly a historic study that shows scientific evidence of the power of our nature’s microbes to help with severe disease. We start with atopic skin, but other immune-mediated diseases, such as different allergies, asthma, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's, are also likely to benefit from this."

Sinivuori continued, “When we announced the opportunity to participate in the atopic dermatitis study, we had an abundance of people signing up ... It's evident that many people would like to find an alternative to the current medication for their skin condition, and more nature-based solutions are what people want from their everyday products.

"Besides, the current medication doesn’t cure atopic skin: it just prevents some symptoms, such as itchiness, but in order for it to continue working, the user must increase their intake constantly. This causes serious deterioration of skin health and a vicious cycle of being dependent on medication from which the patient can’t break away.

“Our study has proven our hypothesis, and we are more than excited to reintroduce nature to modern people’s lives through a variety of products."

Sinivuori added that the RCN extract can be introduced as an ingredient to an almost endless list of products, such as:

  • color cosmetics,
  • lotions,
  • textiles,
  • children’s toys or foods and
  • now, more recently, drugs.

Per the company, RCN is already used in approximately 100 beauty and health products in 10 different countries by 35 beauty brands such as NOBE, Luonkos, Moi Forest, Sees and the animal care brand Doggy Potion. 

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