Novel skin care composition for treating acne

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of skin care. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cosmetic or therapeutic skin care composition comprising at least one bacterial strain of the genus Staphylococcus sp. That promotes skin health, which has antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes, without affecting bacterial strains of non-pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes, and to a cosmetic or therapeutic skin care composition comprising at least one bacterial strain of the genus Staphylococcus sp. That promotes skin health, which has antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes, without affecting bacterial strains of non-pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes. The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing acne, oily skin or dry skin by applying a skin care composition of the invention to an area of skin in need of treatment. The invention also relates to the use of the skin care composition of the invention for the treatment or prevention of acne, oily skin or dry skin.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of skin care. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cosmetic or therapeutic skin care composition comprising at least one Staphylococcus strain or a culture supernatant of said Staphylococcus strain that promotes skin health and has antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes strains without affecting non-pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes strains. The present invention also provides a method for treating or preventing acne, oily skin or dry skin by applying the skin care composition of the present invention to the skin area in need of treatment. The present invention also relates to the use of the skin care composition of the present invention for treating or preventing acne, oily skin or dry skin. Background Art

[0002] Acne vulgaris is a widespread, long-term skin condition that affects more than 600 million people worldwide. Acne is most common among adolescents, although it affects people of all ages. It is usually caused by a combination of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, excessive sebum production, and impaired keratinization. As a result, the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in papules and oily skin (Pschyrembel, Klinisches Wörterbuch, 258th edition, Walter de Gruyter-Verlag, Berlin, 1998). Bacterial colonization of the affected skin areas may also cause inflammation. Acne mainly affects areas of the skin with a high number of sebaceous glands, especially the face, upper chest, and back. The occurrence of acne may lead to emotional distress and psychiatric problems, such as decreased self-esteem and depression.

[0003] Oily skin is a transitional state between healthy skin and acne-prone skin. In oily skin, the sebaceous glands of the skin produce excess sebum, which is an ideal nutrient for many bacteria and yeasts. These microorganisms break down sebum into glycerol and fatty acids, which further induce the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands and damage the walls of the hair follicles in the skin. This leads to skin inflammation and the formation of papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, which usually heal, leaving only scars, which permanently affect the visual appearance of the subject's skin (W. Umbach, ed., Kosmetik, Entwicklung, Herstellung und Anwendungkosmetischer Mittel, 2nd edition, Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 1995).

[0004] Currently, standard treatment for acne generally involves topical application of antibiotics, including erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, sulfacetamide, doxycycline, or minocycline, to reduce the number of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes). However, some of these antibiotics exhibit considerable side effects, making their use inconvenient for patients. Furthermore, the action of antibiotics is generally nonspecific and eradicates all bacteria located on the skin, including those that have a positive impact on skin health. Furthermore, the treatment of acne with antibiotics is associated with a high recurrence rate, as a small number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) survive and resume growth after termination of antibiotic treatment.

[0005] The anaerobic species Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) is thought to play an important role in the development of acne, as these bacteria are often found in high numbers in patients with moderate or severe inflammatory acne. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Recently, the putative relationship between acne and the human skin microbiome has been analyzed (Belkaid and Segre, 2014; Oh et al., 2014). Specifically, it has been proposed that acne may be the result of a distortion of the skin microbiome caused by specific strains of Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) (Holmes, 2013; Lomholt and Kilian, 2010). Although the skin is colonized by a large number of harmless or even beneficial microorganisms (Grice and Segre, 2011), changes in the microbiome can lead to pathogenic conditions and skin diseases (Bek-Thomsen et al., 2008; Holmes, 2013; Kong et al., 2012; Fitz-Gibbon et al., 2013). This distortion may be caused by a specific subset of Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains (Lomholt and Kilian, 2010). On the other hand, another subset of Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains has been reported to appear to be associated with a stable and healthy skin state.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for new methods for treating or preventing acne that specifically eradicate strains that induce or aggravate acne while retaining strains that have a positive impact on skin health. These methods should be substantially free of side effects and provide long-lasting effects. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition for topical application to the skin, comprising one or more Staphylococcus strains having specific antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains or a culture supernatant obtained from such Staphylococcus strains.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, a Staphylococcus strain is considered active against C. acnes strains if it is active in the lawn assay described below. A culture of a Staphylococcus strain is prepared and incubated overnight in CASO broth at 37°C until the OD is 0. 600 8.0. Then, 15 µl of the overnight culture was pipetted onto lawn plates of the corresponding C. acnes strain containing at least 1x10 8 CFU / plate. The Staphylococcus strain is active against the C. acnes strain if a zone of inhibition appears around the application site after anaerobically incubating the plates at 37°C for 96 hours.

[0009] Preferably, the one or more Staphylococcus strains having antimicrobial activity are selected from:

[0010] (a) Staphylococcus hominis HAA254 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34166,

[0011] (b) Staphylococcus hominis HAA272 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34167,

[0012] (c) Staphylococcus capitis HAB56 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34177.

[0013] (d) Staphylococcus capitis HAB177 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34178,

[0014] (e) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34179,

[0015] (f) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197,

[0016] (g) Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34168,

[0017] (h) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34198,

[0018] (i) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199,

[0019] (j) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200,

[0020] (k) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34158,

[0021] (l) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF242 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34159,

[0022] (m) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34153,

[0023] (n) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF424 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34160,

[0024] (o) Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34117, and

[0025] (p) Staphylococcus warneri HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34118.

