Many of us are aware of the skin’s microbiome – a layer of microscopic organisms, predominantly made up of bacteria, and collectively referred to as the microflora or microbiota of the skin. Like any environment, this unique microcosm is always self-regulating in order to find equilibrium. Each person’s microbiome is unique ~ like a fingerprint. In fact, the microfloral make-up of each individual is so unique that two people can have no overlap at all in the microbial species present in their microbiome. 

At ARgENTUM, our skincare has always been formulated to be gentle but effective. “Kind to skin”, for us, means that it does all the things we’d like it to do ~ improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, keep blemishes at bay, offer deep hydration, and support an even tone and texture ~ while nurturing the skin’s own ability to look after itself. The microbiome does precisely that, and scientists are starting to understand that the less interference and disruption of the microbiome, the better (that 10-step skincare routine might not be helping in the long run).

That’s why la potion infinie, our hero face cream, has been microbiome assessed, and it’s why we wanted our archetype fragrances, le parfums infinis, to be assessed too. Did you know that the ethanol used in many traditional perfume formulations can dry out the skin, accelerate ageing, and cause reactivity and sensitivity? The skin’s delicate microbiome is the body’s first line of defence; gentle but strong, it ensures a healthy skin barrier that protects against inflammation and infection. This unique and complex layer of protection cannot be replicated. If it has been damaged though, it can be repaired and actively supported to find balance again ~ it’s why everything we put on our skin matters, whether it’s skincare or fragrance.

ARgENTUM les parfums infinis is a complete collection of fine, natural fragrances, each of which has been microbiome assessed by the Medical University of Lodz in Poland and shown to be kind to the microbiome. The assessment demonstrated that

• The fragrances did not disturb the number of microorganisms present on the skin in the area of the neck selected for testing.

• The fragrances preserve the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis ~ a key species for healthy skin (recent research indicates that acne might be the result of an imbalance between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis*.

• The fragrances do not disturb the natural balance of the skin microbiome.

Supporting the friendly bacteria that make up the microbiome is key to healthy skin free from blemishes, acne, and sensitivity ~ but also key to overall wellbeing. As scientific research into the delicate skin microbiome continues to develop our understanding of the body’s immune defences, ARgENTUM continues to set the benchmark for luxury skincare and fragrances that support wellbeing at a profound level.