Cosmetics labelled “Microbiota friendly” are increasingly appearing on the shelves. However, it seems that consumers aren’t very familiar with the term and don’t really know what it’s all about. A study conducted by Ipsos revealed the problem.
6,500 individuals were surveyed online from March 21 to April 7, 2023.
“The microbiota is made up of billions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) living in symbiosis with our body. We have an intestinal microbiota, but also a skin microbiota, a mouth microbiota, a lung microbiota, a urinary microbiota, a vaginal microbiota… They play an essential role in our health,” explains Ipsos.
According to the study, only one person in five (24% of the sample) knows exactly what they are.
Few know that there is a vaginal microbiota (18%), an oral microbiota (17%) or a pulmonary microbiota.
Three out of four respondents are aware that a risk of microbiota imbalance can have significant health consequences (75%).
Good and bad behavior
As with everything else, there are certain things you can do to keep your microbial flora healthy.
“Respondents know that a balanced diet (84%), physical activity (76%) and avoiding smoking (72%) are essential to good health. By deduction, they believe that these behaviors have a positive impact on microbiota,” explains Ipsos. “However, when it comes to more specific behaviors, knowledge levels plummet: only one person in three thinks it’s better not to wash twice a day to preserve skin …