[0026] Any of the above strains (alone or in combination) or culture supernatants obtained from any of these strains can be used in the composition of the present invention. In one embodiment, the Staphylococcus strain is present in the composition in a freeze-dried or spray-dried form. The Staphylococcus strain is preferably present in a 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml, preferably 10 7 -10 10 CFU / ml.The Staphylococcus strain may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.5% (w / v) of the skin care composition.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises more than one of the above strains. When more than one of the Staphylococcus strains HAA254, HAA272, HAB56, HAB177, HAB198, HAB276, HAC286, HAC349, HAC470, HAC507, HAC588, HAF242, HAF401, HAF424, HAC26 and HAA333 are used in combination in the same skin care composition, it is particularly preferred that these strains are present in the composition in approximately equal concentrations, for example 1:1 or 1:1:1.

[0028] If a culture supernatant is used, the supernatant is preferably sterile filtered prior to addition to the skin care composition.

[0029] In one embodiment, the skin care composition further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients preferably include emollients, fillers, thickeners, solubilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, pH adjusters, binders, buffers, colorants, humectants, exfoliants, preservatives, plant extracts, essential oils or fragrances.

[0030] The skin care composition is preferably formulated as a gel, cream, ointment or lotion.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a skin care composition for use in a method of treating acne, oily skin and / or dry skin in a subject, a method of reducing the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin of a subject, and / or a method of treating an infection of the skin of a subject with pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells.

[0032] In the third aspect, the present invention relates to Staphylococcus aureus (S. hominis) HAA254 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34166, Staphylococcus aureus (S. hominis) HAA272 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34167, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) HAB56 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34177, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) HAB177 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34178, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) HAB198 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34179, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) HAB276 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197, Staphylococcus aureus (S. capitis) HAB276 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34168, hominis) HAC286, Staphylococcus capitis HAC349 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM34198, Staphylococcus capitis HAC470 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199, Staphylococcus capitis HAC507 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200, Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC588 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34158, Staphylococcus epidermidis HAF242 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34159, Staphylococcus capitis HAF401 deposited in DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34153, Staphylococcus epidermidis HAF424 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34160, Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34117, Staphylococcus warneri HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34118, or a culture supernatant obtained from any of these strains. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 Results of skin moisture measurement at locations where coagulase-negative Staphylococci were isolated are shown. Skin moisture data for the back, cheek, forearm, and forehead skin of the test subjects are shown (*p ≤ 0.05, **p ≤ 0.01, ***p ≤ 0.001, ****p ≤ 0.0001, unpaired Wilcoxon test).

[0034] Figure 2The results of sebum content measurement at the location where coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated are shown. The sebum content data of the back, cheek, forearm and forehead skin of the test subjects are shown (*p ≤ 0.05, **p ≤ 0.01, ***p ≤ 0.001, ****p ≤ 0.0001, unpaired Wilcoxon test).

[0035] Figure 3 Results of cell count measurements at locations where coagulase-negative Staphylococci were isolated are shown. Results of cell count measurements in colony forming units (CFU) / cm2 of the back, cheek, forearm, and forehead skin of the test subjects are shown. 2 Cell count results based on skin surface (*p ≤ 0.05, **p ≤ 0.01, ***p ≤ 0.001, ****p ≤ 0.0001, unpaired Wilcoxon test).

[0036] Figure 4 The antimicrobial activity of the Staphylococcus strains of the present invention against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains from different SLST classes is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 Shown are the results of viability testing of S. epidermidis strain HAC26 and S. warneri strain HAA333 stored in freeze-dried form for up to 4 months in Formulations 1A and 1B described in Example 4 below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention provides novel Staphylococcus strains isolated from natural environments, which show significant activity against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains, particularly those occurring on skin with acne. These strains effectively reduce the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin when applied to the skin by secreting antibacterial compounds that selectively kill pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells into the surrounding culture medium. The present invention also relates to the culture supernatant of any of these strains.

[0039] Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a polyphyletic species that can be divided into different subspecies and phylotypes, namely IA1, IA2, IB, IC, II, and III (Lomholt et al., 2010; McDowell et al., 2013). In order to be able to characterize mixed populations of P. acnes (C. acnes), a single locus sequence typing (SLST) scheme that distinguishes ten classes (A to L) was developed (Scholz et al., 2014). SLST classes A to E correspond to phylotype IA1 strains, while SLST classes F, G, H, K, and L correspond to phylotypes IA2, IC, IB, II, and III, respectively (Scholz et al., 2014). Recent work has shown that certain phylotypes / SLST classes are enriched in individuals with the skin disorder acne vulgaris, while others have been identified as markers of healthy skin. Acne-associated phylotypes include SLST categories A and C (both phylotype IA1) and F (IA2), whereas healthy skin colonization has a more diverse population with a higher proportion of strains belonging to SLST categories H (IB) and K (II) (Dagnelie et al., 2018; Lomholt et al., 2017; McDowell et al., 2012; McDowell et al., 2011; Nakase et al., 2017; Nakase et al., 2020).

[0040] It has been found that the Staphylococcus strains identified in the course of the present invention have significantly higher activity against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains associated with skin suffering from acne, in particular strains of SLST classes A, C and F. At the same time, these strains have reduced or no activity against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains associated with healthy skin, in particular strains of SLST classes H and K.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST category A. In another embodiment, the present invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories A and C. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories A, C, and F. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST category A, but not against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST category H. In another embodiment, the present invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories A and C, but not against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST category H. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST category A, but not against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories H and K. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides Staphylococcus strains that are active against one or more Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories A and C, but not against Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains of SLST categories H and K.

[0042] Therefore, the present invention also provides a skin care composition for topical application to the skin, comprising one or more Staphylococcus strains having specific antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains. The present invention also relates to the culture supernatant of any of these strains. The one or more Staphylococcus strains are preferably selected from:

[0043] (a) Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA254 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34166,

[0044] (b) Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA272 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34167,

[0045] (c) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34177,

[0046] (d) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34178,

[0047] (e) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34179,

[0048] (f) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197,

[0049] (g) Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34168,

[0050] (h) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34198,

[0051] (i) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199,

[0052] (j) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200,

[0053] (k) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34158,

[0054] (l) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF242 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34159,

[0055] (m) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34153,

[0056] (n) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF424 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34160,

[0057] (o) Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34117,

[0058] (p) Staphylococcus warneri HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34118.

