Kind to Biome Certified: The Best Way to Treat Your Skin Well

If you’re anything like us, you’re into trends. Wellness trends, beauty trends, fashion trends. We’ve seen them all, and sure, we’ve indulged in a few, as well. But one of the most important things we’ve learned throughout testing and trying all these “trends” is that some of them actually aren’t trends at all; they’re just important discoveries that the industry has finally gotten on board with.

One of these discoveries is the microbiome. We’ve all heard of the gut microbiome—the group of diverse (over 1,000 types!!) microbes that live in your esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine, and are responsible for helping digestion, destroying harmful bacteria, boosting your immune system, mood, and more. But did you know your skin has a microbiome as well?

Your skin’s microbiome is similar to your gut’s in that it has thousands of different types of bacteria and more, protecting it from damage and keeping it healthy. But it is delicate, and can easily be thrown off.

That’s why us here at RMS have decided to make makeup and skincare that’s good for your skin’s microbiome. And while we could tell you that our products are good for your microbiome, we felt it was important to invest in getting that certified; because for us, transparency is everything. 

Enter the Kind to Biome Certification—a pioneering scientific standard that assess skincare products based on their compatibility and support of the skin’s microbiome. This certification represents a new frontier, so to speak, in beauty and skincare; it helps ensure that our products are not only effective, but are also actually good for you—and your skin barrier. 

And, as all of us become more discerning about what we put in and on our bodies, we firmly believe this certification will only become more and more important. And that’s why we’re so proud to be one of the first brands to earn the seal. 

Keep on reading to learn more about the skin’s microbiome, the Kind to Biome Certification, and what RMS products are certified.

Understanding the Skin's Microbiome

The skin is our body's largest organ, and is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yes, even (eeek!) microscopic mites. We know it sounds gross, but these microorganisms actually aren’t unwanted guests, and they play a critical role in maintaining skin health, protecting against pathogens, and influencing systemic immune responses (think rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and more). 

The skin’s microbiome varies significantly across different areas of the body, and is influenced by a whole host of factors including pH, moisture, sebum content, and environmental exposure.

Each microorganism plays a specific role, and together, they form a complex ecosystem that interacts with the skin's cells to maintain health and balance.

Why Your Skin’s Microbiome Matters

There are many reasons the microbiome should be a focus when choosing skincare and beauty products. Below are a few:

1. Protection: One of the primary functions of the skin's microbiome is to protect against pathogenic invaders. Beneficial microbes compete with potential pathogens for nutrients and space, basically acting as a natural defense system. They also produce substances that can directly inhibit pathogen growth, which is important when protecting against “bad” bacteria.
2. Immune System Modulation: Similar to the gut’s microbiome, the skin's microbiome plays a crucial role in training and modulating the skin's immune system (and yes, your skin has an immune system!). The immune system helps distinguish between harmless and harmful invaders, and helps reduce the likelihood of overreactions that can lead to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
3. Barrier Integrity: Microorganisms on the skin contribute to the integrity of the skin barrier. They influence the skin's pH, produce essential lipids, and assist in the process of desquamation (shedding of dead skin cells), all of which are crucial for a healthy, functioning skin barrier.
4. Inflammation and Healing: The skin's microbiome can influence inflammation levels (which is related to skin issues like acne, redness, and irritation) and play a role in wound healing (think about if you have a cut on your leg. If your skin is well-moisturized, the cut is likely to heal much faster). 

Factors That Influence the Skin’s Microbiome Balance

Several factors can disrupt the delicate balance of the skin's microbiome, including:

• Skincare Products: Harsh cleansers, overuse of antibiotics, and products with high pH can disrupt the microbiome, leading to skin issues.
• Environmental Factors: Pollution, UVA/UVB radiation, and changes in climate (like when you go from cold to hot or hot to cold climates) can impact the microbial diversity of the skin.
• Lifestyle Choices: Diet, stress, and sleep patterns have all been shown to influence the microbiome's composition and health (when you get poor night’s sleep and your skin is lackluster, it’s not just because you’re exhausted).
• Hygiene Practices: Overwashing, using harsh products, or using antiseptics excessively can strip the skin of its beneficial microbes, weakening the skin's natural defenses.

Maintaining the balance of the skin's microbiome is essential for skin health, and that’s where Kind to Biome Certification comes in. This certification helps guide brands in making products that are better for the microbiome, and helps guide consumers in being able to make choices that will support their skin, rather than disrupt it.

What is KIND TO BIOME Certification?

The KIND TO BIOME Certification was created after years of witnessing the rise in cases of dermatitis and other skin conditions as the cosmetics and skincare industry grew.

Scientific research over the last few years has examined the correlation between skincare routines and the effects on the skin’s microbiome, and Kind to Biome joined the scientific community by offering an accessible and scientifically validated study protocol to help drive product development and raw material sourcing choices. 

