The Best Probiotic Skincare Products
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
You’ve probably heard wellness experts recommend probiotic foods such as yogurt and kombucha to improve the good bacteria in your gut. But have you ever considered whether probiotic ingredients might also be beneficial for your skincare routine? If so, you may have noticed the growing trend of probiotic skincare product offerings.
The global probiotic cosmetic products market is expected to reach over 418 million by 2027 as consumers become more aware of microbiome-based cosmetics and how they help improve skin-related issues such as acne, scars, skin cancer, and bad bacteria. Studies on the skin benefits of probiotics are looking promising— a 2015 study suggests that probiotics may provide benefits when it comes to the treatment of acne, rosacea, and protection against aging, and a 2018 study suggests that the right types of bacteria may be beneficial to skin health and even potentially help fight skin cancer.
Natalie Aguilar, celebrity esthetician and dermatological nurse.
Celebrity esthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar shares, “Like our internal digestive system relies on bacterial balance, so does our skin. Our skin’s microbiome consists of thousands of bacteria species that live on our skin and are essential when it comes to healthy skin. The bacteria found in our microbiome are essential to fight infection, protect against environmental damage, regulate pH levels, and keep the skin hydrated and healthy.”
Aguilar, whose celebrity clients have included Rita Ora, Emma Stone, Alfre Woodard, and Sofia Vergara, explains, “Probiotics are live microorganisms that function like good bacteria and are important to keep “bad” bacteria from multiplying and overwhelming the microbiome of the skin. Harsh cleansing, exfoliating, alcohol-based products, and even antibiotics can destroy the bacteria and create disharmony and unbalance the microbiome. Bacterial imbalance can cause dry flaky skin, acne, flare rosacea and eczema, and even yeast infections. Therefore, problematic skin can definitely benefit from probiotics.”
Looking to incorporate probiotic skincare into your routine? We put together a list of our top probiotic skincare product picks:
Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask ($38)
This color-morphing mask is formulated with a prebiotic from algae + a probiotic to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. On application, it transforms from mint green to pink and re-balances, detoxifies, and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated. Also paired with patented alguronic acid, naturally-sourced and sustainably produced from Algae, this mask helps hydrate skin for an even, clarified, and radiant look—leaving skin more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging.
This aloe-based, alcohol-free face mist enhances a calmer, soothed, and balanced complexion. Niacinamide brightens and minimizes the look of large pores while probiotics help balance the skin's flora. It features a special anti-evaporation molecule so the formula clings to skin instead of evaporating. Ideal for dehydrated skin, it replenishes vital hydration in skin exposed to unfavorable conditions such as sun, alcohol air-conditioned rooms, and flight travel environments.
This intensely hydrating moisturizer features good bacteria, plant-based hyaluronic acid, and New Zealand extracts that promote healthier-looking skin by boosting moisture levels and helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier, optimizing skin recovery overnight.
Aurelia London uses their own award-winning, patented formula of BioOrganic ingredients and non-living strains of probiotics to target immune triggers in the skin which cause inflammation, uneven skin texture, and help the skin glow from within. The Probiotic Concentrate activates and boosts the skin’s natural repair process, helping to address targeted skin concerns such as pigmentation, deeper wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hormonal breakouts, dullness, and polluted skin.
This lightweight formula is designed to feed your living skin’s microbiome a shot of Beekman 1802’s unique probiotic complex to restore healthy, youthful radiance. The brand’s proprietary blend of goat milk and probiotics (like yogurt for your skin) deeply nourishes, bringing balance for healthy, dewy skin. This product recently received certification making it the first and only “Certified Microbiome Friendly” product at Ulta Stores.
This probiotic underarm toner is formulated with watermelon extract, ylang ylang, lemon balm, aloe, vitamin E, vitamin A, and more for a divine smell and soothing feel. Additionally, the product is filled with probiotics and lactic acid to keep skin moisturized.
This weightless, ultra-hydrating gel moisturizer is infused with squalane and probiotic technology to help restore skin’s radiance. This No Compromise™ probiotic moisturizer formula reduces the effects of daytime stressors, leaving skin visibly brighter and more balanced. The formula is designed to improve surface hydration, calm redness, and reduce appearance of pore size.
This therapeutic treatment duo is specifically designed to work together in proving the user with healthier, stronger, and younger-looking skin. The powerful formula incorporates vitamins B, C, and E to help heal past sun damage while increasing collagen production. These products help to accelerate and improve the skin renewal process, increase the production of antimicrobial peptides, improve skin barrier function, and enhance the growth of stratum corneum.
Celebrity esthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar is a big fan of the Enbioment Serum by DMK. “Enbioment Serum is a probiotic-restoring emulsion that reintroduces healthy bacteria and encourages the re-establishment of existing, healthy bacteria that is essential to maintaining skin health. This serum is beneficial to those suffering from various dermatological disorders such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis,“ says Aguilar.
Danné Montague-King, founder of DMK, shares, “We have noticed an increase in skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis, that are affecting people by the millions. Our focus was to create a simple streamline product line that would work with the skin’s own healthy bacteria while boosting the skin’s own immune system regardless of the user’s age, race or gender.”
Celebrity facialist and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar shares, “One of my favorite probiotic masks is the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque by Eminence Organic Skincare. It’s cooling, moisturizing, and cleansing all while balancing our microbiome. I recommend this mask to acne and rosacea clients who experience dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.”