[0059] Due to their ability to control and reduce the abundance of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains on human skin, these strains or culture supernatants obtained from these strains can be used as active ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical skin care compositions that are topically applied to skin containing an excess of one or more pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the activity of the strains of the present invention is based on the production and secretion of antibacterial compounds that are active against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) strains. When these antibacterial compounds are secreted into the surrounding culture medium, the culture supernatant obtained from the strain can also be used. The culture supernatant used herein is a fraction of the cell culture medium used to culture the cells, and compounds secreted from the cultured cells are accumulated therein.

[0060] Preferably, the one or more Staphylococcus strains are present in the skin care composition of the present invention in a freeze-dried or spray-dried form. This means that the live bacteria have undergone a drying process that maintains their viability but minimizes their metabolic processes. In freeze-dried or spray-dried form, the bacteria can be stored for months or even years. Once they are applied to the skin, such as human skin, the metabolism of the bacteria is reactivated and growth resumes. They multiply on the skin surface and replace pathogenic bacterial strains, thereby restoring a diverse, healthy and balanced skin microbiome.

[0061] In one embodiment, the one or more Staphylococcus strains are present in a spray-dried form. The principle of spray drying is based on dispersing a solution into fine droplets, which are then introduced into a stream of hot air. The solvent evaporates from the matrix droplets, leaving a dry product mass. Standard spray drying equipment can be used, such as a small spray dryer B-290 from Büchi Labortechnik GmbH (Essen, Germany) or a MobileMinor™ spray dryer from GEA (Berlin, Germany). In another embodiment, the one or more Staphylococcus strains are present in a freeze-dried or lyophilized form. Freeze drying or lyophilization is a process that includes freezing a product, reducing pressure, and heating to allow the frozen water in the material to sublime. Various methods can be used to freeze the product. For example, freezing can be achieved by using a standard freezer or freezing bath. The product is cooled to below its triple point to ensure that sublimation occurs after heating. In order to prevent the formation of large crystals that may damage the structure of the product to be dried, freezing is performed quickly. When the frozen water sublimates, about 95% of the water in the product is removed. Most materials can be dried to a residual moisture of 1-5%. Standard freeze-drying equipment can be used, such as the Lyovac™ equipment from GEA (Berlin, Germany), the Gamma 2-20 Freeze Dryer LCM-1 from Christ (Osterode am Harz, Germany), or the Christ Martin™ Alpha 1-2 Freeze Dryer from Fisher Scientific GmbH (Schwerte, Germany).

[0062] Preferably, the Staphylococcus strain is present at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus strain HAA254, strain HAA272, strain HAB56, strain HAB177, strain HAB198, strain HAB276, strain HAC286, strain HAC349, strain HAC470, strain HAC507, strain HAC588, strain HAF242, strain HAF401, strain HAF424, strain HAC26 or strain HAA333 can be present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus strain is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0063] In one embodiment, Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) strain HAA254 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA254 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 105 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) strain HAA254 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0064] In another embodiment, Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) strain HAA272 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA272 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 1010 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) strain HAA272 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0065] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB56 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB56 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 1010 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB177 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB198 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB198 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB276 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5-1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAB276 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, the S. capitis strain HAC349 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAC349 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0071] In yet another embodiment, the S. capitis strain HAC470 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAC470 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 1010 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the S. capitis strain HAC507 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAC507 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0073] In yet another embodiment, the S. epidermidis strain HAC588 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the S. epidermidis strain HAC588 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strain HAC588 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0074] In yet another embodiment, the S. epidermidis strain HAF242 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the S. epidermidis strain HAF242 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strain HAF242 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAF401 was expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis) strain HAF401 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the S. epidermidis strain HAF424 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9CFU / ml. For example, the S. epidermidis strain HAF424 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strain HAF424 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0077] In yet another embodiment, the S. epidermidis strain HAC26 was isolated at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the S. epidermidis strain HAC26 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strain HAC26 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0078] In yet another embodiment, Staphylococcus warneri (S. warneri) strain HAA333 is expressed at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0x 10 11 Colony forming units (CFU) / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the S. warneri strain HAA333 may be present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the Staphylococcus warneri (S. warneri) strain HAA333 is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0079] In other words, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises the Staphylococcus strain in an amount of at least 0.5% (w / v) based on the total volume of the skin care composition. For example, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises Staphylococcus strain HAA254, strain HAA272, strain HAB56, strain HAB177, strain HAB198, strain HAB276, strain HAC286, strain HAC349, strain HAC470, strain HAC507, strain HAC588, strain HAF242, strain HAF401, strain HAF424, strain HAC26 or strain HAA333 in an amount of at least 0.5% (w / v). More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of said S. epidermidis strain, based on the total volume of said skin care composition.

[0080] In one embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA254, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA254, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0081] In another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA272, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA272, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB 177, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB 177, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB 198, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB 198, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0085] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAB276, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAB276, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus hominis strain HAC286, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0091] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAF242, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAF242, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0092] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0093] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAF424, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAF424, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0094] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAC26, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the S. epidermidis strain HAC26, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0095] In yet another embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus warneri strain HAA333, based on the total volume of the skin care composition. More preferably, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.75% (w / v), at least 1.0% (w / v), at least 1.25% (w / v), at least 1.5% (w / v), at least 1.75% (w / v), at least 2.0% (w / v), at least 2.25% (w / v) or at least 2.5% (w / v) of the Staphylococcus warneri strain HAA333, based on the total volume of the skin care composition.

