Silicon Valley-based skintech company Codex Labs announced that its Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic has received US Patent No. 12,194,068 for its innovative approach to managing oily and acne-prone skin. The formulation represents a shift toward integrative dermatology by addressing the gut-brain-skin-microbiome axis in acne treatment.
"At Codex Labs, we believe that the skin-gut-brain-microbiome axes are interrelated, and that next generation solutions for skin conditions such as acne will require integration of topicals with core supplements, diet, lifestyle, and mental health, to achieve optimum relief," stated Dr. Barbara Paldus, CEO of Codex Labs.
The Science Behind Shaant ClearSkin
The Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jessica Maloh, a naturopathic doctor, and Dr. Raja Sivamani, a board-certified dermatologist and Ayurvedic practitioner. This synbiotic supplement contains a proprietary blend of three core and six supporting probiotic strains, along with bioactive botanicals including guggul (Commiphora mukul), green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG), and riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Each component serves a specific purpose in the formulation:
- The probiotic strains enhance gut microbiome production of short-chain fatty acids
- Guggul supports metabolism and modulates sebum production
- Green tea extract provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
- Riboflavin helps reduce dryness and supports collagen maintenance
Dr. Maloh explained the rationale behind the product: "While the use of conventional topical and oral acne treatments, alone or in combination, provide proven relief for acne sufferers, there still exists a need for more holistic yet science-based treatment options. With the Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic 2.0, we are excited to bring a new, integrative approach focused on leveraging the connections between gut barrier integrity, gut microbiome diversity, as well as blood lipid and free hormone levels with skin health."
Clinical Evidence of Efficacy
A pivotal independent clinical study published in Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) evaluated the efficacy of this synbiotic formulation. The randomized, 8-week trial involved 36 participants aged 12 to 45 with mild to moderate non-cystic acne and was conducted at Integrative Skin Science and Research in Sacramento, California.
By week 8, participants receiving the Shaant synbiotic demonstrated statistically significant improvements:
- 58.2% reduction in inflammatory lesions
- 49.2% decrease in non-inflammatory lesions
- 51% increase in butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid associated with enhanced gut barrier integrity
- Significant decrease in plasma concentrations of propionic acid, indicating systemic metabolic shifts
- Reduction in salivary progesterone levels from 26.8 to 10.5 pg/mL, suggesting influence on androgen-related pathways
Microbiome Impact
The study also revealed notable changes in the gut microbiome of participants. Microbiome sequencing identified increases in beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotellacopri, and Blautia species. Simultaneously, researchers observed reductions in potentially pathogenic bacteria including Clostridioides difficile and Bilophila wadsworthia.
These microbial changes likely contributed to the rise in short-chain fatty acids and correlated with clinical improvements in acne severity. The formulation's components are supported by prior research, with EGCG from green tea demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, while guggul has shown efficacy in modulating sebum production and lipid metabolism.
Safety Profile and Manufacturing Standards
The clinical study reported no serious adverse events. Mild events included headache and transient anxiety in a few subjects, but these were not conclusively linked to the supplement.
Codex Labs emphasized that all products are manufactured in a high-tech cGMP facility, with each batch undergoing third-party testing to ensure quality and consistency.
Future Directions
While the results are promising, limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and absence of a placebo control group. Long-term outcomes and comparative efficacy against standard pharmaceutical treatments remain to be evaluated in future trials.
The Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic represents a novel integrative strategy for addressing acne by targeting systemic contributors such as the gut microbiome and hormonal regulation. As research continues to elucidate the connections between gut health and skin conditions, such approaches may become increasingly important in comprehensive dermatological care.