Their certification is awarded to skincare products that are proven to support and not disrupt the natural balance of the skin's microbiome. To receive this certification, products must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate that they:

• Preserve the diversity and health of the skin's microbial community.
• Avoid ingredients known to harm the microbiome.
• Support the skin's barrier function and pH level.
• Are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other irritants that can disrupt the microbiome.

The certification process involves scientific analysis and clinical trials to assess the product's impact on the microbiome's health and diversity. If the product passes, it is Kind to Biome Certified.

How Skincare Brands Can Achieve Kind to Biome Certification

Earning the Kind to Biome seal and achieving Certification is a meticulous process, and takes a lot of time. Brands must do:

• Research and Development: Formulate products with ingredients that are known to be beneficial or neutral to the skin's microbiome, avoiding those that are harmful.
• Scientific Testing: Submit products for laboratory testing to analyze their impact on microbial diversity and skin health.
• Clinical Trials: Conduct trials with human participants to ensure products support the microbiome and do not cause adverse effects.
• Continuous Improvement: Commit to ongoing research and adaptation to ensure their products meet the latest scientific standards for microbiome support.

This process not only helps brands develop products that are genuinely beneficial for the skin's microbiome, but also ensures customers are choosing the right products for them.

Why KIND TO BIOME Certification Matters

“At KIND TO BIOME we believe that skin microbiome-gentleness can and should be a baseline standard for all skincare products regardless of their brand concept,” David Hjalmarsson, Business Developer at KIND TO BIOME says. And here at RMS, we couldn’t agree more, because the importance of Kind to Biome Certification extends beyond just individual skin health. It represents a shift towards more conscious, science-backed skincare formulations that:

• Promote long-term skin health by supporting the microbiome.
• Cater to the growing consumer demand for products that are not only effective but also safe and beneficial for the skin (so long, toxic ingredients!).
• And encourage the beauty industry to adopt more sustainable, transparent practices in product development and testing.

For consumers, choosing products with the Kind to Biome Certification means investing in skincare that nurtures the skin's natural defenses, leading to healthier, more resilient skin over time—and who doesn’t want that?

RMS Beauty: The Pioneer in Kind to Biome Certified Beauty

Now let’s get to the good stuff: product that’s actually effective and good for the skin’s barrier and microbiome.

ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer: Our silicone-free, Kind to Biome Certified formula is made with vegetable squalane and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and grip makeup all day long. And thanks to its infusion of Tightenyl, it’s ultra-nourishing and skin-loving, so we love using it as a moisturizer without makeup or under any makeup look to smooth and filter. 

You can apply it however you like—whether it’s with our Skin2Skin Beauty Sponge or your fingers. 

Kakadu Luxe Cream: This Kind to Biome Certified, rich-yet-lightweight, super-indulgent cream is packed with skin-firming and skin-glowing ingredients like GlowPlex™ (a complex of Niacinamide and natural peptides including Quinoa Seed Extract and Pea Extract) and superfruit Kakadu Plum. It’s ultra-hydrating, fragrance-free, and smooths the look of fine lines, while boosting skin’s radiance instantly and over time.

"It goes on so smooth, it's like silk,” Rose-Marie says. “You can feel a layer of moisture doing its thing on your skin without looking greasy. My skin is so soft now, I'm freaking out."

To use, just take a scoop in your finger and press into skin after cleansing and applying your serums, but before applying your Kakadu Beauty Oil.

Kakadu Beauty Oil: This is a new and improved version of RMS’s original Beauty Oil—now Kind to Biome Certified and infused with Rose-Marie’s must-have Kakadu Plum Seed Oil. “This is a pure oil with adaptogenic herbs,” Rose-Marie says. “No fillers, no binders, no crap.You'll be completely obsessed, and it will change your skin." 

This potent blend is made of deeply nourishing oils to balance the skin, improve texture, prep for makeup, and deliver rich, radiant hydration. Its light-but-super-concentrated blend of oils and proprietary adaptogenic herbs delivers powerful antioxidant defense and an all-day glow. 

To use, just place a few drops into your palms and press into skin. You can also do it Rose-Marie’s way, and mix a little in with UnCoverup for a tinted moisturizer all your own.

SuperSerum Hydrating Mist: There’s so much to love about our new Kind to Biome Certified SuperSerum Hydrating Mist, because it’s no ordinary face mist. This skin-nourishing multitasker is powered by GlowPlex™ with Niacinamide and natural peptides like Quinoa Seed Extract and Pea Extract to smooth, firm, and brighten skin tone. The Kakadu Plum Superfruit helps to plump and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while Mineral-Infused Sea Water, Wildcrafted Buriti Oil, and our proprietary RMS Adaptogenic Herbal Blend balances the skin and provides long-lasting hydration. 

Use it to revitalize makeup, but also feel free to use it to prep the skin for moisturizer or your skincare, or just to reinvigorate during the day. How you use it, and any of our products, is totally up to you!