[0096] When more than one of said Staphylococcus strains is used in combination in the same skin care composition, each of said strains is preferably present at 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 CFU / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, each of the strains may be present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, each of the strains is present in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition.

[0097] In some embodiments, the total amount of freeze-dried or spray-dried bacteria in the composition is 1.0 x 10 4 -1.0 x 10 11 CFU / ml, more preferably 1.0 x 10 5 -1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, even more preferably 1.0 x 10 7 -1.0x 10 10 CFU / ml or 1.0 x 10 8 -1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml. For example, the bacteria may be present in a total of at least 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / ml, preferably at least 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / ml, more preferably at least 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / ml, e.g. at least 1.0 x10 8 CFU / ml, at least 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / ml or at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition. Particularly preferably, the bacteria are present in the composition in an amount of at least 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 2.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 3.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 4.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 5.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 6.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml, 7.0 x10 10 CFU / ml, 8.0 x 10 10 CFU / ml or 9.0 x 10 10 The amount of CFU / ml of skin care composition is present in said composition. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to readily determine the amount of bacteria in a lyophilized or spray-dried composition.

[0098] When more than one of the Staphylococcus strains HAA254, HAA272, HAB56, HAB177, HAB198, HAB276, HAC286, HAC349, HAC470, HAC507, HAC588, HAF242, HAF401, HAF424, HAC26 and HAA333 are used in combination in the same skin care composition, it is particularly preferred that these strains are present in the composition in approximately equal concentrations, for example 1:1 or 1:1:1.

[0099] In one embodiment, the culture supernatant of the culture of one or more strains of the present invention is added to the skin care composition of the present invention. Preferably, the culture supernatant is sterile filtered before being added to the skin care composition. For example, the culture supernatant can be sterile filtered by centrifuging an overnight culture at 8000 g for 10 min and then filtering the supernatant with a filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm.

[0100] The skin care composition of the present invention can be formulated as a liquid, ointment, cream, scrub, lotion, paste, gel, hydrogel, foam or powder. However, it is preferably formulated as a gel, cream, ointment or lotion. The skin care composition can be formulated to be packaged in a pump dispenser that allows the liquid to be sprayed onto the skin area to be treated. The skin care composition of the present invention can also be incorporated into a patch applied to the skin.

[0101] The composition of the present invention may optionally include one or more excipients commonly used in cosmetic or pharmaceutical skin care products. Such excipients are described in detail, for example, in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 16th edition (2016). For example, the one or more excipients may include emollients, exfoliants, moisturizers, pH adjusters, thickeners, solubilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, fillers, binders, buffers, colorants, essential oils, pigments, sunscreens, antimicrobial agents, chelating agents, vitamins, panthenol, ubiquinone Q10, hyaluronic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0102] For example, the skin care composition of the present invention may include an emollient. An emollient used herein is a compound that moisturizes and / or softens the skin. Emollients generally reduce the roughness, cracking and / or irritation of the skin by penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin. Emollients suitable for the skin care composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, olive oil, palm oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, rapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, safflower seed oil, myristyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, polyethylene glycol, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate or cetyl alcohol. Preferably, the emollient is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the gross weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the emollient is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one emollient. In this case, the above amounts preferably refer to the total amount of emollients in the composition.

[0103] The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain an exfoliating compound. Exfoliating compounds are solids that provide a granular texture to the composition. When rubbed on the skin, these compounds eliminate old skin cells and enhance skin renewal. Exfoliating compounds that can be used in the composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, urea, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids and their esters, anhydrides and salts. Suitable hydroxy acids include, for example, urea, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 2-hydroxyalkanoic acid, salicylic acid and its derivatives. The use of urea is particularly preferred because it also has additional hydration and enhances the absorption of other cosmetic ingredients. Preferably, the exfoliating compound is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the exfoliating compound is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one exfoliating compound. In this case, the above amounts preferably refer to the total amount of exfoliating compounds in the composition.

