Uute Scientific, a Finnish biotech startup, has recently published a groundbreaking study that suggests natural microbial exposure may offer significant relief for individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis. The study focused on the company’s Re-Connecting Nature (RCN) product, which is hailed as the world’s first inactive microbial extract designed to emulate “the rich biodiversity of the Finnish forest.” Uute Scientific’s innovative approach earned the company a spot as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at In-cosmetics Global 2022.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and Tampere University, Uute Scientific’s RCN product is created using sustainably sourced natural materials. By combining commercially available plant-based composts and plant matter, the extract mimics the microbial environment found in Finnish forests, offering users rich microbial exposure—especially beneficial for those who live in urban areas with little contact with nature.
“The modern way of living has caused people to live in an overly hygienic world with little or no exposure to nature,” explains Uute Scientific. “The COVID-19 pandemic increased the usage of hand sanitizers and the purification of surfaces, killing bad viruses but also good microbes that are necessary for human health. Studies already show that the overly hygienic Western lifestyle, urbanization, and biodiversity loss are linked to an increase in chronic, inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis.”
In the study, 142 participants with atopic dermatitis were enrolled and divided into two groups. One group applied a placebo lotion, while the other used a lotion containing the RCN extract. After seven months of daily use, the results showed that those who used the RCN-infused lotion experienced fewer flare-ups and required fewer medications compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the extract helped strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and reduced irritation.
Harnessing Nature to Combat Atopic Dermatitis: The Role of Finnish Microbial Extract in the treatment of atopic skin conditions is a promising alternative. According to the study, the microbial extract not only improved the skin’s barrier function but also supported immune system health, offering significant benefits to those struggling with this chronic condition.
The study’s authors emphasized that the results provide evidence that nature-based microbial exposure could be an effective complementary treatment for atopic dermatitis, helping to reduce reliance on traditional medications, which often have undesirable side effects. “This is the first time in history that the health benefits of nature-based microbial diversity for diseases have been tested scientifically on a specific condition,” the company stated. With more than 200 million people worldwide suffering from atopic dermatitis, these findings represent a promising new direction in the treatment of the disease.
Kari Sinivuori, CEO and co-founder of Uute Scientific, remarked, “This is truly a historic study that shows scientific evidence of the power of nature’s microbes to help with severe disease. We start with atopic skin, but other immune-mediated diseases, such as different allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s, are also likely to benefit from this.”
Sinivuori further explained that the demand for alternative, nature-based solutions is high. “It’s evident that many people would like to find an alternative to the current medication for their skin condition. More nature-based solutions are what people want from their everyday products.”
The potential applications of the RCN extract are vast. It can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including color cosmetics, lotions, textiles, children’s toys, food products, and even pharmaceuticals. The company has already seen success, with RCN being used in approximately 100 beauty and health products across 10 countries by 35 different beauty brands, including NOBE, Luonkos, Moi Forest, Sees, and the animal care brand Doggy Potion.
With the success of this study, Uute Scientific aims to bring nature back into the daily lives of people worldwide, offering a sustainable and effective solution to skin health.
