In the world of cosmetics, skin health goes far beyond cleansing and moisturizing. Today, attention to the skin microbiome – all the microorganisms that live on our skin – is becoming increasingly important. But how can we take care of and balance this ecosystem that is so crucial for the health of our skin?
This is where prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics come in, three concepts often confused but which have very different functions. Join us to find out what they are, how they work on the skin and what role they play in cosmetic products.
1. Probiotics: live and beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when applied to the skin, could colonize it, thus promoting the health of the skin barrier. But cosmetics cannot contain these living organisms in their formulation. The inclusion of live bacteria in cosmetic products poses a significant challenge for the industry, since the presence of microorganisms in batch control indicates contamination. Currently, European Union regulations prohibit the deliberate addition of bacteria to personal care products. Additionally, one of the big hurdles is stabilizing the product without compromising its safety or effectiveness, as preservation is difficult in the presence of live bacteria. As preservatives advance to distinguish beneficial bacteria from pathogenic bacteria, the cosmetic industry will continue to advance to allow their use without risking skin health.
2. Prebiotics: food for good bacteria.
Prebiotics are compounds that are not absorbed through the skin, but neither They serve as food for the beneficial bacteria that already live on our skin, or believe an environment favorable to the development of beneficial bacteria and dominate harmful microorganisms. In this way, they balance the skin microbiome and improve skin health. This is especially helpful for skin that tends to become out of balance easily, such as those suffering from dermatitis or acne problems.
What are the benefits of prebiotics in cosmetics?
- They promote a healthy environment for the skin microbiota.
- They help prevent imbalances that can trigger problems such as eczema or dermatitis.
- They strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
Example: We use organic epilobium prebiotic that balances the microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria as S. epidermidis, S. capitis and M. yunnanensis, and problematic self-regulating bacteria such as S. capitis and C. kroppenstedtii.
You can find it at:
Our organic serum for the treatment of acne, rosacea and melasma Bio Serum Azelaic Treatment.
3. Postbiotics: Fermented probiotics.
Postbiotics are the metabolites or byproducts generated during the fermentation of probiotics. They include short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and other bioactive compounds that have direct beneficial effects on the skin.
How do postbiotics work on the skin?
These compounds may have multiple benefits: they strengthen skin barrier function, modulate the skin's immune system, and help reduce inflammation. Additionally, some postbiotics are antimicrobial and antifungal, so they can also be used in the formula as a preservative system.
What are the benefits of postbiotics in cosmetics?
- Improves the skin's barrier function.
- They soothe and reduce inflammation.
- They promote cell renewal and skin health.
- They balance the skin microbiome.
- They act as preservatives of the formulation.
- They hydrate and improve the texture of the skin.
Example: At HERERA we use postbiotics in our formulas such as:
Some of our cosmetics containing postbiotics are:
Do you want to know more?
Discover our range of cosmetics with prebiotics and postbiotics and start taking care of your microbiome today.
