In recent years, the use of probiotics in dermatology and cosmetology has been demonstrating a notable rise, offering both preventive and therapeutic benefits for the skin. The intestinal microbiota plays crucial roles, including enzymatic degradation of dietary fiber, starch, proteins, and fats, as well as the synthesis of vitamins B, K, nicotinic acid, amino acids, and various metabolites. The use of multicomponent probiotics composed of strains of the genus Bacillus is a promising way to optimize the positive effects of these microorganisms in dermatological and cosmetic practice and avoid their undesirable effects.

Keywords: Bacillus; Probiotics; Dermatology; Cosmetic Microbiology.

INTRODUCTION: The use of natural ingredients in skincare products has gained increasing attention due to the harmful effects and environmental risks associated with synthetic compounds.
OBJECTIVE: This growing concern has driven research into photosynthetic organisms as sustainable and eco-friendly sources of effective ingredients. Natural extracts — particularly those derived from plants, algae, and cyanobacteria — have drawn significant interest in the cosmetics industry. Cyanobacteria stand out for their low cultivation requirements, rapid growth, and ability to produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites, making them a sustainable and cost-effective resource.
METHODS: This study evaluated the effects of natural pigments — phycocyanin and phycoerythrin — extracted from Spirulina platensis and Nostoc sp. on three cosmetic products: soap, anti-acne face wash, and hand sanitizer gel. After culturing the cyanobacteria, the pigments were extracted, purified, and coated with chitosan as a stabilizer. These coated pigments were then used to formulate the cosmetic products, which were assessed for viscosity, pH, stability, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties.
RESULTS: The results showed that phycocyanin and the combined pigment content were higher in the anti-acne face wash and soap, whereas phycoerythrin and the total pigment concentration were greater in the hand sanitizer gel.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of cyanobacterial pigments to produce stable, enriched cosmetic products, offering sustainable and effective alternatives to synthetic ingredients.

Keywords: Cyanobacteria; Microwaves; Microbiology.