Synbiotic textile finishing for cosmetic functionality

The synbiotic system combines prebiotics and probiotics on the textile surface. The prebiotics support probiotic activity, helping maintain consistent performance and supporting the intended interaction with the skin microbiome during wear. 

The prebiotics and probiotics are embedded in a porous, bio-based matrix on the textile surface. During direct skin contact, they can transfer from the fabric to the skin in relevant amounts.

Wear trials prove a high transfer rate from the textile to the skin. A group of 72 people tested the treated textiles (cotton, polyester and mixed raw material t-shirts and leggings) in various circumstances. The type of activity included workday at the office, sleeping, gym, crossfit, dog walking, pilates and running.
Contact slides meant to measure the cleanliness of surfaces prove the transition from the textile to the skin. A PCR test confirms the presence of our bacillus strains on the ‘contaminated’ slides. (PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction)

HeiQ Skin Care™ has been shown to be non-irritating to the skin and is suitable for textiles intended for direct skin contact.

HeiQ Skin Care™ performance is evaluated using specific biological and allergen-reduction test methods that verify both the activity of the technology and its effectiveness on textiles. The key test methods include:

• QGT (Quantitative Growth Test): Measures the number of viable probiotics on the fiber based on European Pharmacopoeia standards (CFU).

HeiQ’s biotechnology platform uses nature derived polymers, prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic ingredients and translates natural and biological processes into scalable product technologies across textiles, home care, personal care, water, and animal care. By combining biology, chemistry, and materials science, HeiQ applies nature‑inspired mechanisms, including microbiome‑based systems, bio‑based encapsulation, and functional finishes, to deliver reliable performance across multiple industries.

Yes. Different textile finishes can be combined on the same fabric to deliver multiple effects at once. The key is formulation and process control. Finishes must be compatible and engineered to work side‑by‑side during application and remain stable during use and washing. Well‑designed combinations extend fabric functionality without changing how the textile feels or behaves in daily wear. For example, a garment can manage moisture while also reducing odour build‑up.