Acne is one of the most frustrating and common skin concerns globally, peaking in adolescence and early adulthood, with around 85 percent of people affected. While it’s typically most prevalent in puberty, it can occur at any age, making it a highly competitive segment of the skincare market.

The global anti-acne cosmetics market size was valued at USD 4.13 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2022 to 2030. The negative social stigma associated with acne and the rising consumption of cosmetics by both men and women, especially from emerging economies, is estimated to drive this market growth. 

As Emma Lewisham supercharges their UK expansion, the cult brand has made its first foray into the acne market. The launch is a first-of-its-kind, patented live human-skin-strain topical probiotic serum, specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin.

The Supernatural Blemish Serum incorporates patented Micrococcus luteus BLIS Q24 (‘Micrococcus luteus’) – a probiotic strain discovered on living, healthy human skin. While it has over 20 years of research substantiating its efficacy, the new serum is the only skincare product globally on the market formulated with this pioneering probiotic strain.

The Supernatural Blemish Serum has undergone robust clinical (in vivo) and in vitro studies to scientifically prove Micrococcus luteus’ ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria that colonise on the skin and foster the overproduction of sebum (oil), blocked pores and inflammation.

A few of Micrococcus luteus’ impressive results, include;

Skin analysis in vivo/clinical test for 28 days using Micrococcus luteus twice daily*:

• 79% reduction in number of individuals experiencing moderate to severe blemishes.
• 81% reduction in number of individuals experiencing flaky and rough skin.
• 61% reduction in number of individuals experiencing blackheads.
• 58% reduction in number of individuals experiencing oiliness.

Skin analysis in vivo test for 25 days using patented Micrococcus luteus twice daily**:

• 90% of individuals showed a measurable increase in skin hydration.
• 60% of individuals showed a measurable decrease in sebum (oil).

A pioneering probiotic

In 2004, Professor John Tagg first discovered Micrococcus luteus. The probiotic was swabbed and cultured from healthy human skin to research its health potential on people for over 20 years. “The Micrococcus luteus live probiotic strain is backed by nearly 20 years of cutting-edge scientific research,” says Tagg. “This strain was discovered on healthy human skin and has an unparalleled capacity to impede the growth of key skin pathogens that have been fund to damage human skin. By incorporating Micrococcus luteus into a skincare product, we can unlock a new and exciting level of benefits for the skin.”

While conventional probiotic skincare industry strains are sourced from the gut or dirt, Emma Lewisham formulates with the understanding that each probiotic strain has its own nuanced personality with specific requirements in regard to its optimum habitat, diet, environment, and interactions with other bacteria. Emma Lewisham’s use of the patented Micrococcus luteus strain from the skin itself, bottles the skin’s own intelligence to enhance the microbiome and bring the skin to a healthy, clarified equilibrium.

“A balanced microbiome is at the heart of healthy skin. This pioneering patented serum is crafted with 20 years of world-leading research that utilises a unique live skin probiotic, Micrococcus luteus, to improve the reduction of blemishes at the source,” says Lewisham.

How it works

Once applied, live Micrococcus luteus cells colonise the skin, and as these grow, they dominate and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as C. acnes that feast on excess sebum (oil) and, in turn, results in inflammation and blemishes. The World Health Organisation has officially defined a probiotic as a live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, confers a health benefit on the host. While ‘probiotic’ may be a frequently used term in skincare, it specifically requires that the microbe is alive, which is a very difficult and rare outcome to achieve.

The Supernatural Blemish Serum is uniquely formulated to be stable at room temperature for a period of two years to validate that it is able to maintain the life of Micrococcus luteus.

How to apply

The serum should be the first step in your morning and evening skincare routine after cleansing. Use one pump from each side of the product (i.e. the live skin probiotic and activating crème) into the palm of your hand and mix together. Apply it to the entirety of the face.

*Performed by an independent research body using 97 participants including a diverse range of ages and ethnicities.

**Study performed on 10 participants using instrumental testing

emmalewisham.com