Beiersdorf joins forces with Pharmaceutical Research Saarland for skin microbiome research
The agreement kicks off with two funded microbiome research projects at HIPS, with plans for expansion.
GERMANY – Beiersdorf and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) have launched a long-term exclusive partnership to explore the skin microbiome’s role in promoting healthy skin.
This collaboration leverages HIPS’s extensive microbial datasets, originally collected for anti-infective drug discovery, to identify natural compounds from skin microorganisms that enhance skin balance and support care innovations.
The initiative draws on comprehensive microbiome data from HIPS and Saarland University, including genetic profiles from over 500 individuals, including healthy subjects and those with diseases, from the 2024 IMAGINE study.
Two initial research projects target skin microbiome applications, fully funded by Beiersdorf under a cooperation agreement signed in November 2025, with plans for future expansions.
Beiersdorf provides financial support, combining its skincare R&D strengths with HIPS’s expertise in microbial natural products, bioinformatics, and strain collections originally developed for anti-infective research.
This exclusive tie-up aims to translate findings into innovative skincare ingredients that support the skin’s natural ecosystem.
Dr. Gitta Neufang, Chief Research & Development Officer at Beiersdorf: “Microbiome research has a long tradition at Beiersdorf; it began back in 1894 with Prof. Dr. Paul Gerson Unna and remains an important area of research for strengthening our innovative power to this day.”
“With our exclusive partnership with HIPS, we are setting new standards: Together, we are laying the foundation for skin care products that support the skin’s natural balance and deepening our understanding of the role of microbial natural substances in maintaining healthy skin.”
The skin microbiome, a community of microorganisms on the skin, influences health and disease when imbalanced, making it a key frontier for science-driven skincare.
Industry-wide, microbiome research is surging as brands prioritize evidence-based solutions for skin health amid rising demand for sustainable innovations.
Beiersdorf’s move aligns with its “Win with Care” strategy and builds on prior microbiome investments, such as partnerships with S-Biomedic and Macro Biologics.
Meanwhile, Beiersdorf teamed up with Vincere Biosciences in an investment aimed at revolutionizing skin health and ageing.
The investment aims to develop innovative skin care solutions by leveraging scientific advancements in cellular health and rejuvenation.
This partnership brings together Beiersdorf’s extensive expertise in active ingredient cosmetics and Vincere Biosciences’ pioneering research in mitochondrial health.
The collaboration focuses on mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria from cells, to enhance skin renewal and longevity.
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