Researchers reported improvements in skin elasticity among participants taking heat-treated Latilactobacillus sakei KABP-065 compared to placebo, with stronger effects observed in women in their 40s.
“The primary objective was to determine whether the immunomodulatory effects previously demonstrated in atopic dermatitis could extend to improvements in skin condition in a healthy population,” Jordi Riera, chief business officer at Kaneka Probiotics, told NutraIngredients.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 60 Japanese women aged 30 to 50 for eight weeks. Participants took either heat-treated KABP-065 capsules or placebo capsules daily while researchers tracked skin elasticity, moisture and transepidermal water loss at baseline, week five and week eight.
Study shifts focus beyond atopic dermatitis
Previous research involving L. sakei KABP-065 centered on atopic dermatitis and skin barrier function. In the new study, researchers evaluated whether the strain could affect visible skin parameters in healthy women experiencing age-related skin changes.
In the paper, the researchers wrote that “the postbiotic group had significantly improved skin elasticity relative to the placebo group.” They also reported “a significantly greater improvement in cheek moisture” among participants in their 40s, who were the age group showing the clearest differences.
“These changes are meaningful because they were measured using objective dermatological tools, not just subjective feedback,” Riera said.
Shelf stability remains a key formulation point
Heat-treated ingredients continue to draw attention from formulators because they avoid some of the stability challenges associated with live probiotic strains.
Unlike live probiotics, heat-treated postbiotics do not depend on maintaining viability during manufacturing and storage. “This eliminates concerns around viability loss during storage and ensures consistent delivery over shelf life,” said Riera.
The study authors similarly noted that “non-viable strains do not have the limitations of viable probiotics and can be stored for longer periods,” adding that they may be “potentially safer and more cost-effective compared to viable strains.”
Researchers call for larger studies
“Rather than providing structural components like collagen, L. sakei KABP-065 works upstream by supporting skin through immune regulation and barrier function,” Riera said.
The researchers tied the findings to the gut-immune-skin axis and said larger studies are needed to better understand the mechanism and confirm the results in broader populations.
The authors also acknowledged several study limitations, including the relatively small study size and external factors during the COVID-19 period in Japan that may have affected participant behavior and skin-related outcomes.
“This possibility should be confirmed in larger and more complex trials involving more participants as well as a study cohort that has a broader range of age and severity of skin issues,” the researchers wrote.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24, no. 12: e70617, doi: 10.1111/jocd.70617, “Novel Application of Oral Postbiotics for Skin Condition in Healthy Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study”. Authors: J. Sawashita, et al.
