Founded in 2023, Clermont-Ferrand-based Byome Labs has just launched production of an innovative test capable of measuring our skin’s condition in just a few minutes, thanks to the microbiome. This will enable cosmetics brands to offer ultra-targeted skin care products.

It’s a small revolution in the world of cosmetics. In a world overflowing with creams, serums and remedies of all kinds, Byome Labs, a laboratory based in Clermont-Ferrand, has designed a tool that had never been invented before: the skin microbiome test.

Aimed at cosmetics professionals (brands, points of sale, beauty salons, etc.), this innovation enables them to analyze their customers’ skin characteristics in just a few minutes, afin order to offer them appropriate skin care products. Easy to use, the kit consists of a cotton swab to be applied to the face to collect the microbiome, a buffer solution to collect the sample and a mobile app to analyze the results.

A veritable barrier against external aggression, the micro-organisms that make up the cutaneous microbiome keep the skin in good health. However, certain pathologies, age, stress and lifestyle can cause it to deteriorate.

Proof of its popularity, the laboratory has just won first prize at the Cosmetic 360 awards, and will be taking part in the forthcoming CES in Las Vegas, the world’s largest show for technological innovation.

Created in 2023, Byome Labs is currently producing the kits that will begin to be marketed in spring 2026 in France and internationally. The company, which has 17 employees, concentrates 80% of its teams in Clermont-Ferrand, in its small production plant and test and analysis laboratory. It also has a research and development office in Chartres, in the heart of Cosmetic Valley, and sales offices in Paris.

“There was a need in the market,” says Margaux Jeanmougin of the company’s rapid growth. “We’re fortunate to have skilled teams and strong support from the Village by CA and the French Tech Clermont Auvergne community. After an initial round of funding that enabled it to produce tests, Byome Labs plans to launch a second round next year afin particular to develop a new version of its test for dermatologists to detect eczema. The future looks bright for the young company, which hopes to multiply its partnerships and eventually recruit a production manager and new laboratory technicians. –