Evaluation of lactic acid ferment lysate for the management of oily skin: impact on sebum, hydration, and microbiota

Oily skin is a prevalent, cosmetically troubling condition. This study investigated the effects of a topical cream with 3% lactic acid ferment lysate VHProbi ® MixP for ameliorating oily skin symptoms. A 60-day pilot trial enrolled 42 oily-skin participants, who applied the cream twice daily. Standardized non-invasive tools and imaging systems measured sebum production, porphyrin levels, pore appearance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and texture at baseline, day 30 and day 60; 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for hypothesis-generating analysis of the facial microbiota. By day 60, sebum, porphyrin levels and pore size decreased significantly (31.44%, 44.60% and 25.03% respectively), while hydration and texture improved (63.68% and 38.43% respectively). Hypothesis-generating microbial analysis identified elevated α-diversity and shifted bacterial composition, with reduced Staphylococcus spp. and Cutibacterium spp. and increased Streptococcus spp. Correlation analysis indicated associations between topical application of the cream and reduced sebum secretion, as well as modulated cutaneous microbiota composition. In conclusion, topical application of VHProbi ® MixP is associated with reduced facial hyperseborrhea, increased epidermal hydration and modulated cutaneous microbial community structure, and may hold potential as an ingredient for oily skin care.