Last Updated: December 29, 2022

The 5 Best Probiotic And Prebiotic Skincare.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 12 min read

For so long, we've seen it as important to get rid of all bacteria, whether on working surfaces, on the skin, or inside the body. We've long known that there's such a thing as good bacteria, but we tend to think of "good" as more or less harmless, but not necessarily beneficial. Modern science is turning that notion on its head, showing where certain bacteria aren't just harmless, but are also helpful — in some cases, essential. In the gut and among our dermal layers, we need certain bacteria, and we miss out on major benefits without them.

Probiotic and prebiotic skin care works to bring these benefits to our skin. Products promoting better skin health through cultivating certain microbial growth are popping up everywhere. Given the expansiveness of skincare product lines, it's difficult to figure out where to start. We've got you covered. We've put together a short list of the best probiotic and prebiotic skincare products at Grove, each links to a detailed product description to help you understand how each product works and how it can benefit you.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

1. Acure Radically Rejuvenating Skincare Set

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Give tired skin a boost with this Rejuvenating Skincare Set, featuring 2 community favorites from Acure:

  • Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream
  • Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum


    Call it a night and whip your skin into shape with Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream. If your beauty goal is targeted rejuvenation, …

  • (1)
    1 x Whipped Night Cream, 1 x Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
    $32.99
    Shop Now

    2. Rooted Beauty Restorative Prebiotic Hand Cream - Fragrance Free

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    A fragrance-free hand cream with prebiotics that helps restore your skin’s microbiome, strengthening the skin barrier’s ability to hold on to moisture.

    • RESTORES ESSENTIAL MOISTURE
      This hand cream locks in moisture to help replenish and rehydrate dry hands and cuticles. Made with prebiotics that strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and …

    (73)
    2 oz
    $9.99
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    3. Superbloom Bounce Bak Bakuchiol Serum - Clinically Proven to Reduce Wrinkles

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    A natural retinol alternative serum, without the drying side effects, that’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone.

    Skin types: All
    Helps defend against: Free radicals that cause premature aging

    • CLINICALLY PROVEN TO REDUCE VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING*
      Superbloom’s Bounce Bak Radiance Serum reduces fine lines …

    (62)
    0.5 FL OZ
    $39.99
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    4. SmartyPits Aluminum-Free Prebiotic Deodorant, Sensitive Skin - Charcoal & Tea Tree

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    Finding a deodorant that doesn't leave residue on your skin but still leaves your armpits smelling fresh can be tough. Thankfully, SmartyPits Aluminum-Free Prebiotic Deodorant for Sensitive Skin, Charcoal and Tea Tree does that and more. Most antiperspirants use aluminum to block your sweat glands and body odor. Unfortunately, this process is …

    (52)
    2.9 oz
    $10.69
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    5. SmartyPits Aluminum-Free Prebiotic Deodorant

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    Looking for a nontoxic, aluminum-free, and natural deodorant that actually works? Look no further than SmartyPits Aluminum-Free Prebiotic Deodorant. This deodorant is infused with essential oils and other healthy ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, and prebiotics that empower good bacteria to fight off odor-causing bacteria. Enjoy one of …

    (228)
    2.9 oz
    $10.69
    Shop Now

    FAQs

    What's the difference between prebiotic and probiotic?

    The human skin and internal systems contain millions of bacteria and microorganisms — often referred to as "microflora." Most of these microorganisms are either innocuous or their benefits haven't yet been discovered. Many microflora are truly beneficial, by initiating or boosting necessary chemical reactions in the body. Probiotics are supplements or substances that contain live microflora that are beneficial to the body.

    Prebiotic supplements don't introduce any microorganisms to the body. Rather, they contain materials that act as food for existing microflora. By introducing sustenance for the body's beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help strengthen these organisms and enable them to multiply within the body. By using a mix of prebiotic and probiotic products, you're better able to maintain the balance of good bacteria within your body and on the skin.


    How do bacteria help skin?

    Literally thousands of different species of microbes live on the skin at any given time. Most are harmless — but not all. A few varieties of bacteria are actually helpful. Some studies have found that many of these helpful bacteria get rid of many unhelpful — and many harmful — microscopic organisms from the skin's surface. This benefit carries over when there's a break in the skin — for instance, if you cut yourself — reducing the likelihood of an infection. Studies also suggest that these bacteria also help train the immune system to fight off infection better.

    Another benefit of skin bacteria is that certain microorganisms help to reduce the loss of water during drying conditions — such as hot weather or an arid environment. By maintaining higher levels of microscopic organisms that balance the amount of water in the skin, the dermal layers retain more moisture — which we know is vital to having healthy and vibrant skin.


    Are probiotic and prebiotic products only for skin care?

    Probiotics and prebiotic products aren't just for skin care. In fact, the benefits of good bacteria on the skin are a fairly new discovery in relation to their other benefits to the body. People have been using probiotics for decades to improve their gut health. The gut is a "microbiome" — which essentially means an ecological environment for microscopic organisms.

    Prebiotic and probiotic supplements introduce these beneficial microbes into the digestive system, helping to weed out problematic microorganisms and promoting a healthier, more comfortable cycle of digestion. A regimen of probiotic and prebiotic foods, such as certain yogurts and supplements, is a great way to bring balance to your diet.


    What is Grove Collaborative?

    At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


    If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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