[0104] The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain a moisturizer for improving the moisture content of the skin. Moisturizers suitable for the composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, glycerol, polyethylene glycol ethers of glycerol, amino acids such as proline and arginine, sugars and sugar alcohols such as glucose, mannose, trehalose and polyglycerol sorbitol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, diglycerol, glycerol monopropoxylate, glycogen, sodium hyaluronate, sodium polyaspartate, sodium polyglutamate, sorbitol polyether 20, sorbitol polyether 6 and hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate. Preferably, the moisturizer is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the moisturizer is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one moisturizer. In this case, the above amount preferably refers to the total amount of moisturizer in the composition.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises a compound that acts as a pH regulator. Since the composition of the present invention is used on human skin, it generally has a slightly acidic pH, making it more compatible with the acidic environment of the skin. The composition may have a pH in the range of about 2.5 to about 6.5, preferably about 4.0 to about 6.0, more preferably about 5.0 to about 6.0 or about 5.5 to about 6.0. The acidic pH may be achieved by adding an acid (e.g., a carboxylic acid such as an α-hydroxy acid) to the skin care composition of the present invention. There is no particular restriction on the nature of the acid that can be used in the composition of the present invention. Suitable acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, heptanoic acid, caprylic acid, etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises lactic acid as a pH regulator. Lactic acid is particularly useful for application to human skin because it is also secreted by skin flora to form a protective acidic environment on the surface of human skin. Preferably, the pH regulator is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the pH regulator is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one pH regulator. In this case, the above amount preferably refers to the total amount of pH regulator in the composition.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises a thickener. A thickener is a compound that increases the viscosity of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation. Thickeners are typically water-swelling polymers, making the composition more viscous. Thickeners suitable for use in the skin care composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, soy gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, carnauba wax, stearic acid, Chondrus crispus extract, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the thickener is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), and more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the thickener is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), and more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition according to the invention may also comprise more than one thickener. In this case, the above amounts preferably refer to the total amount of thickeners in the composition.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises a solubilizer. As used herein, a solubilizer is a compound that aids in the dissolution of hydrophobic substances in aqueous and alcoholic formulations. For example, a solubilizer can make the dissolution of aromatic oils and other hydrophobic substances (e.g., vitamins) in aqueous skin care compositions feasible. Suitable solubilizers for use in the skin care composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, pentaerythritol tetraisostearate, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, polyglyceryl-10 caprylate, and different poloxamers, such as poloxamer 188, 234, 235, 238, and 338. Preferably, the solubilizer is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the solubilizer is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one solubilizer. In this case, the above amount preferably refers to the total amount of solubilizer in the composition.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises an antioxidant. These compounds are usually added to cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations to prevent oxidation reactions catalyzed by oxygen free radicals, which would otherwise lead to the decomposition of ingredients such as proteins, sugars and lipids in the composition. Antioxidants commonly used in cosmetic products include chemicals such as butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, tocopherol, tocopherol acetate and polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, stilbenes and terpenes of plant origin. Preferably, the antioxidant is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the antioxidant is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also contain more than one antioxidant. In this case, the above amounts preferably refer to the total amount of antioxidants in the composition.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention comprises a preservative. As used herein, a preservative is a compound added to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation to prevent microbial spoilage of the preparation by inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria and yeasts. Preservatives commonly used in cosmetic preparations include benzyl alcohol, ethanol, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, salicylic acid, and sorbic acid, among others. Preferably, the preservative is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 10% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 10.0% (w / w), and more preferably 1.0 to 10.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the preservative is present in the skin care composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.05% (w / w) to 5.0% (w / w), preferably 0.1 to 5.0% (w / w), and more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% (w / w), based on the total weight of the composition. The skin care composition of the present invention may also comprise more than one preservative. In this case, the above amounts preferably refer to the total amount of preservative in the composition.

[0110] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all percentages used herein are by weight of the skin care composition. Unless otherwise stated, all ratios are by weight.

[0111] The novel strains of the present invention, as well as the culture supernatants obtained from any of these strains, and skin care compositions comprising one or more of the strains or their culture supernatants can be used to regulate the skin microbiome, in particular to reduce the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin of a subject. Therefore, the strains, culture supernatants and skin care compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for treating pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) skin infections and skin diseases characterized by an excess of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin, such as oily skin and / or acne.

[0112] Therefore, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of two or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above, for use in a method of reducing the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin of a subject. The present invention also relates to the use of one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of two or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above, for reducing the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin of a subject. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) cells on the skin of a subject, the method comprising applying one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above to the skin of a subject in need thereof. Particularly preferably, the subject to be treated is a human being.

[0113] In another preferred aspect, the present invention relates to one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above, for use in a method for treating pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) infection of the subject's skin. The present invention also relates to the use of one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above, for treating pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) infection of the subject's skin. The present invention also relates to a method for treating pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) infection of the subject's skin, the method comprising applying the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strain or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof as described above to the skin of a subject in need thereof. Particularly preferably, the subject to be treated is a human being.

[0114] In another preferred aspect, the present invention relates to one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or their culture supernatants as described above, for use in a method for treating oily skin, acne and / or dry skin in a subject. The present invention also relates to the use of one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or their culture supernatants as described above, for treating oily skin, acne and / or dry skin in a subject. The present invention also relates to a method for treating oily skin, acne and / or dry skin in a subject, the method comprising applying one of the above-mentioned Staphylococcus strains or a culture supernatant obtained from this strain or a combination of these strains or a culture supernatant thereof or a skin care composition comprising one or more of these strains or their culture supernatants as described above to the skin of a subject in need. Particularly preferably, the subject to be treated is a human being.

[0115] The skin to be treated can include the skin of the face and body, such as the skin of the neck, chest, back, arms, hands, legs or thighs. According to a preferred embodiment, the skin treated with the composition of the present invention is facial skin. According to another preferred embodiment, the skin treated with the composition of the present invention is body skin.

[0116] The skin care composition can be applied to the skin area in need of treatment, such as the face or body, at least once a day, twice a day or even more frequently if necessary. When applied twice a day, the first and second applications are preferably separated by at least 6 hours, preferably 8 hours. Typically, the cosmetic composition is applied once in the morning and once in the evening. The composition of the present invention can be used for a long time without any adverse side effects. For example, the treatment duration can be at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 4 weeks, at least 6 weeks, at least 12 weeks, at least 24 weeks or longer. In some embodiments, the treatment will extend for several months, such as 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months or 24 months.

[0117] The skin care compositions of the present invention can be provided as ready-to-use compositions that allow for direct topical application to the skin. In such compositions, the lyophilized or spray-dried live bacteria will be present in admixture with other cosmetic or pharmaceutical excipients described elsewhere herein, such as emollients, fillers, etc. Upon application of these compositions to the skin, the dried bacteria will be reactivated on the skin of the subject to whom the product is applied. The growth of the bacteria reactivated from the skin care composition will have a positive impact on the microbial flora on the subject's skin.

[0118] These ready-to-use compositions are preferably stable at room temperature for at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 4 weeks, at least 5 weeks, at least 6 weeks, at least 8 weeks, at least 10 weeks, at least 12 weeks, at least 14 weeks, at least 16 weeks, at least 18 weeks, at least 20 weeks, at least 22 weeks, at least 24 weeks, at least 26 weeks, at least 28 weeks or at least 30 weeks or more. When used herein, a composition is considered stable if the reduction in the number of colony forming units present in the composition after storage is less than 3 log reductions, preferably less than 2 log reductions, more preferably less than 1 log reduction. In other words, a composition is considered stable if the number of colony forming units present in the composition after storage is less than 1000 times, preferably less than 100 times, more preferably less than 10 times relative to the number of colony forming units in the composition before storage.

