We tend to think of the microbiome as being in a completely different part of the body. The term actually refers to all microorganisms that inhabit our bodies and mainly crops up in relation to the gut – as this is by far the largest and most popular habitat for the trillions of fungi, bacteria and viruses that make up a microbiome. But there is a skin microbiome too, consisting of billions of microorganisms living on and in our skin.
“A healthy skin microbiome is absolutely essential for beautiful, healthy skin,” explains Judith Williams: “It supports the immune system, controls the skin’s pH value, strengthens the skin barrier and optimises moisture balance. Many of the bacteria also produce proteins that kill other germs.” Williams is the founder of the Cura Cosmetics Group in Innsbruck and has appeared as one of the investors on the TV show ‘Die Höhle der Löwen’ – the German version of Dragons’ Den – since 2014. At the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute’s 5th International Food Innovation Conference being held on 19 June 2025, the American citizen, who grew up in Germany, will explore the interplay between internal and external nutrition for a healthy skin microbiome.
Judith Williams is one of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs and a leading figure in the beauty industry. As the founder of Judith Williams Cosmetics, she has built a brand that combines science and nature, inspiring millions to feel comfortable in their skin.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is vitally important for ‘internal skin care’. Williams believes this means a diet: “rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants”. Probiotics, i.e. live microorganisms that enhance the microbiome, can also be found in yoghurt and fermented foods. However, cosmetics entrepreneur Williams points to a logistical challenge for probiotics in relation to external care for the skin microbiome: “A product containing live bacteria must be safe, well preserved and kept in the refrigerator, as it must be fresh. This is easier for the food industry to achieve.” Care products containing prebiotics - specialised plant fibres that provide food for microorganisms and stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria - are easier to use from a technical perspective.
Future opportunities for individualisation
The food industry can learn from the beauty sector in a very different way in relation to the convergence of cosmetics and nutrition - and that’s in relation to individualisation. Skin and body care has always been highly personalised with a wide range of products and services that are combined to create individually tailored solutions. Williams has identified a trend towards tech-led individualisation: “By analysing their unique skin microbiome, we will be able to provide customised skincare for customers.”
A personally tailored diet is a conceivable option too - and not just for skin care. After all, it is not just the skin’s microbiome that differs from person to person, but also that of the gut. This means an individual approach based on microbiome analysis can provide a solution beyond the nutricosmetics segment - and indeed one for the entire food industry.
Listen to Judith Williams live
Would you like to explore this topic in greater depth and listen to Judith Williams live at the GDI? Then book your place at the International Food Innovation Conference on 19 June 2025. Entitled ‘Beyond Nutrition: The Convergence of Food, Health, and Beauty’, the leading international conference on nutrition trends will provide valuable insights into the very latest research findings, future-minded business models and technological innovations. Listen to Judith Williams and other highly prominent speakers on the international stage live and discover how companies are gearing up today for the reality of tomorrow.