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United to keep

skin healthy

At Sanex, we share your commitment to skin health, strengthening our bond through shared dedication and care. That's what brings us together.

For over 40 years, honouring the same commitment you show to your patients, Sanex has been developing innovative, gentle formulas for all skin types. That's why we want to share the scientific evidence behind each of our products - evidence that backs our long-standing journey toward healthy skin.

The power of prebiotic technology

Products with prebiotic technology inhibit pathogens in the epithelial barrier, while promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Products with fewer chemicals for all skin types

The Atopiderm range is clinically proven to improve skin hydration, roughness, and dryness, while effectively relieving skin issues in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Skincare for atopic-prone skin

Formulated with fewer ingredients, products in the Sanex Zero% range boost skin hydration while minimising the risk of irritation.

The power of

prebiotic technology

 

The power of prebiotic technology

As you know, the skin microbiome hosts a vast array of beneficial microorganisms that maintain skin health and protect it from pathogens. Therefore, preventing its disruption by using prebiotic products is essential.

Our extensive experience at Sanex has allowed us to unlock the unique benefits our products offer. This expertise led us to develop our prebiotic technology, combining prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to deliver the same type of innovative skincare solutions we've pioneered for the last 40 years.

Below, you can explore the clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of Sanex Expert Skin Health with Prebiotic Complex.

OBJECTIVE

 

 

 

Evaluate the effectiveness of prebiotic technology on:

  • – S. aureus and E. coli (associated with infections)
  • – C. striatum (associated with odour)
  • – S. epidermidis (beneficial skin bacteria)

DOWNLOAD ARTICLE PDF (162 KB)

PREBIOTIC TECHNOLOGY

 

 

Prebiotic effect of inulin on the epithelial microbiota





Inulin significantly inhibits the growth of pathogens (E. coli, C. striatum, S. aureus) and maintains the growth of S. epidermidis in vitro.

This study is presented for educational purposes only; it was not conducted with our Sanex products and their composition may differ from that of the products tested.

 
Gráfico de efecto prebiótico de la inulina sobre la microbiota epitelial
 

 

Effect of 2-butyloctanol on C. striatum, a bacterium that causes bad odour




2-Butyloctanol significantly inhibits the growth of C. striatum at concentrations of 0.64%, 2.56%, and 5.12%.

This study is presented for educational purposes only; it was not conducted using our Sanex products and their composition may differ from that of the products tested.

 
Gráfico de bacteria causante del mal olor
 

 

Prebiotic effect of the biomimetic blend on skin bacteria

 

The postbiotic blend inhibits the growth of E. coli and C. striatum and significantly promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in vitro.

 
Gráfico del efecto prebiótico de la mezcla biomímica sobre las bacterias de la piel
 

Sanex Natural Prebiotics body wash shows benefits during body cleansing

 

Washing with prebiotic technology demonstrated inhibition of the growth of C. striatum (b), while maintaining the levels of S. epidermidis (a).

 

The ratio of beneficial to undesirable bacteria increased significantly (p = 0.03) (c).

Benefit graph in body washing (log10 cfu/ml)
Benefit graph in body washing (log10 cfu/ml)
Benefit chart in C. striatum body wash

Prebiotic technology: significant improvement in the skin barrier

 

The gel with prebiotic technology showed an improvement in the skin barrier compared with the placebo.

Tecnología Placebo Body Wash

Placebo Body Wash

Tecnología Placebo Body Wash

Test Body Wash

Tecnología Placebo Body Lotion

Placebo Body Lotion

Tecnología Test Body Lotion

Test Body Lotion

Rojo: Rodamina B; Azul: DAPI.

Li M, Fan A, Mao J, Soliman N, Shahani K, Morgan A, et al. The Prebiotic Effect of Triple Biotic Technology on Skin Health. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 2021;11(4):304-319.

OBJECTIVE

 

Conduct a multi-omics approach to decipher the impact of skincare products containing prebiotics/postbiotics on the skin microbiome and metabolome.

DOWNLOAD ARTICLE PDF (8.3 MB)

 

Analysis of the effects of prebiotic products using 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Comparative Metagenomics

 

The prebiotic group demonstrated a significant reduction in opportunistic pathogens and an increase in commensal microorganisms, together with an enrichment of bacterial sugar degradation pathways.

 
 
 
 

Key associations: bacteria, metabolites and skin hydration




Correlation analysis revealed associations between specific bacteria, metabolites and improved skin hydration.

 

The results support the hypothesis that prebiotics/postbiotics improve skin hydration through modulation of the skin microbiome, metabolic pathways and the metabolome.

 
 

LATEST ARTICLES

If you're interested in learning more

Caring for Atopic-Prone Skin

A close-up of a person's hand applying a smooth layer of white lotion or moisturizer onto their upper arm against a neutral beige background.

 

Atopic-prone skin has a compromised skin barrier. This barrier becomes porous and loses its protective function. It is no longer able to retain the water naturally present in the skin and cannot protect against external aggressors.

That’s why, at Sanex, we developed Atopiderm – a product that combines prebiotic technology with skin-identical lipids to help soothe itchiness and dryness through hydration.