[0119] The skin care composition of the present invention can be optionally provided as a kit of parts, wherein the freeze-dried or spray-dried bacteria are spatially separated from other components (e.g., cosmetic or therapeutic components). For example, the kit of parts can take the form of a package with two spatially separated chambers, wherein the first chamber contains the freeze-dried or spray-dried bacteria and the second chamber contains a cosmetic preparation, such as an aqueous cosmetic preparation. Before use, the contents of the two chambers are mixed with each other by, for example, a consumer or patient, to provide a uniform skin care composition, which is then applied to the skin. The advantage of the kit of parts assembly is that the bacteria can be kept in a freeze-dried or spray-dried form before use, which is accompanied by a particularly high storage stability of the composition. In the kit of parts assembly, it is advantageous if the weight ratio of the bacteria in the first chamber to the cosmetic preparation (particularly aqueous cosmetic preparation) in the second chamber is 1:10 to 1:100, such as 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90 or 1:100. After the contents of the two chambers are mixed, the skin care composition preferably contains 1-10% by weight of the freeze-dried or spray-dried bacteria and 99-90% by weight of the cosmetic preparation, such as an aqueous cosmetic preparation. According to the present invention, the kit of parts can be provided in, for example, a Lyo-Ject® dual-chamber syringe, a V-LK® dual-chamber carpuel or a dual-chamber system. In another preferred embodiment, the freeze-dried or spray-dried bacteria in the first chamber can be suspended in a lipid or oil. This will greatly facilitate packaging and filling. In addition, the surrounding lipid or oil will protect the bacteria from premature rehydration. Preferably, the bacteria are suspended in ethylhexyl cocoate or dicaprylyl carbonate. The weight ratio of the bacteria to the oil or lipid is preferably between 1:1 and 1:2.

[0120] In one embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention is an aqueous formulation, such as a gel. Aqueous formulations referred to herein encompass aqueous solutions as well as aqueous dispersions. In one embodiment, the skin care composition is an oil-in-water emulsion. If the skin care composition contains an oil phase, such as when an oil-in-water emulsion is used, preferably the oil phase contains triglycerides and / or octyldodecanol. In addition, the oil phase may contain one or more oils selected from lecithin, olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, almond oil, palm oil, coconut oil, castor oil, wheat germ oil, grape seed oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, macadamia oil, etc.

[0121] When used in the context of a method or composition, the term "comprising" means that in addition to the stated method steps or components, there may be other method steps or composition components. The use of the term "comprising" means inclusion rather than limitation. For example, a composition "comprising" components A+B may also include C as another component. Similarly, a method "comprising" steps (a) and (b) may also include (c) as another method step. In contrast, when used in the context of a method or composition, the term "consisting of" means that the method or composition does not include any other method steps or composition components that are not listed in the description of the corresponding composition or method. For example, a composition consisting of components A+B is limited to these two components and does not include any other components other than A and B. Similarly, a method consisting of steps (a) and (b) is a two-step method and does not include any other method steps other than (a) and (b). However, it should be understood that any method or composition described herein as "comprising" certain method steps or components may preferably consist essentially of the method steps or components recited, or more preferably consist of the method steps or components recited. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0122] Example

[0123] The following examples describe certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0124] Example 1 : Sample acquisition and processing

[0125] As previously described (Ahle et al., 2020), swab samples were collected from the forehead, cheeks, back, and forearm skin of 30 volunteers (females, n = 14; males, n = 16) aged 22-43 years. Briefly, 25 cm of the forehead, cheeks, back, and forearm skin were swabbed with cotton swabs. 2 and 50 cm on the skin of the forearm 2The cotton swabs were pre-moistened in an aqueous sampling buffer containing disodium phosphate (12.49 g / L, Merck), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.63 g / L, Merck), and 1% Triton X-100 (Sigma) in the area of ​​​​the skin. The swabs were vigorously shaken in a test tube containing 2 mL of sampling buffer and then removed. The samples were stored at -20°C before DNA extraction. Skin water content and sebum content were measured using a Corneometer (Courage + Khazaka electronic) and a Sebumeter (Courage + Khazaka electronic), respectively. None of the volunteers had a history of skin diseases and had not received topical medications or antibiotics in the past six months. Written informed consent was obtained from all volunteers, and the study was approved by the International Medical & Dental Ethics Commission GmbH (IMDEC) of Freiburg (study number 67885).

[0126] The swab samples were diluted in 0.9% NaCl solution (back, cheek, forehead skin samples: 1:10 and 1:1000; forehead skin samples; 1:1 and 1:100). Culture was performed by plating on Columbia agar containing 5% sheep blood; the agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. CFU counts were determined using an automated colony counter (IUL). Up to five colonies similar to Staphylococcus were randomly picked from each plate based on colony size and color, and pure cultures were obtained by subculturing on the same agar. Each of the 572 isolates obtained was assigned to the species level by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

[0127] Prior to DNA extraction, skin swab samples were centrifuged (8.000 g, 30 min at 4°C), and the supernatant was discarded. The precipitate was lysed using lysostaphin (0.05 mg / mL, Sigma) and lysozyme (9.5 mg / mL, Sigma). DNA was extracted using the DNeasy PowerSoil kit (QIAGEN) following the manufacturer's instructions. DNA concentration was measured with the Qubit dsDNA HS assay (ThermoFisher Scientific) using a Qubit fluorometer.

