​Biomarker testing plays a central role in longevity product development, yielding powerful benefits for science-backed skincare formulation. Longevity isn’t just another term for anti-aging. It represents a major shift in how the industry approaches skin health and product development. 

Unlike traditional anti-aging formulation, which targets the visible signs of aging, longevity addresses the underlying biology behind skin aging. The goal is to support resilience, repair, and regeneration at the molecular level. Longevity formulation, therefore, demands distinct mechanism-driven testing that goes beyond conventional anti-aging evaluations. Customized biomarker testing services deliver the detailed insights that make this possible.

Biomarker Analysis in Longevity Product Formulation

In longevity formulation, biomarker studies track how an ingredient or product impacts the molecular mechanisms driving skin aging. By measuring gene and protein expression, biomarker analysis turns complex cellular functions into clear, actionable data about how your products are (or are not) working.

Or as Genemarkers’ Senior Scientist, Stephanie Cunningham, explains it, “Gene and protein expression analysis helps product developers understand why or how their products deliver results.”

“This data uncovers the specific molecular pathways a product influences,” says Cunningham, adding that, “a product clinically shown to reduce fine lines or wrinkles, for instance, may increase the expression of genes tied to collagen production, or decrease the expression of genes linked to extracellular matrix breakdown.”

By making these mechanisms of aging measurable, biomarker testing opens the door to evidence-driven innovation. Molecular analysis gives longevity formulations scientific backing that sets them apart from traditional skincare research.

Biomarker Analysis in Action: The Estée Lauder Companies & Longevity

In 2024, scientists from The Estée Lauder Companies and Estée Lauder Research Laboratories published a study in Frontiers in Physiology. The paper, “miR-146a is a critical target associated with multiple biological pathways of skin aging,” examined the role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) in skin aging. 

The study found that the microRNA miR-146a increases the expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), an enzyme involved in collagen degradation. Elevated MMP-1 levels accelerate collagen breakdown, contributing to visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Higher MMP-1 also impacts biological processes such as extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. 

This type of mechanistic insight distinguishes longevity formulation from traditional anti-aging research. Instead of relying on broad visual aesthetic goals, longevity-focused cosmetic products are built around measurable biological mechanisms.

Benefits of Biomarker Analysis for Longevity Formulation

As longevity-focused skincare grows more competitive, biomarker analysis has quickly shifted from a specialized tool to an essential part of product development. 

“In 2008, when Genemakers was founded, biomarker testing for skincare development was a niche, specialized tool, used by only a handful of companies,” explains Genemarkers founder Anna Langerveld, PhD. “Today, as formulation becomes increasingly evidence-based, gene- and protein-based testing is critical for evaluating how ingredients and finished products influence biological pathways tied to aging, skin longevity, and other target indications.”

With biomarker analysis, brands and formulators can precisely identify the biological effects of their products, going beyond surface-level observations to understand the impact on skin aging at the molecular level. 

Key benefits of biomarker analysis in longevity formulation include:

• Improved Mechanistic Understanding: Reveal how ingredients and formulations influence the biological pathways that drive external aging.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Fine tune formulations, adjust active concentrations, or identify complementary ingredient combinations using biomarker data to guide decision-making.
• Science-Backed Claim Support: Generate reproducible, quantifiable data to substantiate product claims and expand product indications
• Accelerated Innovation: Leverage early biomarker readouts to streamline development cycles and avoid costly reformulations.

Incorporating biomarker testing in your product development process ensures that longevity claims are grounded in measurable biological results. As consumers seek transparency, retailers will prioritize evidence-backed products. While the industry leans further into mechanistic longevity science, brands investing in biomarker-driven formulation stand to lead the next wave of skincare innovation.

Working with Genemarkers for your Longevity Formulation

Partnering with Genemarkers means working with a team of trusted biomarker experts dedicated to your research from study design to completion. Through a collaborative, transparent process, Genemarkers supports your longevity-focused research from the earliest planning stages through final data delivery, making biomarker analysis straightforward and actionable.

Here’s how the process unfolds:

Step 1: Project Discussion

You will work with our experienced scientists to discuss relevant testing models, technologies, and specific biomarkers of interest to your project goals.  

Step 2: Study Design and Execution

Genemarkers will help you to design a study aligned with your research goals. Once reviewed and approved by your team, our scientists perform the study, providing you with proactive, timely updates and communication throughout the entire project.

Step 3: Data Interpretation and Reporting

Upon study completion, Genemarkers provides comprehensive data interpretation and reporting that highlights key biological responses to support decision-making. With detailed data and interpretation, you get the most out of your results.

Incorporating biomarker analysis into your longevity-focused R&D elevates product innovation and helps formulations stand out in a growing, highly competitive market. Accessing meaningful biomarker data doesn’t need to be complicated. You’ll have Genemarkers’ support every step of the way. Get started with a free consultation and quote. Contact Genemarkers today!