Below, you’ll find information about the studies demonstrating the benefits of Sanex Atopiderm for atopic-prone skin.

OBJECTIVE

 

To evaluate the efficacy of a shower gel and lotion containing skin-identical lipids and emollients in improving dry skin in subjects with a history of atopic conditions.

DOWNLOAD PDF ARTICLE (701 KB)

STUDY DESIGN

The shower gel improves skin barrier function after 4 weeks of use, including in subjects with atopic-prone skin

TEWL analysis showed a significant reduction in mean transepidermal water loss, from 15.50 g/h/m² at baseline to 11.11 g/h/m² at Week 4 (P ≤ 0.05), and to 8.24 g/h/m² at Week 6.

Mean TEWL (g/h/m²)

A bar chart showing a decrease in Mean TEWL ($\text{g/h/m}^2$) over time, with data points for Week 0, Week 4 (marked with an asterisk), and Week 6 (marked with a hash symbol).

The shower gel improves the skin barrier function after 4 weeks of use, even in individuals with atopic skin

TEWL analysis showed a significant reduction in the mean level of water loss, from 15.50 g/h/m² to 11.11 g/h/m² at Week 4 (P ≤ 0.05), and to 8.24 g/h/m² at Week 6.

A microscopic or close-up view showing dry, cracked, and flaking skin texture with pronounced white lines and scaling.

Week 0

A microscopic or close-up view showing skin undergoing hydration, with slightly reduced cracking and improved surface texture.

Week 4

A microscopic or close-up view showing hydrated, smooth, and healthy skin texture with minimal flaking or surface lines.

week 6

Symptoms of AD improve significantly with these products

Dermatologist assessments of patients demonstrated a significant improvement in AD-related symptoms following the use of these products.

A bar chart displaying mean scores (VAS 0–10) across weeks 0, 4, and 6 for various skin conditions, showing noticeable reductions over time

Berardesca E, Mortillo S, Cameli N, Ardigo M, Mariano M. Efficacy of a shower cream and a lotion with skin-identical lipids in healthy subjects with atopic dry skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):477-483.

OBJECTIVE

 

To evaluate the prebiotic effect of Sanex Atopiderm shower gel with triple-biotics technology.

 

DOWNLOAD PDF ARTICLE (205 KB)

A growth inhibition assay was conducted to determine whether the complete formulation inhibits or promotes the growth of skin bacteria.

 

Study Microbiota

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Study Groups

  • Sanex Atopiderm
  • Sanex (placebo)
  • La Roche Posay (reference)

No increase was observed in S. aureus growth or in the S. epidermidis/S. aureus ratio compared with placebo and the reference sample.

A bar chart titled "S. aureus" measuring bacteria load ($\text{CFU/ml}$) across three groups
A bar chart titled "S. epidermidis / S. aureus" measuring the ratio between the two bacterial species across three groups

Products with fewer chemicals, suitable for all skin types

 

A close-up view showing clean, wet skin with water droplets next to a fresh green leaf or plant with water drops on it, surrounded by soft green bokeh.

 

At Sanex, we believe in caring for both your skin and the environment. That’s why we’ve created a range of shower gels for sensitive skin that are largely biodegradable. Containing 99% biodegradable ingredients, these shower gels are formulated with 0% sulphates (including SLS), 0% colourants and 0% microplastics, helping to minimise the risk of skin irritation.

OBJECTIVE

 

To demonstrate efficacy in preventing lipid peroxidation of the skin and in eliminating/reducing its by-products.

DOWNLOAD PDF ARTICLE (162 KB)

STUDY DESIGN

Skin peroxidation in an ozone chamber

 

Exposure to 100 ppb ozone for 1 hour to induce MDA formation

Washing and rinsing

  1. Water (100 ml/s) for 2–3 s
  2. 200 μl of experimental sample for 75 s
  3. Water for 15 s

MDA extraction and measurement

  1. 500 μl ethanol and rub with a glass rod for 60 s (×2)
  2. Sample centrifugation
  3. Chemical analysis

A Pig skin obtained from an abattoir was used (Animals Technology, Inc.). MDA: methylenedianiline.

 

RESULTS

The sulphate-free cleansing gel generated lower levels of MDA (p<0.05).

A bar chart measuring $\text{MDA}$ concentration ($\mu\text{M}$) comparing two Sanex product formulations

The sulphate-free cleansing gel provides stronger protection

 

When the skin was exposed to ozone after washing, lower levels of lipid oxidation were observed with the sulphate-free Sanex cleansing gel (p<0.05).

A bar chart measuring $\text{MDA}$ concentration ($\mu\text{M}$) comparing two Sanex product formulations

CONCLUSION

 

Sulphate-free Sanex more effectively eliminated free radical by-products that damage the skin and prevented lipid oxidation when the skin was exposed to ozone or pollution.

 

Fan A. Anti-Pollution Benefits of Sanex Sulfate Free Zero Anti-Pollution Shower Gel. Colgate-Palmolive Global Technology Center (2020). Data on file.