New 3D mapping approach enhances skin microbiome visualization by dsm-firmenich
Last update on Jul 8, 2026
Formulators and researchers developing microbiome-centered skin care can now review a new approach to visualizing the skin microbiome in continuous 3D detail. According to dsm-firmenich, a manuscript has been published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID), one of the highest-ranked journals in dermatological science. The paper, now in press, introduces a novel approach to visualizing the skin microbiome in unprecedented detail.
According to dsm-firmenich, this achievement reflects the strength of its cross-functional collaboration model, bringing together expertise from dsm-firmenich Beauty & Care R&D, Science & Research, Animal Nutrition & Health, and external partner Bio-Me. The supplier reports that it exemplifies how combining capabilities across disciplines accelerates innovation and delivers meaningful scientific breakthroughs.
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New paradigm for mapping the skin microbiome
Titled "3D Facial Skin Microbiome Mapping: An Integrated Technology for Continuous Visualization of Absolute Microbial Densities," the study addresses long-standing limitations in microbiome research. While traditional approaches rely on relative abundance data from a limited number of sampling points, this proof-of-concept introduces absolute quantification of 26 bacterial and fungal species across 24 facial sites, combined with AI models. Using a smooth interpolation method, the team created the first continuous 3D maps of the facial microbiome, offering a holistic and high-resolution view of microbial topography.
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Key scientific advances
According to dsm-firmenich, this work delivers several important advances:
- High-resolution visualization - Continuous 3D mapping enables an intuitive and comprehensive view of microbial distribution across facial skin.
- Deeper biological understanding - The study reveals spatially distinct bacterial–fungal interactions, including potential competitive dynamics between Malassezia restricta and Cutibacterium acnes.
- Smarter sampling strategies - Machine learning models demonstrate that a reduced set of sampling sites-down to nine-can accurately capture microbiome variability, with the central forehead emerging as a key predictive location.
- Strong translational potential - The technology creates new opportunities to monitor microbiome-modulating treatments, design targeted interventions for dysbiosis, and link microbial data with skin physiology.
According to dsm-firmenich, the acceptance of this publication in JID is a strong validation that dsm-firmenich Beauty & Care's pioneering microbiome science is on the right trajectory and reinforces its role as a core pillar of its House of Science. The supplier reports that it underlines its commitment to advancing credible science that bridges fundamental research and real-world beauty industry applications.
Beyond its scientific relevance, dsm-firmenich reports that this innovation is deeply business centric. By enabling precise, spatial understanding of the skin microbiome, it provides a foundation for next-generation skin benefits, improved product efficacy, and differentiated consumer solutions.
According to the supplier, it also reinforces one of its key differentiators: co-creation with customers. This technology is designed to go beyond pilot studies - offering a platform for collaborative exploration of how cosmetic active ingredients interact with the microbiome across the face.
dsm-firmenich invites partners, customers, and members of the scientific community to build on this work. According to the supplier, together they can further explore the spatial interactions between cosmetic actives and the skin microbiome, advancing microbiome-centered innovation and substantiating differentiated and future-forward claims.
Image Credits: dsm-firmenich