Why protecting the microbiome can change the way we care for acne-prone skin
Acne is one of those conditions that makes us want quick results. But, in our attempt to eliminate imperfections, we can sometimes end up being harsh on the skin and destabilizing its natural defense mechanisms.
This is where the idea for Ivapur Aknebiome Serum started: a formula designed for combination or oily, acne-prone skin that acts selectively and respects the skin microbiome.
In 2026, this approach was internationally recognized: Ivapur Aknebiome Serum won the Prestige Formula - Acne/Compromised Skin Care category at the C&T Allē Awards, a competition dedicated to innovation in the cosmetics industry.
For me, this award is important not just as recognition for Ivatherm, but especially for what it confirms: the future of acne-prone skin care does not mean eliminating everything, but rather intervening precisely without compromising the skin's balance.
The skin microbiome: balance, not "sterilization"
A complex community of microorganisms lives on the skin's surface, participating in the protection of the skin barrier and the local immune response. In a balanced microbiome, beneficial bacteria coexist with potentially problematic ones.
In inflammatory acne, the problem is not the simple presence of the Cutibacterium acnes bacterium – it exists normally on the skin – but the imbalance between certain phylotypes and the rest of the skin ecosystem.
Ivapur Aknebiome Serum was formulated to selectively inhibit the C. acnes phylotypes associated with acne, while protecting beneficial microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. In other words, the formula does not seek to destroy the microbiome, but to support its return to balance.
The formula combines Cleome gynandra extract, inulin, niacinamide, tamarind seed extract, and Herculane Thermal Water. It contains no fragrance, parabens, or silicones.
Cleome gynandra extract helps regulate sebum composition and reduce squalene concentration. When present in excess and oxidized, squalene can promote inflammation and the appearance of acne lesions.
Inulin has a prebiotic role and supports the skin's beneficial bacteria, niacinamide helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, and tamarind seed extract and Herculane Thermal Water complete the moisturizing and soothing action of the formula.
What the studies show
An in vitro study conducted in 2025 by Byome Labs in France on a skin microbiota model showed that the formula protected 45% of microbiome diversity and inhibited pathogenic C. acnes phylotypes.*
Separately, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted for 60 days on 34 women with mild to moderate acne evaluated the formula's effect on sebum squalene. After 60 days, the squalene concentration reached 20.2% in the group using the serum, compared to 30% in the placebo group, approaching the levels characteristic of healthy skin.**
These results support the formula's mechanism and its relevance in the long-term care of acne-prone skin, including between treatments or after dermatological procedures. However, they do not replace evaluation by a dermatologist, especially in moderate or severe forms of acne.
How to use Ivapur Aknebiome Serum
The serum is applied morning and evening to clean skin, before the moisturizer. 1-2 pipette doses are sufficient for the face.
The texture is light and absorbs quickly, and a feeling of comfort can be perceived from the very first applications. However, the effects on the microbiome and sebum composition build over time through consistent use.
It can be used by both women and men and can be integrated into a maintenance routine or recommended after a dermatological treatment, depending on the skin's needs.
What this award means to me
Behind a product are years of research, testing, difficult choices, and a lot of patience. An international award doesn't change the formula or how we use it, but it offers independent validation of the path we have chosen to take.
I am happy that a Romanian product, created with scientific rigor and manufactured in France, is recognized alongside major formulas in the international cosmetics industry. But for me, the most valuable confirmation remains skin that gradually regains its comfort and balance.
Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu
Founder and CEO of Ivatherm
References regarding the award
The award granted to Ivapur Aknebiome Serum was also featured by ELLE Romania and UNICA, which highlighted the innovation of the formula and its approach oriented toward protecting the skin microbiome.
* In vitro study on a culture medium with 10 standard microbiota strains and 3 additional C. acnes strains, in the presence of 40% Ivapur Aknebiome Serum, Byome Labs, France, 2025.
** Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 34 women aged 25 to 35 with mild to moderate acne; twice-daily application for 60 days.