[0128] result: A total of 572 bacterial isolates were obtained by selective culture, of which 557 were identified as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In all skin sites, the majority of isolates were identified as S. epidermidis (n=374, 67.2%), followed by Staphylococcus hominis (n=86, 15.4%). S. epidermidis strains dominated the forehead, cheek, and back skin sites, followed by Staphylococcus capitis strains (relative abundances of 74.5% and 11.7%, respectively), while a larger number of S. hominis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains were isolated from the forearm skin site (relative abundances of 38.7% and 7.3%, respectively). The skin on the back and forehead has the highest water content (skin hydration) compared to the skin on the cheeks and forearms ( Figure 1 The forehead showed the highest sebum content and number of Staphylococci per square centimeter (colony forming units / CFU), while the forearm skin site had particularly low sebum and Staphylococcus counts ( Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0129] Example 2 :Effect of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) on the abundance of Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) on the skin

[0130] All 557 CoNS isolates were screened for antimicrobial properties against the indicator strain DSM1897 to identify bioactive Staphylococcus isolates. For this purpose, bacterial lawn plates were prepared for the indicator strain. Liquid cultures of the C. acnes indicator strain were prepared in CASO broth. For the C. acnes strain cultures, the liquid cultures were adjusted to OD 600nm =0.075 optical density. Pipette 6 mL of the conditioned culture onto rectangular Tryptone Soy Agar (TSA) plates and spread evenly. For round TSA plates, use 3 mL of bacterial suspension. After 30 seconds, remove excess liquid and dry the plates for 4 h. Store the plates at 4 °C for up to three weeks.

[0131] The CoNS isolates were cultured in 1 mL CASO broth in a 96-well deep-well plate with shaking at 37°C for 20 h. The 96-well deep-well plate was centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 5 min, 500 µL of supernatant was removed, and the pellet was resuspended in the remaining liquid. The concentrated bacterial culture was transferred to a 96-well U-bottom plate. The bacterial culture was transferred to a rectangular lawn plate using a replica stamp. After drying for 4 h, the plates were incubated under different conditions (S. aureus lawn plates: 24, 37°C; C. acnes lawn plates: 4-5 days, 37°C in an anaerobic container using AnaeroGen bags (Thermo Scientific)). The inhibition zone visible around the Staphylococcus colonies was considered to have antimicrobial activity. Staphylococcus strains that showed antimicrobial properties were validated in triplicate. These strains were further tested against 11 different C. acnes indicator strains from 6 different SLST classes.

[0132] result : A total of 30 tested Staphylococcus strains were observed to show activity against C. acnes strains. These isolates were further screened against 11 different C. acnes strains covering 6 different SLST classes (A, C, D, H, K, L) including types associated with acne and healthy skin to identify any phylotype-specific bioactivity. Of the 30 Staphylococcal isolates, 17 were identified as S. capitis, 6 as S. hominis, 5 as S. epidermidis, and 2 as S. warneri. Strains belonging to different C. acnes phylogenetic clades showed significantly different susceptibilities to the antimicrobial activity of the various Staphylococcal isolates. Two strains of Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) of type A, DSM1897 and 12.1.L1, were most sensitive to this bioactivity and were inhibited by the antimicrobial activity, as well as by a total of 29 and 15 Staphylococcus strains, respectively.

[0133] To provide insight into the in vivo relevance of these observations, we compared the relative abundance distribution of C. acnes populations from skin samples derived from the presence and absence of antimicrobially active Staphylococcus strains. Notably, the relative abundance of C. acnes class A was significantly lower in skin sites containing Staphylococcus strains exhibiting antimicrobial activity. This negative correlation in abundance was most pronounced in dorsal skin samples; in samples containing antimicrobially active Staphylococci, the relative abundance of C. acnes class D was significantly increased, and the corresponding abundance of C. acnes class A was correspondingly decreased (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0013, respectively).

[0134] Example 3 : Preparation of skin care compositions

[0135] S. capitis strain HAC349 and S. epidermidis strain HAC588 were incorporated into skin care compositions. To this end, lyophilized powders of S. capitis HAC349 and S. epidermidis HAC588 were prepared and mixed with the other ingredients shown below. The ingredients are listed in % (w / w).

[0136]

[0137] Example 4 : Preparation of two-component skin care compositions

[0138] Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC26 and Staphylococcus warneri strain HAA333 were incorporated into a two-component skin care composition. To this end, lyophilized powders of Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 and Staphylococcus warneri HAA333 were prepared and mixed with the other ingredients shown below. The ingredients are listed in % (w / w).

[0139]

[0140]

[0141] The survival rate of lyophilized strains formulated as Formulation 1A and Formulation 1B as shown in the table above was tested. Figure 5 As shown in , it was found that the strain was still viable even after 4 months of storage.

[0142] Then, just before applying the product, 25.96% of the bacteria-containing composition 1A or 1B was mixed with 74.04% of the carrier composition 2. The test product was applied once a day for 4 consecutive days to the 25 cm area on the palmar forearm of 12 volunteers. 2 The application amount is 2.12 mg test product / cm², 1*10 6 CFU / cm². A total of 53 mg of test product / 25 cm² was applied. Swab samples were obtained before application (baseline) and 24 h after the last application (day 5). DNA was extracted from the swab samples and analyzed for Staphylococcal composition by tuf sequencing as previously described (Ahle et al., 2021) with strain-specific primers and probes.

[0143] result : On the 5th day after applying the product consisting of formulations 1A and 2 in the above table to the skin, the HAC26 strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis could be specifically detected. Similarly, on the 5th day after applying the product consisting of formulations 1B and 2 in the above table to the skin, the HAA333 strain of Staphylococcus warneri could be specifically detected.

[0144] literature

[0145] Ahle CM et al., Staphylococcus saccharolyticus: An Overlooked Human Skin Colonizer, Microorganisms 2020, 8.

