DISCOVER MICROBIOME-GENTLE SCALP & HAIR CARE
I am thrilled to announce that Light Nourish Scalp & Hair Shampoo, Rich Cleanse Nourishing Shampoo, and Cool Girl Volume Cleanse have been approved as microbiome-friendly by KIND TO BIOME®, a Swedish certification for science-backed skincare brands that make skin and scalp microbiome-gentle products.
Sam x

More than a beauty buzzword, the microbiome is the gateway to healthy hair growth. It forms a protective barrier that keeps the scalp pH balanced and shielded from irritants. If the microbiome is compromised, conditions such as dandruff, flaking, itching and irritation can flare up, new hair growth is inhibited, and hair can be left dry and brittle.
We asked Leo Salvi, the Head of Science and Business Development at Kind to Biome to tell us more about the impact of scalp microbiome on our hair, how to keep it healthy and the testing process that have our Light Nourish Scalp & Hair Shampoo, Rich Cleanse Nourishing Shampoo and Cool Girl Volume Cleanse the seal of microbiome-gentle approval.
WHAT IS THE KIND TO BIOME MARK OF APPROVAL?
Kind to Biome believes that skincare and haircare should be microbiome-gentle, and therefore respect our natural healthy microbiome. The Kind to Biome Quality Mark ensures skin and scalp microbiome-gentleness of the products and its ingredients.
WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
The microbiome of our skin and scalp refers to the community of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can be found living together in that habitat. Our natural healthy microbiome and its fragile balance is our main ally in maintaining skin and scalp health. If the balance of microorganisms gets disrupted, and one type of bacteria overpowers the rest, the microbiome—and the health of anything supported by that habitat—can become compromised, which in turn can lead to inflammation and sensitivity. A healthy microbiome is crucial in building a healthy immune system.
WHY IS HEALTHY SCALP MICROBIOME IMPORTANT?
The scalp microbiome is vital for keeping your scalp and hair healthy. A healthy microbiome starts from birth and is directly impacted by our environment. It helps to create a certain balanced environment on our skin, which provides the first line of defence against harmful pathogens. The main difference between the scalp and skin ecosystems is what type of microorganisms live in each area.
WHAT KIND OF EFFECTS COULD POOR MICROBIOME SCALP HEALTH HAVE ON YOUR HAIR?
The role of your scalp microbiome is how it keeps your scalp and hair healthy, or not. Symptoms of an out-of-balance scalp microbiome include dandruff, flaking, itching, irritation. It can also inhibit new hair regrowth and lead to dry, brittle strands.
WHAT DOES MICROBIOME-GENTLE PRODUCT MEAN?
Our natural healthy microbiome is our best ally in maintaining skin and scalp health. It is a prerequisite therefore that the products we use on our skin and scalp respect our natural microbiome and do not lead to imbalance by working with - not against it. Light Cleanse & Rich Cleanse shampoos have been certified as scalp microbiome-friendly, meaning that they maintain and do not disturb or interfere with the all-important scalp microbiome.
WHAT DOES TESTING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
The products are tested by Kind to Biome in vitro in four phases to check a product’s impact on the skin’s natural microflora; the influence on the skin’s pathogenic microflora and the influence on the skin’s microbial biodiversity. In Vitro testing is highly replicable and validated and therefore offers a gold standard of adherence to scientific principles.
Light Nourish Scalp & Hair Shampoo, Rich Cleanse Nourishing Shampoo and Cool Girl Volume Cleanse scored highly on all testing phases and have been awarded the Kind to Biome Mark of Approval.
WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTS COULD POTENTIALLY HARM YOUR MICROBIOME?
Products that contain harsh preservatives or co-formulants can lead to imbalance. Meaning the loss of the natural balance of our healthy microbiome. Therefore it is important to use Kind to Biome products.