Bioengineered Skin Microbiome: The Next Frontier in Personalized Cosmetics

Human skin microbiome plays a fundamental role in maintaining skin health, immunity, and appearance. While current microbiome-friendly cosmetics emphasize the use of probiotics and prebiotics, recent advances in bioengineering are paving the way for a new generation of personalized and sustainable skincare solutions. This evolution is increasingly necessary given the limitations of conventional dermatological treatments in addressing individual variability. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), synthetic biology, and high-throughput microbiome sequencing now enable precise skin analysis and the development of tailored, more effective cosmetic formulations. This review critically examines these technological breakthroughs, including genetic modification of microbial strains, engineered delivery systems, and quorum sensing modulation, with a focus on their cosmetic and therapeutic applications. These innovations not only facilitate product customization but also reduce environmental impact by minimizing resource use, synthetic chemicals, and testing burdens aligning with sustainability goals. Several structured tables synthesize the latest findings on microbial targets, bioengineered ingredients, delivery platforms, and mechanistic pathways, providing a practical reference for researchers and product developers. Additionally, this review addresses key regulatory and safety considerations, particularly those associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cosmetic products. It highlights the need for region-specific clinical trials, toxicity assessments, and microbial safety screening to ensure consumer protection. While current frameworks offer a foundation, further ethical and environmental guidelines may be necessary as synthetic biology advances. Thus, AI-integrated synthetic biology and microbiome transplantation emerge as transformative pathways for advancing sustainable, personalized skincare innovation.