This non-acid based exfoliator is powered by active probiotics and natural extracts from yarrow and Japanese cedar buds. NoAcid pads gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and strengthen the skin’s barrier function for a more radiant and even complexion.
KOVO Essentials strives to provide an advanced, modern skin care line featuring CBD, probiotics, amino acids, and clean botanicals in order to combat aging from daily life activities. This spray toner is formulated with 100mg of Nano-CBD to hydrate and balance the skin’s microflora, probiotics to replenish the skin with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory actives, and peptide proteins to reinforce the skin’s texture, strength, and resilience. Use throughout the day or as a first step before moisturizing.
Layers nurtures the relationship between skin care and probiotics, offering probiotic supplements and science-based topical products to foster a balanced, flourishing microbiome. Layers shares that “Supplements support optimal skin health from the inside, while topical formulas protect and restore your skin barrier.”
The perfect pair is a duo of Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements and Probiotic Serum. Layers Probiotic Serum ($89) is a concentrated serum made with a blend of lactobacillus ferment and skin-renewing plant extracts, combined to speed up skin surface turnover and increase lipid and protein levels for stronger, more luminous skin. Daily Glow Probiotics ($49) are formulated with five probiotic strains and skin-supporting ceramides to fuel gut-skin connection for skin that feels more hydrated, smoother, and glows from within.
This kit features a Probiotic Foaming Cleanser ($24), Acne Treatment Lotion with salicylic acid ($48), and AO+ Restorative Mist ($69). The three products work together to treat acne with FDA-approved salicylic acid and then restore skin’s microbiome with probiotics. The AO+ Restorative Mist is a patented product that uses live and active probiotics for radiant, healthier-looking skin. The key ingredient is live AOB, which interacts with elements naturally found in sweat to produce two powerful byproducts (nitrite and nitric oxide) that are essential to a balanced skin microbiome.
This cushiony cream cleanser, formulated for sensitive skin, features soothing marshmallow and probiotics to remove impurities while helping to combat redness for fresh, supple skin. The probiotic Lysate has been fragmented to absorb more easily and support the skin’s microbiome, which reduces reactivity to environmental stressors.
This moisturizer is made with pre, pro- and postbiotics that help maintain skin’s good bacteria for a stable microbiome and a healthier, more balanced complexion. Prebiotics help skin make the probiotics it needs to thrive, while probiotic ferments and postbiotics strengthen skin’s surface against sensitivity and damage.
This ultra-hydrating mask infuses skin with moisture, vitamins, essential minerals, and potent antioxidant benefits. With the highest level of organic content in the world, 9,000-year-old black moor mud is harvested by hand from the Irish countryside and combined with Hijiki seaweed, volcanic ash, and activated charcoal for powerful cleansing while helping to minimize the appearance of pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The soap’s moisturizing formula is infused with fortifying probiotics to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, kukui nut oil to soothe and balance, and rosehip oil for deep hydration. This non-toxic carbon neutral soap is available in two scents: The Visionary (a clean, crisp citron) and The Darling (vanilla almond milk).
Tula Skincare Essentials Routine Kit ($52)
This kit contains five of the brand’s best-selling skincare products, including a full-sized purifying face cleanser, so polished exfoliating sugar scrubs, 24-7 moisture hydrating day and night cream, face filter blurring and moisturizing primer, and glow amd get it cooling and brightening eye balm. All of Tula’s products contain probiotic extracts to help maintain skin balance and improve skin smoothness.
This breakthrough skin-defending face mist uses a combination of probiotics and prebiotics to help maintain a healthy balanced skin microbiome while it instantly nourishes and revitalizes the skin. The mist contains 80% of VENN’s proprietary combination of probiotics and prebiotics (i.e. synbiotics) along with free-radical-fighting antioxidants, including niacinamide (Vitamin B3), panthenol (provitamin B5), glutathione, and arginine, vital in helping repair visible skin damage.
Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Double-Action Moisturizer ($29.95)
This acne moisturizer is packed with six active dermatological ingredients including 2% salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics. The hydratin moisturizer is designed for acne-prone skin to help clear acne concerns such as pimples, pores, and shine with 24-hour skin hydration.
This bubbling tonic is charged up with 150mg of broad-spectrum CBD, kombucha, and ginger root extract to add glow, bounce, and promote a bright and even skin texture. The product features kombucha as a topical probiotic that works as a barrier to strengthen skin’s ability to defend itself against environmental damage.
Packed with fermented ingredients, this luxe duo helps to nourish, hydrate, and moisturize skin for a healthier appearance and complexion. Formulated with 107's special core ingredient, HANEGA vinegar (all-natural, hand-crafted and aged for at least seven years in Korea), the Probiotic Set includes the Dewy Glow Serum Mist and Everyday Plump Hydro Cream.
Probiotic Products for Pets:
Skout’s Honor (Prices vary)
The fast-growing brand specializing in everyday pet essentials has an extensive line of probiotic products that include Shampoo+Conditioner in a range of pleasant scents such as Honeysuckle and Dog of the Woods, in addition to a Probiotic Ear Cleaner, Probiotic Itch Relief, and more. Their Probiotic Pet Wellness products offer comfort and long-lasting relief for pets that suffer from chronic skin irritations be it hot spots, itching, odor, dry paws and noses or itchy, dirty ears.
[Images courtesy of brands]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy