Modern skin is caught in a cycle of sensitivity. In today’s world, constant exposure to UV radiation, pollution and aesthetic procedures can weaken the skin’s barrier and disturb its microbiome, setting off a cycle of imbalance, inflammation and redness. When resilience is compromised, skin falls behind. In contrast, skin that can adapt, restore balance and recover efficiently remains healthy-looking for longer.
To address this growing challenge, dsm-firmenich brings a new frontier of biotechnology to skincare with GLYCARE® SK range, powered by Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) technology, — a science that has already been recognized with a scientific award at PCHi China 2026.
Remarkable strength is born in the very first moments of life. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are unique sugar molecules naturally present in mother’s milk. They program the resilience that equips newborns to adapt, recover, and thrive.
“Our expertise in HMO is built on decades of research in human nutrition,” said Mathieu Moulin, Senior Global Marketing Manager Skin Care at dsm-firmenich. “With GLYCARE® SK, we are extending this deep scientific knowledge into skincare, translating life-inspired biology into innovative solutions designed to support skin resilience and regeneration.”
At dsm-firmenich, nature’s blueprint has been translated into powerful skincare solutions through advanced biotechnology. Using precision fermentation, the company replicates the exact bioidentical structures found in mother’s milk — without any human-derived materials — enabling the benefits of HMOs to be applied in cosmetic formulations.
“By translating HMO biology into skincare, we can help activate the skin’s natural regenerative processes, strengthen the skin barrier, enhance resilience to inflammation and support smart microbiome adhesion,” said Martin Pagac Ph.D., Global Senior Scientist at dsm-firmenich.
The result is GLYCARE® SK, a biotechnology range designed to support skin regeneration and resilience with targeted modulation of microbiome adhesion, offering a new approach for sensitive and stressed skin.
Two complementary solutions address different skin needs
GLYCARE® SK RENEW, the repair specialist, supports barrier recovery and skin regeneration. Advanced protocol clinically tested on individuals with chronic rosacea and sensitive skin it delivered a 19% reduction in TEWL* versus placebo confirming barrier repair and reinforcement and 38% reduction in visible redness and erythema after 8 weeks. The ingredient also restored skin structure with 7% improvement in elasticity after 4 weeks, supported by 67% collagen I stimulation observed in vitro.
GLYCARE® SK COMFORT focuses on everyday resilience for sensitive skin. Clinical testing demonstrated 16% reduction in TEWL* versus placebo after 8 weeks, a 13% increase in hydration after 4 weeks, and a visible reduction in redness, helping prevent flare-ups.
*TEWL: Transepidermal Water Loss.
“This unique HMO innovation builds on dsm-firmenich’s long-standing leadership in biotechnology and skin science,” Mathias Gempeler Ph.D., Global Head Science & Promotion Skin Care at dsm-firmenich.
With GLYCARE® SK range, dsm-firmenich continues to advance biotechnology-driven skincare innovation, bringing life-inspired science to formulations designed to meet modern expectations across global markets.
GLYCARE® SK
Resilience born in life’s first moments