[0146] Ahle CM et al., Comparison of three amplicon sequencing approaches to determine taphylococcal populations on human skin, BMC Microbiol, 2021, 21(1): 221.

[0147] Lomholt HB, Kilian M. Population genetic analysis of Propionibacterium acnes identifies a subpopulation and epidemic clones associated with acne. PLoS One 5, e12277 (2010).

[0148] McDowell A, Nagy I, Magyari M, Barnard E, Patrick S. The opportunistic pathogen Propionibacterium acnes: insights into typing, human disease, clonaldiversification and CAMP factor evolution. PLoS One 8, e70897 (2013).

[0149] Scholz CF, Jensen A, Lomholt HB, Bruggemann H, Kilian M. A novel high-resolution single locus sequence typing scheme for mixed populations of Propionibacterium acnes in vivo. PLoS One 9, e104199 (2014).

[0150] Dagnelie MA et al., Decrease in Diversity of Propionibacterium acnes Phylotypes in Patients with Severe Acne on the Back, Acta Derm Venereol 98, 262-267 (2018).

[0151] Lomholt HB, Scholz CFP, Bruggemann H, Tettelin H, Kilian M. A comparative study of Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes clones from acne patients and healthy controls. Anaerobe 47, 57-63 (2017).

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[0153] McDowell A et al., A novel multilocus sequence typing scheme for the opportunistic pathogen Propionibacterium acnes and characterization of type I cell surface-associated antigens, Microbiology (Reading) 157, 1990-2003 (2011).

[0154] Nakase K, Hayashi N, Akiyama Y, Aoki S, Noguchi N. Antimicrobialsusceptibility and phylogenetic analysis of Propionibacterium acnes isolatedfrom acne patients in Japan between 2013 and 2015. J Dermatol 44, 1248-1254 (2017).

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Claims

1. A skin care composition for topical application to the skin, comprising one or more Staphylococcus strains or culture supernatants from such Staphylococcus strains having specific antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes strains.

2. The skin care composition according to claim 1, wherein the one or more Staphylococcus strains are selected from: (a) Staphylococcus hominis strain HAA254 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34166, (b) Staphylococcus aureus strain HAA272 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34167, (c) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34177, (d) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34178, (e) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34179, (f) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197, (g) Staphylococcus aureus strain HAC286 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34168, (h) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34198, (i) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199, (j) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200, (k) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34158, (l) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF242 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34159, (m) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34153, (n) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF424 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34160, (o) Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34117, and (p) Staphylococcus warneri HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34118.

3. The skin care composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Staphylococcus strain is present in the composition in freeze-dried or spray-dried form.

4. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the Staphylococcus strain is present in the composition in an amount of: (a) 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml skin care composition, preferably 10 7 -10 10 CFU / ml skin care composition, and / or (b) at least 0.5% (w / v) of the skin care composition.

5. A skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises (a) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition Staphylococcus aureus strain HAA254 deposited at DSMZ under the deposit number DSM 34166, (b) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition Staphylococcus aureus strain HAA272 deposited at DSMZ under the deposit number DSM 34167, (c) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34177, (d) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34178, (e) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 deposited in DSMZ under the number DSM 34179, (f) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197, (g) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition Staphylococcus aureus strain HAC286 deposited at DSMZ under the deposit number DSM 34168, (h) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34198, (i) The amount is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199, (j) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200, (k) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml skin care composition Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588 deposited at DSMZ under the deposit number DSM 34158, (l) Quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF242 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34159, (m) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 deposited at DSMZ under the number DSM 34153, (n) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition, Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF424 deposited at DSMZ under the deposit number DSM 34160, (o) quantity is 10 4 -10 11 CFU / ml of skin care composition Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited in DSMZ under the number DSM 34117, and / or (p) Staphylococcus wortelii HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34118.

6. The skin care composition of claim 5, wherein the composition comprises two or more of the Staphylococcus strains in approximately equal concentrations.

7. The skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition further comprises one or more excipients.

8. The skin care composition of claim 7, wherein the one or more excipients comprise an emollient, a filler, a thickener, a solubilizer, an antioxidant, a preservative, a pH adjuster, a binder, a buffer, a colorant, a humectant, an exfoliant, a preservative, a plant extract, an essential oil, or a fragrance.

9. A skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is in the form of a gel, cream, ointment or lotion.

10. A Staphylococcus strain selected from: (a) Staphylococcus aureus strain HAA254 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34166, (b) Staphylococcus aureus strain HAA272 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34167, (c) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB56 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34177, (d) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB177 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34178, (e) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB198 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34179, (f) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAB276 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34197, (g) Staphylococcus aureus strain HAC286 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34168, (h) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC349 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34198, (i) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC470 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34199, (j) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAC507 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34200, (k) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAC588 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34158, (l) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF242 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34159, (m) Staphylococcus capitis strain HAF401 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34153, (n) Staphylococcus epidermidis strain HAF424 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34160, (o) Staphylococcus epidermidis HAC26 deposited with DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34117, and (p) Staphylococcus wortelii HAA333 deposited at DSMZ under the accession number DSM 34118, or a culture supernatant obtained from any one of the above strains (a) to (p).

11. A skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a bacterial strain or a culture supernatant according to claim 10 for use in a method of treating acne, oily skin and / or dry skin in a subject.

12. The skin care composition or bacterial strain or culture supernatant for use in a method according to claim 11, wherein the composition is for daily application.

13. A skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a bacterial strain or culture supernatant according to claim 10 for use in a method of reducing the number of pathogenic Propionibacterium acnes cells on the skin of a subject.

14. A skin care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a bacterial strain or culture supernatant according to claim 10 for use in a method of treating an infection of a subject's skin with a pathogenic P. acnes strain.

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