Ivapur Aknebiome Serum, internationally awarded: a new approach to acne-prone skin
Why protecting the microbiome can change the way we care for acne-prone skin
Acne is one of those conditions that makes us want quick results. But, in our attempt to eliminate imperfections, we can sometimes end up being harsh on the skin and destabilizing its natural defense mechanisms.This is where the idea for Ivapur Aknebiome Serum started: a formula designed for combination or oily, acne-prone skin that acts selectively and respects the skin microbiome.
In 2026, this approach was internationally recognized: Ivapur Aknebiome Serum won the Prestige Formula - Acne/Compromised Skin Care category at the C&T Allē Awards, a competition dedicated to innovation in the cosmetics industry.
For me, this award is important not just as recognition for Ivatherm, but especially for what it confirms: the future of acne-prone skin care does not mean eliminating everything, but rather intervening precisely without compromising the skin's balance.
The skin microbiome: balance, not "sterilization"
A complex community of microorganisms lives on the skin's surface, participating in the protection of the skin barrier and the local immune response. In a balanced microbiome, beneficial bacteria coexist with potentially problematic ones.
In inflammatory acne, the problem is not the simple presence of the Cutibacterium acnes bacterium – it exists normally on the skin – but the imbalance between certain phylotypes and the rest of the skin ecosystem.
Ivapur Aknebiome Serum was formulated to selectively inhibit the C. acnes phylotypes associated with acne, while protecting beneficial microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. In other words, the formula does not seek to destroy the microbiome, but to support its return to balance.
A formula built for acne-prone and sensitive skin
The formula combines Cleome gynandra extract, inulin, niacinamide, tamarind seed extract, and Herculane Thermal Water. It contains no fragrance, parabens, or silicones.
Cleome gynandra extract helps regulate sebum composition and reduce squalene concentration. When present in excess and oxidized, squalene can promote inflammation and the appearance of acne lesions.
Inulin has a prebiotic role and supports the skin's beneficial bacteria, niacinamide helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, and tamarind seed extract and Herculane Thermal Water complete the moisturizing and soothing action of the formula.
What the studies show
An in vitro study conducted in 2025 by Byome Labs in France on a skin microbiota model showed that the formula protected 45% of microbiome diversity and inhibited pathogenic C. acnes phylotypes.*
Separately, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted for 60 days on 34 women with mild to moderate acne evaluated the formula's effect on sebum squalene. After 60 days, the squalene concentration reached 20.2% in the group using the serum, compared to 30% in the placebo group, approaching the levels characteristic of healthy skin.**
These results support the formula's mechanism and its relevance in the long-term care of acne-prone skin, including between treatments or after dermatological procedures. However, they do not replace evaluation by a dermatologist, especially in moderate or severe forms of acne.
How to use Ivapur Aknebiome Serum
The serum is applied morning and evening to clean skin, before the moisturizer. 1-2 pipette doses are sufficient for the face.
The texture is light and absorbs quickly, and a feeling of comfort can be perceived from the very first applications. However, the effects on the microbiome and sebum composition build over time through consistent use.
It can be used by both women and men and can be integrated into a maintenance routine or recommended after a dermatological treatment, depending on the skin's needs.
What this award means to me
Behind a product are years of research, testing, difficult choices, and a lot of patience. An international award doesn't change the formula or how we use it, but it offers independent validation of the path we have chosen to take.
I am happy that a Romanian product, created with scientific rigor and manufactured in France, is recognized alongside major formulas in the international cosmetics industry. But for me, the most valuable confirmation remains skin that gradually regains its comfort and balance.
Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu
Founder and CEO of Ivatherm
References regarding the award
The award granted to Ivapur Aknebiome Serum was also featured by ELLE Romania and UNICA, which highlighted the innovation of the formula and its approach oriented toward protecting the skin microbiome.
* In vitro study on a culture medium with 10 standard microbiota strains and 3 additional C. acnes strains, in the presence of 40% Ivapur Aknebiome Serum, Byome Labs, France, 2025.
** Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 34 women aged 25 to 35 with mild to moderate acne; twice-daily application for 60 days.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.