Silicon Valley-based skintech company Codex Labs announced that its innovative product, Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic, has been awarded US Patent No. 12,194,068. This oral synbiotic supplement is designed to manage oily and acne-prone skin by targeting gut health and hormonal balance, offering a holistic approach to acne treatment.
Holistic Approach to Acne Management
The Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic is part of Codex Labs’ broader integrative approach, which connects dermatological health with the gut-brain-skin-microbiome axis. This formulation leverages the interrelation between the skin, gut, brain, and microbiome, aligning with evidence that systemic factors such as gut microbiota, hormonal balance, and metabolic function significantly influence acne.
Barbara Paldus, PhD, CEO of Codex Labs, emphasized the company’s belief that next-generation solutions for skin conditions like acne will require a comprehensive integration of topicals, core supplements, diet, lifestyle, and mental health.
Collaboration and Formulation
The Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic was developed in collaboration with Jessica Maloh, ND, an integrative naturopathic doctor, and Raja Sivamani, MD, an integrative board-certified dermatologist and Ayurvedic practitioner. It contains a proprietary blend of three core and six supportive probiotic strains, along with bioactive botanicals such as guggul (Commiphora mukul), green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG), and riboflavin (vitamin B2). These ingredients are designed to enhance gut microbiome health, modulate inflammation, and support skin integrity through improved gut barrier function and reduced oxidative stress.
Clinical Study and Results
A pivotal independent clinical study, published in *Dermatology and Therapy*, evaluated the efficacy of this synbiotic formulation in subjects with non-cystic acne. The randomized,8-week trial involved 36 participants aged 12 to 45 and was conducted at Integrative Skin Science and Research in Sacramento, CA. The results showed statistically significant improvements by week 8, with inflammatory lesion counts decreasing by 58.2% and non-inflammatory lesions dropping by 49.2%. Additionally, stool analysis revealed a 51% increase in butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid associated with enhanced gut barrier integrity and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hormonal analysis indicated a downward trend in salivary progesterone levels, suggesting that the supplement may influence androgen-related pathways known to exacerbate acne. Microbiome sequencing also identified increases in beneficial bacteria and concurrent reductions in potentially pathogenic bacteria, contributing to the rise in SCFAs and correlating with clinical improvements in acne severity.
Future Prospects and Limitations
While the Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic demonstrated promising results, the study had limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the absence of a placebo control group. Long-term outcomes and comparative efficacy against standard pharmaceutical treatments remain to be evaluated in future trials.
Overall, the Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic represents a novel integrative strategy for addressing acne by targeting systemic contributors such as the gut microbiome and hormonal regulation. Clinical findings support its potential utility as part of a holistic acne management plan, especially for individuals seeking non-pharmacologic interventions. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to validate these preliminary results and explore its long-term efficacy and safety profile.
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