Greetings, skin microbiome enthusiasts 👋

Let me ask you a question:
How do you feel when a product says it’s made with a “proprietary blend” or a “proprietary technology” — and then stops there?

Would you still feel confident buying it?
Or wonder… what exactly am I putting on my skin?

---

Transparency vs. Marketing Hype

That word — proprietary — really bothers me.

If we can’t tell customers exactly what we’re giving them in exchange for their money, where does the responsibility lie?
Is it the company’s fault for not being transparent — or the consumer’s for not asking enough questions?

I’ve always believed my role is to educate, especially when it comes to the growing “probiotic skincare” trend. I want people to know what really matters — and how to spot the difference between true innovation and clever marketing.

But sometimes I wonder… is education enough?
Or should I call out the brands that hide behind vague claims?

For years, I’ve avoided comparing myself to competitors. My focus has always been on my customers, not “the industry.”
But every now and then, something makes me want to speak up.

---

An Example That Hit a Nerve

Recently, I came across a well-known skincare brand. (Name not important — but trust me, they’re popular among aestheticians.)

Their brand identity revolves around probiotics.
Yet, out of their entire line, only one product even mentions “live cells.”

They describe their formula as a “proprietary blend” with “patented encapsulation technology” that keeps probiotics alive for two years at room temperature — in a liquid form.

Sounds impressive, right?
Until you look closer.

1️⃣ Their ingredient list contains no water — but they call it aqueous. By definition, “aqueous” means water-based. Oil ≠ aqueous.
2️⃣ The formula is actually oil-based, meaning non-aqueous.
3️⃣ They claim the probiotics are “encapsulated and released upon contact with skin.”
4️⃣ And this one is my favorite: “proprietary blend of probiotics.” That phrase does not mean anything.

Most likely, they’re using the same blend many others are — purchased from the same contract manufacturer (CMO) that supplies dozens of brands.
If their blend were truly special, wouldn’t they at least mention the genus of the probiotics used?
And where’s the viability data to prove those cells are alive?

If this technology really worked, the entire biotech and cosmetic world would be racing to license it.

---

I Asked for Data (and Crickets)

I did something I almost never do — I asked them directly.
Multiple times.
Through their website.
Through social media.

No response.

If your technology is truly that good — and already patented — why not show the data?
Why not educate others and strengthen trust?

Transparency doesn’t threaten innovation — it strengthens it.

---

So Here’s My Question for You

When it comes to skincare (or any product),
do you support vague claims that sound fancy,
or clear and transparent communication that respects your intelligence?

Because for me, skincare — especially alive skincare — should be about honesty, science, and trust.
Not hiding behind the word “proprietary.”

If you’re looking for probiotic skincare that clearly tells you what strain you’re putting on your skin — and actually shows viability data, both in the package and after activation — and is truly water-based,
I honestly don’t think you’ll find any other brand like Fafabiotic. 💜

Until next blog, cheers