Fundamentals of Microbiome for the Cosmetics Industry

 

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Join us at Naturally Kiawah 2026 for a comprehensive introduction to what constitutes a “microbiome” and, more pertinently, the “skin microbiome”. Course participants will be given an overview of the field of microbiology and human microbiome research to provide an entry point into substantive conversations about how the cosmetic care industry should be leveraging the knowledge of the human skin microbiome to discover, develop, and launch products and services of value to ameliorate a variety of skin conditions.

Course Registration: CLICK HERE

Who Should Attend

Any cosmetic care research scientist or formulator interested in how the skin microbiome impacts skin health and how it can be modulated and balanced to ameliorate certain skin conditions.

Course Instructor

Dr. Lawrence received his doctorate in molecular microbiology from Stony Brook University and before that obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from the University of New Mexico. During his career, he has conducted biological research in academia, industry, and for the United States government. He has executed anti-viral therapeutic and vaccine research projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. In industry, he has participated in contract biopharmaceutical projects for the former Collaborative Bioalliance as well as Dow Chemical. Dr. Lawrence was also the Director of DNA Production for the anti-counterfeiting biotechnology company, Applied DNA Sciences.

Currently, he is the Executive Director of Bioscience Research, Discovery, and Scientific Communications for Biocogent, a developer and manufacturer of bio-active ingredients with cosmetic care applications. In his spare time, he is also an adjunct professor at three different colleges teaching microbiology to future nurses, doctors, and cosmetic care professionals. He also volunteers as the senior associate editor of the Journal of Cosmetic Science and is currently a member of the Certificate Program Task Force for the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC). He has also been an instructor for multiple courses that he has developed for the SCC’s continuing education program. Over the course of his career, Dr. Lawrence has published more than 40 research manuscripts and review articles, more than 25 online science digests, and has authored a textbook chapter on the molecular pathogenesis of one of the world’s most infectious viruses.


Instructor: Dr. Paul Lawrence

Format: SCC In-Person CEP Course

Date: 
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 
12:30PM - 4:00PM

 

 

REGISTER TODAY

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to what constitutes a “microbiome” and more pertinently, the “skin microbiome”. Course participants will be given an overview of the field of microbiology and human microbiome research, providing an entry point into substantive conversations about how the cosmetic care industry should be leveraging the knowledge of the human skin microbiome to discover, develops, and launch products and services of value to ameliorate a variety of skin conditions. 

 

Course Outline

Introduction

Overview of terminology and concepts

  • Cellular vs. acellular biological entities
  • Culture-dependent vs. culture-independent microbiome investigations

Human Microbiome

  • Introduction to the concept of the “human microbiome”
    • Gut, skin, oral, lung, brain, cancer microbiomes
    • Antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation

Skin Microbiome

  • Deep dive into the expanding knowledge about the skin microbiome
  • Health implications of a “dysbiosis” – disruption in the microbial balance
  • Member microbes: bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses…maybe even protists
  • What constitutes “microbiome friendly”? Is it real?

Microbiome Modulatory Efforts

  • What constitutes “microbiome modulation”? Is it possible?
  • Approaches: prebiotic, probiotic, postbiotic, synbiotic…parabiotic?
  • How do we communicate these efforts with our customers?

Future of Skin Microbiome Research and Implications for Skin Health

  • Are there new frontiers waiting to be explored?
  • How are these endeavors viewed from a regulatory perspective?