THANARA Beauty Innovation with Microbiome Restores Skin Health with 4P-Biotics, a Special Formula from AL-DNA 

A professor of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science has invented a skincare formula from microbiome and 4P-biotics technology, creating serum and sunscreen lotion products under the brand THANARA to support the balance of the microbiome on the facial skin that supports healthy, youthful, clear, and acne-free skin. 

Healthy, moisturized, radiant, and younger-looking skin is something we all desire. To achieve healthy-looking skin, in addition to maintaining “beautiful from the inside out” by taking care of one’s diet, keeping hydrated, getting lots of rest, maintaining positive and calm emotions, and having balanced and sufficient exercise, external skin care is also important, and in this regard, “good microorganisms” can help. 

“Microbiomes are microorganisms that live in our bodies and on our skin. They play a role in supporting skin balance, maintaining overall skin health (e.g., pH, moisture, skin barrier), and helping prevent infections.” Associate Professor Dr. Naraporn Somboonna, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, explained the importance of the microbiome, which is currently gaining attention in the health and beauty product industry. “The microbiome changes with age and other factors. Changes in the microbiome at each stage of life are associated with both our internal and external skin factors. For example, when the balance of the microbiome on the skin is disrupted, various problems could occur, such as acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, and premature signs of aging.” 

“Balancing the microbiome is one key to restoring healthy skin,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn reveals the idea behind the creation of an innovative beauty formula that combines microbiome under the brand “Thanara” by “AL-DNA,” a startup company under the incubation of CU Innovation Hub/CU Enterprise. 

Inspiration for Creating Skin health products 

With her expertise and experience in microbiology and portable genetic testing technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn has come up with innovations that meet the needs of society in many aspects, such as in public health; she has produced a three-gene COVID-19 test kit for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. In agriculture, she has produced an ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus) test kit to help farmers and pig farming communities access African Swine Fever virus testing more conveniently and easily. In the food industry, she has a Live Total Bacteria and Coliform Detections test kit that detects bacterial contamination and coliforms that cause disease in food and beverage production lines of factories for use in food, people, animal, and beverage tests. For microbiome, she is interested in microbiome involved in human and environmental health. She is also part of Multi-Omics for Functional Products in Food, Cosmetics, and Animals Research Unit and Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center, Chulalongkorn University. 

These experiences and understandings of the microbiome that affects One Health have driven Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn to establish the “AL-DNA” to include microbiome services and products and to further develop knowledge and research into health and beauty innovations that meet the needs of consumers in society. 

“We wish to combine science with the needs of society and make health products accessible to everyone. For the “Thanara” product, we hope to meet the needs of consumers who care about their health and the benefits of anti-aging.” 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn said that people’s current lifestyles have many factors that disrupt the balance of microorganisms on our skin, such as using harsh cleansing products, exposure to chemicals, and the use of antibiotics, as well as environmental conditions such as pollution and stress, in addition to hormonal changes and aging, which also affect the microbiome. 

“Eating nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and probiotics, helps promote healthy intestines and skin. In addition, you should choose gentle skincare and cleansing products that are free of harsh chemicals and have a pH that is appropriate for your skin type,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn recommends ways to maintain the balance of the microbiome in the body and skin. 

Healthy Skin with Microbiome and 4P-Biotics Technology 

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn in the initial stage, “AL-DNA” launches 2 products: 

1. THANARA Anti-Aging & Sensitive Skin Serum: a concentrated skincare serum that helps restore microbiome activity on the face, reduces inflammation, increases moisture, and ensures strong and well-balanced skin. 

2. THANARA Anti-Aging & All Repair for All Skin Type Skincare SPF50/PA+++: a sunscreen lotion that combines the microbiome activity with UV protection properties to nourish the skin in one step, suitable for all skin types. 

“The formula of “Thanara” products is unique from other products on the market. We use 4P-Biotics technology: Probiotics, Parabiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics to balance the microbiome on the face. In addition, Thanara products are free from substances that may cause irritation, such as alcohol, parabens, and silicone.” 

Both products have been patented and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to confirm their safety for users. 

“We have tested and monitored the results of product use from actual users of the product. After using Thanara products for about 3-6 weeks, users reported that their facial skin changed for the better. Their skin was more moisturized, their face was clearer, and their wrinkles reduced.” 

“AL-DNA,” the Future of Health and Beauty 

Currently, “Thanara” products are available at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Research Division), at CU Enterprise, and through various online channels. In the future, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn says “AL-DNA” plans to launch microbiome-based products in other skincare formulas and steps, including skin analysis and personalized anti-aging customization products. 

Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn Sombunna, “AL-DNA” and products in the “Thanara” group will not only help restore and care for consumers’ skin health but will also help elevate the standards of health and beauty products in Thailand. 

For more information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn Somboonna, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, or follow AL-DNA and Thanara on Line @aldna, Shopee, or TikTok; search for Aldna or Aldna Thanara; or at CU Enterprise and CU Sci Products and Services. 

Listen to more stories about microbiome and skin health on the program Keeping Up with the World of Science on https://curadio.chula.ac.th/Radio-Demand.php?program=201901121005

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